MotorcycleRoads.US

State Route 118 - Texas

Kent (I-10, X176) - Study Butte

Distance/Driving time: 154 miles/2h, 56m

County(ies): Jeff Davis, Brewster

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Rider Comments:

• This is a truly stunning Texas mountain road and well worth the trip. Ride it all the way north to south and back again, but you'll probaby want to spend the night in Ft. Davis, Alpine, Study Butte, Lajitas or the National Park. It's a long haul for a day trip. And, be prepared, this is no place to get stuck with mechanical problems, it could be hours before you see anybody, period.
  The road begins at I-10 in Kent, TX and you're in the mountains in 2 minutes. You're headed south to FT. Davis and will pass high mountain ranches and the McDonald Observatory, well worth the stop and the climb to Mount Locke, the highest point in Texas. Stop at the Visitor's Center at the Observatory, take in the AC and the info. The view is incredible and other worldly, you can just imagine the buffalo roaming these wide open plains. You can also do the loop from the Observatory that comes back into Ft.Davis, 70 miles of stunning rock formations and wide open two lane pavement in good condition.
  Continue south into FT. Davis, visit the old Fort, a national historic site that's worth an hour hiking about the gounds to see how the Buffalo Soldiers did their thing back in the day. Hotel Limpia, family owned, is a favorite, nearly a 4-Star afair. From Ft. Davis continue south as the road winds and tumbles down to Alpine, watch for deer and antelope. From Alpine, it really opens up with huge triple digit sweepers, if you're so inclined. 110 miles later you're in Study Butte and at the doorway of the Big Bend National Park. Continue into the park if you're game and make your way to Boquillias. Park your bike and ride the small boat across the Rio Gande for the best tacos ever, for a buck a piece. We've hauled clothing, other articles and toys for the kids down there, just for this part of the trip.
  Spend the night in the BBNP at Panther Crossing, or head down the River Road, FM 170, to Lajitas and Presidio. Take care on this very twisty road as curves are not maked well, pavement changes surface and there are no fences, read: wildlife. You'll think you've landed on another planet as this looks like nothing else anywhere in the great state of Texas. - Preston Juvenal (7/16/07)

Other Resources:

• John Cletheroe's Scenic Roads in the USA - Texas State Highway 118
• Biker Roads - Study Butte to Fort Davis

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