The curvy yet scenic TX-166 road

The curvy yet scenic TX-166 road

Usa, north-america

Length

68.87 km

Elevation

1,896 m

Difficulty

easy

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: you're cruising along TX-166, the Scenic Loop, smack-dab in the Davis Mountains of Texas. This paved road, just south of Fort Davis, is one of the highest in the state, topping out at a cool 6,220 feet! It's a 42.8-mile (68.87km) ribbon of asphalt that opened back in '47, twisting and turning its way through some of Texasโ€™ most remote scenery.

The lanes are a bit narrow, and the shoulders are grassy, adding to the wild feel. While there are some fun curves, it's not a super challenging drive. What *is* challenging is keeping your eyes on the road with those HUGE mountains all around. You'll feel tiny! Keep an eye out for ice, especially in the colder months. Spring is wildflower season - and it's extra beautiful. The route climbs and dips offering some seriously dramatic elevation changes. Just remember, pull-over spots are rare, so have your camera ready to grab those mountain shots on the go! There aren't any towns along the way, it's just you and the tough, stunning landscape.

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Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
68.87 km
Max Elevation
1,896 m
Difficulty
easy

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