The elevation of Fort Davis is 4,900 feet (1,630 meters). Summer is hot with occasional showers, while fall is mild. Winter is cool and windy, and strong winds prevail in the spring. A picnic area, no water, is open year-round to visitors having a permit or pass.
PRESERVATION
Help us preserve Fort Davis for future generations by observing the following:
- Pets are not permitted in public buildings and must be leashed at all times.
- Please stay on established paths and do not walk on the parade ground.
- It is illegal to collect artifacts or disturb animals, plants or rocks.
- Do not walk, stand or sit on the foundations.
Your adherence to these rules will help protect the unique historical and natural resources of the site.
Fort Davis National Historic Site may be hard to get to, but that is part of its charm.
from El Paso: Take I-10 East to Van Horn. At Van Horn take Highway 90 East. Just South of Valentine take Highway 505 and then 166 East. Turn left on Highway 17 and follow it to the Fort. (About 4 hours)
from Midland/Odessa: Take I-20 West to Pecos. From Pecos take Highway 17 South through Balmorhea to Fort Davis. (About 2.5 hours)
from San Antonio: Take I-10 West to Balmorhea. Then take Highway 17 South to Fort Davis. (About 7 hours)
from Del Rio: Take Highway 90 West to Alpine. From Alpine take Highway 118 North to Fort Davis. (About 3.5 hours)
via Air: You can fly into either El Paso or Midland/Odessa, then rent a car and follow the directions above. If you have a private plane, both Alpine and Marfa have municipal airports.
via Train: Amtrak has service from San Antonio and Los Angeles that stop in Alpine. You can rent a car and take Highway 118 North to Fort Davis. (About 1/2 hour)
Fort Davis National Historic Site is open daily 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The site is closed on Thanksgiving Day, December 25, New Years Day and MartinLuther King's Birthday. A fee of $3 per person age 16 and over is charged. Educational groups (with fee waivers), and those presenting a National Parks Pass or a Golden Eagle, Golden Age, or Golden Access passport enter free.
Accessibility: The parking lot, visitor center/museum, restrooms, and three restored historic buildings are wheelchair accessible. An electric cart, available for use free of charge on a first-come/first-served basis, can be signed out to a licensed driver.
