Active Pursuits

Fort Davis's outdoor recreation is centered on Davis Mountains State Park, located 4 miles northwest of town via Tex. 118 (tel. 432/426-3337; www.tpwd.state.tx.us). The second-highest range in all of Texas, the Davis Mountains reach their pinnacle at the peak of the 8,382-foot Mount Livermore. Hiking is my activity of choice here; try the moderate, 8-mile round-trip that leads to the Fort Davis National Historic Site. On or off the trails, the park is a great place for wildlife viewing and bird-watching. It's one of the few places in the United States where you might spot a Montezuma quail, and javelina (the wild boars that roam the Southwest), tarantulas, horned frogs, and pronghorn antelope also live in the park. The entrance fee is $4 to $5 for adults, free for children 12 and under. Campsites run $20 for full hookups, $15 for water and electric hookups only, and $8 to $10 for tent and primitive sites.