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Trail through volcanic rocks providing nice views of the surrounding countryside and Fort Davis National Historic Site.


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Map Key

1.1

Miles

1.8

KM

79%

Runnable

5,198' 1,584 m

High

4,905' 1,495 m

Low

294' 90 m

Up

292' 89 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (6°)

42%

Max Grade (23°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Fort Davis National Historic site is open from 8:00 am - 5:00 PM, when the gate closes. There is an entrance fee for this National Historic Site, so for more information regarding hours, access fees, and passes accepted, please see the website: nps.gov/foda/planyourvisit/…

Description

The Tall Grass Loop trail provides access to several scenic overlooks and an overhead view of Fort Davis. The trail departs from the Northwest corner of the parade grounds and you can either turn left if you want to get to the top the fastest, or take a longer, but less steep route to the right. Going to the right, the trail climbs steeply up a series of switchbacks through volcanic rocks that make up the hill. It gains over 230 feet in about two tenths of a mile. The trail is narrow, and alternates between dirt, rocks, and steps.

At roughly four tenths of a mile, there is a small trail out to an overlook that looks over Fort Davis National Historic Site. This is a great place to see how the fort was laid out, see the foundations of buildings that have not been restored, and see the building that have been restored. It's a really great view of Fort Davis and the surrounding landscape. After enjoying the view, the main reason for taking the run, you pass the North Ridge Trail which breaks off to the left while the Tall Grass Loop Trail continues to the right.

Along the trail, there are various signs that provide information about activities around the fort and information about the surrounding landscape. At six tenths of a mile, there is a bench at another overlook. From here, the trail begins to descend through the rocks again. At three quarters of a mile is a final overlook where you can get a great view of the Limpia Creek area. The trail levels out and returns to the trailhead.

This is a nice trail to take in order to stretch your legs, get a nice view of the fort and surrounding areas, and get some good photographs of the fort.

Flora & Fauna

Mainly grasses and prickly pear cactus. Many species of birds.

Contacts

Shared By:

Trail Run Project Staff with improvements by Jean-Claude Linossi and 1 other

Trail Ratings

  3.8 from 5 votes

#18495

Overall
  3.8 from 5 votes
5 Star
20%
4 Star
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3 Star
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1 Star
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Trail Rankings

#388

in Texas

#18,495

Overall
2 Views Last Month
114 Since Apr 18, 2019
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

View of the Limpia Creek and surrounding hillsides from a scenic viewpoint on the Tall Grass Loop Trail.
Dec 12, 2021 near Fort Davis, TX
View of Fort Davis National Historic Site from the Scenic Overlook.  The long row of houses are the officers quarters, and the visitor center is in the buildings on the other side of the quad.
Dec 12, 2021 near Fort Davis, TX
Looking NE on the trail.
May 13, 2019 near Fort Davis, TX
Views of the Fort
May 13, 2019 near Fort Davis, TX
Looking east from the trail
May 13, 2019 near Fort Davis, TX

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