Few People Realize Texas Has Its Very Own Version Of The Swiss Alps That Have Unrivaled Views
By Katie Lawrence|Published January 22, 2020
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
Texas is home to three mountain ranges, with one being significantly more underrated than the other two. Davis Mountains State Park is truly reminiscent of the Swiss Alps, and supports a wider variety of animal and plant life than any other landscape in the area.
Texas' most extensive mountain range, these magnificent peaks were formed via volcanic activity around 30 million years ago. The park sits nearly 6,000 feet above sea level, which allows for animal and plant life to flourish due to the increased rainfall associated with higher elevations.
Seven trails meander through the park, ranging in length from a mere .3 to 5.6 miles. Highlights include 35-million-year-old lava flow, oak and juniper forests, and historic structures erected by the Civilian Conservation Corps nearly a century ago.
Various natural phenomena, like this early morning fog, can be observed throughout the year. Springtime brings wildflowers, summer, flowing creeks, and iconic West Texas sunrises grace the skies no matter the season.
Winters are routinely below freezing, with an occasional snowfall blanketing the desert landscape. The park remains open during chilly conditions, and there's nothing like an invigorating trek through a world of white so still, you could hear a pin drop far in the distance.
Climb to the top of this viewing platform and marvel at the Milky Way band in all its glory, with no light pollution for miles to obscure visibility. Get an even closer look at the nearby McDonald Observatory, which boasts some of the largest and highest-powered telescopes in the world.
Extend your stay overnight at Indian Lodge, a 39-room, white adobe motel built to look like a pueblo village. The CCC began construction on the oldest, most historic section, which is still fully functional today.
