The Davis Mountains are the second highest mountain range in Texas, after the Guadalupes (which extend in from neighboring New Mexico). Mt. Livermore is the highest point, and is sometimes called Baldy Peak as well. The Davis Mountains cover most of Jeff Davis county in west Texas and are visible south of Interstate-10 east of Van Horn. The range offers beautiful verdant forests and cool weather in the usually hot west Texas desertscape. Mountain biking is a very popular activity here. Fort Davis is Texas' highest town (over 5,000 feet elevation) and the nearby McDonald Observatory makes for a great side trip when in the area.

The peak sits on land owned by The Nature Conservancy. Access to this peak must be made through them, but they are very amenable and as long as you can work with their schedules somewhat, you should have no problem. Don't expect to just show up and hike. Much of the surrounding lands are private.

Mt Livermore (photo by txmountaineer)

The summit is visible from the TNC complex

Getting There

From I-10 in Culberson County, about 160 miles east of El Paso (and about 32 miles east of Van Horn), and west of nowhere, exit at the tiny community of Kent (exit 176) and proceed south on TX-118 into the foothills of the Davis Range. The access to the peak will be through the old U-up-U-down ranch now under TNC auspices, entrance located along TX-118 shortly after the junction with TX-166 (stay left). From I-10 to the gate it's about 30 miles. On "open dates", they'll have the entrance well-marked. Otherwise it's a very insignificant-looking gate along the west side of the highway near a rest pullout, and not any different looking from the dozens of other gates you'll pass. Stealthers beware: it's a 20-mile r/t hike if you plan to do this w/o permission and you could get yourself into a load of trouble... either with the law or the locals. Don't chance it.

Red Tape

The Friends of the Davis Mountains Preserve (TNC) site can get you started on info pertaining to accessing this peak.

They are very pleasant people and you'll likely get what you want with just a bit of patience. Be glad: most of West Texas is closed to everyone. It's pretty nice we have access, if restricted, to this peak at all.

When To Climb

Any time of the year. It can be hot in summer, and possibly prone to thunderstorms. It snows occasionally in the winter. Generally, the weather is pretty good year-round in the Davis Mountains.

Camping and Hotels

They allow camping on the grounds on open dates. Otherwise, no camping. There is camping at a state park near Fort Davis, about 20 miles south.

Fort Davis has some basic, clean hotels and is a very interesting town to visit. It's Texas' highest town at just under 5,100 feet elevation.

Davis Mountains Preserve Information

The following is courtesy of Kevin Donovan:

Attached is the 2005 Calendar of Events for the Davis Mountains Preserve. The "Open Hiking" days you can day hike Mount Livermore and on the "Open Weekends" you can camp in the Preserve. It appears that reservations are necessary but there are no fees. These are the only days there is access to
the mountain.

Here is the updated contact info:

Crawford Marginot
Office Manager
West Texas Program
PO Box 2078
205 N. State Street
Fort Davis, TX 79734

432/426-2390, ext 1 (Tele)
432/426-2394 (Fax)

Website:

2006 Dates and Info

Fort Davis Calendar of Events (Thx to 'grunt' for the link information)

What Else Is There To Do?

The Fort Davis National Historical Monument is located just north of town. It is the original fort, decomissioned in the 1890s, in very good shape. There is even a short hiking trail to a small hill above the fort. Admission is $5 for adults.

The McDonald Observatory is located south along TX-118 about 17 miles north of Fort Davis and about 5 miles south of the TX-166/118 junction. Tours are available, with nightly star parties, too. Prices are reasonable ($5 for the basic walk-through, on up), and one gets a good view of Livermore from the summit of Locke Peak.

The loop drive around the Davis Mountains along TX118 and TX166 is spectacular. This is a very popular biking route, covering about 50+ miles.

Nearby, Balmorhea State Park features one of the largest natural springs in the world. It's about 20+ miles northeast of Fort Davis, near Interstate-10 along TX-17.

Gas and Grub Info

Van Horn: Full services.

Kent: a gas station and mercantile.

Fort Davis: Full services.

Valentine: Nothing.

Marfa and Alpine (both about 25 miles south): Full Services.

Visit also www.cohp.org

Further useful information can be found at the county highpointers website:

Texas County Highpoints

External Links

Mt. Livermore - Jeff Davis County (TX) Highpoint
The Nature Conservancy
Information on the Nature Conservancy's purchase and protection of Mt. Livermore.
Fort Davis Chamber of Commerce Home Page
A thorough page. Getting to Fort Davis is quite a trip; this site will help you make it worthwhile. Provides the standard Chamber of Commerce info - accomodations, restaurants, etc. Also provides a calendar for Davis Mountain Preserve open dates. Describes local attractions including Marfa Lights, McDonald Observatory, Fort Davis National Historic Site, Davis Mountains State Park, Balmorhea State Park.

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