Fort Davis, Texas

Gateway to Texan Mountains

Row of houses under a rocky cliff with clear blue sky.

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A charming Chihuahuan Desert mountain town with a storied past.

Rocky mountain landscape with a cloudy sky.

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Thanks to its high elevation location in the Davis Mountains, Fort Davis is known as the coolest town in Texas.

This historic western town is home to Fort Davis National Historic Site and serves as a gateway to some of Texas’ most singular and spectacular landscapes in the Chihuahuan Desert. Ranches and slow scenic drives allow visitors to slow down and take in the tranquil mountain scenery. The region has been a home and hunting grounds for the eastern Apache, and their influence remains a vital part of the area's heritage.

What makes Fort Davis special?

Observatory dome under a starry sky with the Milky Way.

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Dark sky destination

Fort Davis is one of the best places in the US for stargazing, with McDonald Observatory offering unforgettable night sky programs.

Fort Davis buildings with white porches against a rocky hillside.

Historic frontier fort

Explore Fort Davis National Historic Site, a well-preserved 19th-century military outpost that helps preserve the history of the Plains Wars and frontier life.

Red cactus flowers in a rocky desert landscape under a blue sky.

NPS

High elevation Texas

The Davis Mountains offer incredible hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting, with stunning views at every turn of the surrounding Chihuahuan Desert.