TEXAS PECOS TRAIL 
Experience the legendary Wild West of classic books and movies, and the real-life landscape of the Texas Pecos Trail Region. Twenty-two counties cover 35,000 square miles and comprise an ecological transition zone at the junction of the Plains to the north, Edwards Plateau in the east, Chihuahuan Desert in the west, and the Brush Country in the south. The Texas Pecos Trail Region allows visitors to experience our rich and diverse Western heritage, including Native American rock art, cowboys and ranching, military forts, Hispanic culture, the Permian Basin Oil Boom of the 20th century, World War II training bases and artifacts, museums, county court houses, and a variety of unique and spectacular natural wonders and outdoor recreation. http://texaspecostrail.com/
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HEART OF TEXAS WEST WILDLIFE TRAIL
Whether you enjoy bird watching, hiking trails, caverns or just driving the wild western side of Texas, you’ll want to pick up a copy of the Heart of Texas West Wildlife Trail Map designed by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. The Crockett County Interpretive Trail located across the parking area from the Ozona Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center makes a great launching point to start your journey. Pick up a copy inside the Visitor Center or use the online map to get started. With 103 attractions, wildlife sites and trails, there is something for everyone!
CAVERNS OF SONORA - 34 Miles
A subterranean paradise filled with incredible and famous formations, which nature has been creating for millions of years. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful and unusual caverns in the United States, and is home of the crystalline "Butterfly", a trademark since 1960. The Caverns of Sonora are located less than 30 miles east of Ozona, and can be reached by taking Exit 392 on Interstate 10. The caverns are open daily, including Sundays, and have picnic grounds, RV hook-ups, shower facilities, a gift shop with refreshments, and The Covered Wagon Dinner Theater where performances are scheduled each Friday and Saturday evenings from mid-June through mid-August. For more information: cavernsofsonora.com.
OLD ICE HOUSE RANCH MUSEUM - 36 Miles
Just a half hour from Ozona in downtown Sonora, this collection of memorabilia featuring a wonderful array of artifacts to educate and entertain, this museum teaches about ranching in the late 19th and early 20th century in this area. Also featured is a special exhibit about Will Carver, the member of the "Wild Bunch" gang that met his demise on the streets of Sonora. You'll leave with a new appreciation of the pioneers that developed this rugged area and how the discovery of a deep water well drilling technique opened this parched prairie to sheep, cattle and goats. There is no admission fee, but donations are appreciated and while there you can also browse the unique gift shop for souvenirs.
Museum hours: Wednesday-Friday 1:00-5:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Special group tours can be arranged by calling 325-387-5084.
EATON HILL WILDLIFE SANCUARY - 36 Miles
Located less than 40 miles east of Ozona, Eaton Hill Nature Center sits amid 37 acres that showcase the extraordinarily diverse plants and wildlife of the area. The Nature Center and its 3 miles of adjacent hiking trails provide unique educational and outdoor experiences for young and old including interpretive displays, hiking, Texas wildflowers, wildlife viewing, butterflies, fossil displays, replicas of Native American culture, guided tours (by request), solitude and personal discovery. Part of a major migratory flyway, there are several areas dedicated specifically to bird watching. The Nature Center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 12:00 noon until 5:00 p.m., and closed on Sunday and Monday. Trails are open everyday from sunup to sundown and are walking only. For more information: eatonhillnaturecenter.org.
X BAR RANCH NATURE RETREAT - 28 Miles
The X Bar Ranch Nature Retreat is a great place for an outdoor adventure. You can set up a base camp and explore the area, or bring your telescope and spend an evening studying the stars. Many native birds, wildlife and plants are found here where the Edwards Plateau meets the Texas Hill Country. For more information: xbarranch.com.
PANDALE RIVER CROSSING - 48 Miles
Once a thriving community with businesses, churches, a post office and school, there is not much left of the town known as Pandale, TX. Located approximately 48 miles southwest of Ozona, most people only visit now to enjoy the Pandale River Crossing on the Pecos River.
At the crossing, you will find the shallow waters lined by large slabs of flat rock, which provide a wonderful place to relax, swim and picnic.
This is also a popular launch point for hardy souls who want to canoe or raft down the Pecos River toward its confluence with the Rio Grande, a trip that is not for the faint of heart!
For more information about the crossing, visit our Pandale River Crossing page.
ALLEY OOP AND DINNY THE DINOSAUR - 55 Miles
Themed around the famous "Alley Oop" comic strip, the Alley Oop Fantasy Land is proud to honor V.T. Hamlin and the characters he created. A former resident of Iraan, Hamlin began the comic, including Dinny the Dinosaur, in the Depression and it has continued for years. The park and museum feature a 65 foot long statue of "Dinny" as well as artifacts from the area. For more information: www.iraantx.com
HUMMER HOUSE - 73 miles
The summer home of Texas' largest concentration of breeding and nesting Black-chinned Hummingbirds, the Hummer House is only a little over an hour away. The deer are plentiful and browse through the thickets, and in September the number of wild turkeys migrating through can number into the hundreds. Whether you are an expert bird-watcher or only someone that enjoys beauty, the Hummer House offers a unique experience in wildlife viewing. For more information: www.hummerhouse.com
FORT McKAVETT STATE HISTORICAL SITE – 76 miles
Just a little over an hour away from Ozona, the Fort McKavett State Historic Site offers a unique glimpse into life experienced by early Texas settlers. Established in 1852 to protect the area and to provide a resting point for California-bound travelers, this fort is one of the best preserved in the state. Visitors can view 19 restored buildings, including officers’ quarters, barracks, school house, dead house, sink and post headquarters, as well as several ruins and an interpretive center located in the hospital. The fort was abandoned in 1859 after hostilities with the Native Americans slowed. It was reopened in 1868 when harassment by the area Comanche tribes again caused problems with the early settlers. As the Native Americans were relocated to reservations the military was no longer needed, and the fort was abandoned by the Army in 1883. Area settlers soon moved into the buildings on the grounds and continued to live there until the early 1970s. The fort was designated a state historical site in 1968 and is now preserved by the Texas Historical Commission. For more information about Fort McKavett visit www.visitfortmckavett.com
CHRISTOVAL VINEYARDS - 81 Miles
Established in 1985 with Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling varietals, the Christoval Vineyards continue to expand their varieties with plantings of Tempranillo, Mourvedre and Vermentino. With a 17th-century country French style wine tasting room, as well as other red and white varietals sourced from Texas growers including Merlot, Viognier, Syrah, Chardonnay and more, the Christoval Vineyards have a little something for everyone. For more information: www.christovalvineyards.com
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SHUMLA ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH & EDUCATION CENTER - 82 miles
Recognized by the National Geographic Society and featured on the Texas Country Reporter, Shumla is dedicated to preserving the oldest “books” in North America and is a global leader in rock art research and education. Using advanced science and technology, the organization is in an urgent fight to preserve the endangered murals of the Lower Pecos Canyonlands of Texas. The murals, painted between 4,000 and 1,000 years ago, give a distinct and enchanting glimpse into the myths and beliefs of the ancient people who lived in the region. Racing against time, the group is working to capture and document the hundreds of glyphs for future generations before they are destroyed forever by flooding and erosion. Learn more about this important work and educational opportunities as well as how you can help at www.shumla.org
MOUNT CARMEL HERMITAGE – 83 MILES
The Hermits of Mount Carmel live a life of silence, solitude, prayer and penance. The men of this community live in separate dwellings around a central chapel, following the original Carmelite rule, which dates back to the early 1200’s. Masses are held on Sundays and Solemnities at 10:00 a.m., and daily, Monday through Saturday, at 6:30 a.m. All are welcome to attend. For more information: www.carmelitehermits.org
PECOS RIVER HIGHWAY BRIDGE – 93 MILES
Completed in April 1957, the Pecos River Bridge spans the canyon at the junction of U.S. Highway 90 and the Pecos River. The highest highway bridge in Texas, it is actually the fourth bridge built by the Texas Highway Department to cross the lower Pecos River Canyon. The present bridge is 1,310 feet long and carries approximately 1000 vehicles per day. A peaceful picnic area overlooks the canyon on the east side of the river, offering excellent views of the bridge and the mouth of the Pecos where it feeds into the Rio Grande River.
For more information about the bridge, visit our Pecos River Highway Bridge page.
SEMINOLE CANYON STATE PARK & HISTORIC SITE - 93 Miles
This historical park is located less than two hours from Ozona, just a short distance from the confluence of the Rio Grande with the Pecos River. The canyon was probably named for the Seminole-Negro Army scouts stationed at Fort Clark. In the canyon is Fate Bell Shelter, which contains some of North America's oldest pictographs believed to be painted as long as 4,000 years ago. Guided tours are provided to take visitors into the canyon to see these fine examples of rock art.
Facilities include: Park Headquarters/Visitor Center, Campsites, Picnicking Areas, Hiking Trails, Wildlife Observation and Photography, and Bicycling. The park is open 7 days/week year round with guided tours into the Fate Bell Shelter at regular times Wednesday through Sunday. Points of interest nearby to the park include: Judge Roy Bean Visitor Center, in Langtry; Lake Amistad National Recreation Area; Whitehead Memorial Museum and The Old Perry Store, in Del Rio. For more information: tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/seminole-canyon.
PRESIDIO DE SAN SABA - 98 miles
Less than one hundred miles northeast of Ozona, on the north bank of the San Saba River, is the Presidio de San Saba. Originally established in 1757 to support a nearby Spanish mission and to look for silver mines rumored to be in the area, the fort was the northernmost presidio established by the Spanish in Texas at that time. On March 16, 1758, a force of 2000 Comanche attacked the mission which was only four miles away, killing two priests and six others. Twenty-seven survivors were able to reach the fort with the help of a small detail of Spanish soldiers sent during the night. The commander gathered 300 civilians into the fort, but it was not attacked. Throughout the next decade the Spanish continued to try to defend the area, but were constantly harassed by the Native Americans and the presidio was eventually abandoned in 1768.
Throughout the next century, the ruins were visited by many including Jim Bowie of Alamo fame. Later used as a holding area for herds of cattle passing through the region, it offered cowboys an opportunity to visit the nearby town of Menard for a much needed break. Although the original stones of the fort were used to build many of the original buildings in Menard, the fort has undergone two renovations, one in 1936 and the latest in 2011. With no admission fee and numerous places to picnic or just walk the grounds, it offers a great place to take a break and imagine what it must have been like for those original Spaniards who found themselves so far from home. For more information about the Presidio de San Saba, visit the Texas Forts Trails website.
DEVIL'S SINKHOLE STATE NATURAL AREA - 102 Miles
The home of the unique Devil's Sinkhole amphipod, the site is also the largest one-chamber cave in Texas. The Sinkhole is the seasonal home of about 3.4 million bats who ascend every evening in an amazing tornado! The bats may be viewed during evening tours only. The cave is also the most completely scanned cave in the world. Tours are led by trained guides and reservations are required. No tours during hunting seasons. For more information: www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/devils-sinkhole
JUDGE ROY BEAN VISITOR CENTER - 110 Miles
Justice was swift and Judge Bean's word was the Law West of the Pecos. The first Justice of the Peace in Pecos County, the judge was a legend even in his own time. Preserved by the Texas Department of Transportation, the original Jersey Lilly saloon-courtroom still stands in Langtry, providing travelers with a historic view into the past. Besides the Jersey Lilly, visitors are treated to a beautiful cactus garden as well as the Judge's "Opera House", once his home. Inside the Visitor Center, dioramas portray Judge Bean's illustrious career. For more information, call 432-291-3340 or visit our Judge Roy Bean - Law West of the Pecos page.
LAKE AMISTAD, DEL RIO - 126 Miles
For the person into water sports, Lake Amistad (which means friendship in Spanish) boasts 100 square miles of surface water filled with millions of stripers and Florida bass, stocked by Fish and Game Department officials so that anglers are practically guaranteed a catch. Clear visibility and a great variety of depths make this a diver's paradise that some call the finest scuba lake in Texas. It is also wonderful for water-skiing, board-sailing or canoeing with hundreds of hidden coves and natural harbors.
Of course, Del Rio is situated on the Rio Grande River and has direct access to Ciudad Acuna, Mexico. Del Rio has colorful historic homes, the Whitehead Memorial Museum-housed in a restored trading post and is the home of the burial site of the real Law West of the Pecos, Judge Roy Bean. It also has the magnificent Val Verde Winery, which is the oldest bonded vineyard in Texas. For more information: nps.gov/amis/index.htm
KICKAPOO CAVERN STATE PARK - 150 miles
This 6,368 acre park, which straddles the Kinney/Edwards county line, offers many options for spelunkers and campers alike, including the Seargeant Memorial Trail. Only 0.75 mile long, the trail starts near the campground and crosses creek beds and ridges to reach an overlook with spectacular views of the surrounding hills and valleys of the park. With at least twenty caves located in the park, visitors can also ride over fourteen miles of mountain biking trails, and hike eighteen miles of undesignated trails through the beautiful Texas Hill Country. Wildlife abounds in the park including 240 species of birds, whitetail deer, raccoons, ringtails, gray foxes, rock squirrels, porcupines, rabbits and more. Stuart Bat Cave serves as a migratory stopover for large numbers of Mexican free-tailed bats from mid-March to about the end of October. Up to a million bats leave the cave each evening to look for insects, and it is estimated the bats consume up to ten tons per night! Kickapoo Cavern, the park’s namesake, is approximately 0.25 mile long and is undeveloped. Visitors can tour the cave on Saturdays by reservation, but should be prepared for some strenuous underground hiking. For more information, visit tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/kickapoo-cavern
BALMORHEA STATE PARK - 164 Miles
West of Ozona, near the Davis Mountains, the Balmorhea State Park showcases the San Solomon Springs. For thousands of years, the springs have provided fresh water for Native Americans, Spanish explorers and soldiers, pioneering families and area farmers. Today the deep pool over the springs attracts both swimmers and divers. The irrigation canals within the park contain several different fish species, two of which are endangered. Also, there is a special replicated desert wetland, called a cienega, with an underwater viewing window to the habitat beneath the surface. For more information: www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/balmorhea
FORT DAVIS NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE - 195 Miles
First established in 1854, Fort Davis was named in honor of then Secretary of War, Jefferson Davis. Built to protect travelers along the San Antonio-El Paso stage route from raiding Comanche, Kiowa and Apaches, the fort is one of the best remaining examples of a restored frontier fort in the country. The U.S. Army used the fort as a base of operations for its camel experiments, successfully using the camels to traverse the arid country with less food and water than used by other transport animals. Manned by both Union and Confederate troops, the fort was also home to the famed Buffalo Soldiers and 2nd Lt. Henry O. Flipper, the first African-American graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. In its day, the fort's medical facilities were state of the art, and there are interesting exhibits with many period medical devices, including a fully furnished Post Surgeon's office. For more information: www.nps.gov/foda/index.htm
BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK - 206 Miles
Just a few hours drive from Crockett County is one of the United States most incredible National Parks, the Big Bend National Park. This area is rich with history and activities, which include: Fort Davis National Historic Site, McDonald Observatory, Museum of the Big Bend, Sul Ross State University (in Alpine), and the Chihuahuan Desert Visitor Center. Some of the beautiful state parks in this area include: Balmorhea State Park, west of Fort Stockton; Fort Leaton, southeast of Presidio; Davis Mountains State Park and Indian Lodge on Highway 118; the Warnock Center, east of Terlingua; and the Big Bend Ranch State Natural Area between Lajitas and Presidio. For more information: nps.gov/bibe/index.htm
PEACEFUL VALLEY DONKEY RESCUE
Peaceful Valley's Mission is to provide a safe and loving environment to all donkeys that have been abused, neglected or abandoned and wild burros under threat of destruction.
Peaceful Valley strives to provide solutions to the many problems that plague these wonderful creatures by providing ethical stewardship over the funds that are necessary to fulfill this goal.
Peaceful Valley, with its nationwide network of Ranch Facilities and Satellite Adoption Centers, is the country's leader in Rescue, Sanctuary, Adoption and Education.
Together, we can improve the Plight of the American Donkey.
We invite you to learn more about our Local Attractions here!
Thinking about visiting the area?
Learn more about Ozona and Crockett County
when you visit our Tourist Information page.
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