Alpine, Texas Community Guide 2017 | Page 31

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES Regional Parks McDonald’s Observatory Big Bend Ranch State Park www.tpwd.state.tx.us 102 miles south and west on TX 118 and FM 170 This is the largest state park in Texas with 300,000 acres of rugged and remote Chihuahuan Desert along the Rio Grande. The Barton Warnock Center on FM 170 just east of Lajitas serves as the park’s eastern visitor center; stop there for information. Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center and Botanical Gardens www.cdri.org 20 miles north on TX 118 Located on 500 acres in the foothills of the Davis Mountains, this non-profit organization promotes public awareness, appreciation and concern for the natural diversity of the Chihuahuan Desert region through research and education. Features a visitor center, outdoor exhibits, botanical gardens, hiking trails and special events. Davis Mountains Preserve www.nature.org/texas 50 miles north on TX 118 The Nature Conservancy’s 33,075- acre preserve is open for outdoor activities including hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping and birding on selected days each year. Davis Mountains State Park & Indian Lodge tpwd.texas.gov/ 29 miles north on TX 118 The park comprises over 2,700 acres with elevations ranging from 5,000- 6,000 feet and offers camping, birding, hiking, lodging and dining. From the park, continue on TX 118 and TX 166 for a beautiful drive along the 75-mile Davis Mountains scenic loop, which passes the McDonald Observatory and Sawtooth Mountain. Alpine Cowboys Professional baseball in Alpine Fort Davis National Historic Site www.nps.gov 27 miles north on TX 118 in Fort Davis One of the best surviving examples of frontier military posts in the American southwest. From 1854 to 1891 troops protected migrants, freighters, mail coaches and travelers on the San Antonio-El Paso Road. Marfa Lights Viewing Area 16 miles west on U.S. 90/67 The mysterious lights were first observed and recorded in 1883; they are still observed today. Texas Mountain Trail www.texasmountaintrail.com A driving route through the six westernmost counties of Texas. Highlights along the trail are historic sites, museums, state parks and unique mountain and desert communities. Online at http://alpine.pecosleague.com Serving the Big Bend Since 1979 JOHNSON FEED & WESTERN WEAR George Johnson Sally Johnson Fax: 432-837-1152 2600 E. Hwy 90 Alpine, TX 79830 Bus: 432-837-5792 Cinch H Montana Silversmith H Carhartt H Minnetonka Wrangler H Stetson H Resistol H Brighton H Justin H Ariat 2017-18 Community Guide & Chamber of Commerce Directory | alpine TEXAS 31