2.8 KiB
2.8 KiB
14-day small motorhome trip with a focus on:
1. Minimal driving (max 2-3 hrs between stops, with exceptions).
2. Scenic, relaxing overnights (prioritizing campsites with natural beauty/hot springs).
3. A balance of activity and rest (hikes/swims by day, chill evenings).
🏆 Top 3 Itinerary Options (Ranked by Your Priorities)
(Each is a complete 14-day loop from Austin.)
1. "Desert & Hot Springs Retreat"
Best for: Soaking in natural springs, stargazing, and desert landscapes.
Route:
- Hill Country (3 nights) → Big Bend/Terlingua (4 nights) → Chinati Hot Springs (2 nights) → Davis Mountains (3 nights) → Fredericksburg (2 nights).
Why? - Hot Springs: Soak at Chinati (private, rustic) and Big Bend’s Hot Springs Historic District (free, riverside).
- Low Driving: Only two longer drives (4 hrs to Big Bend, 3 hrs to Chinati).
- Stargazing: Terlingua and Davis Mountains are International Dark Sky areas.
2. "Hill Country & Rivers Flow"
Best for: Swimming, lazy rivers, and small-town charm.
Route:
- Wimberley (3 nights) → Garner State Park (4 nights) → Bandera (3 nights) → Fredericksburg (4 nights).
Why? - Water Focus: Swim at Blue Hole, float the Frio River, and tube the Medina River.
- Zero Rush: All drives under 2 hrs.
- Culture: Wine in Fredericksburg, cowboy honky-tonks in Bandera.
3. "West Texas Epic Landscapes"
Best for: Hiking, desert solitude, and iconic parks.
Route:
- Big Bend (5 nights) → Guadalupe Mountains NP (3 nights) → Davis Mountains (3 nights) → Balmorhea (3 nights).
Why? - Hiker’s Paradise: Santa Elena Canyon, Guadalupe Peak (TX’s highest point), and McDonald Observatory.
- Hot/Cold Springs: Big Bend’s hot springs + Balmorhea’s giant cool pool.
- Solitude: Few crowds outside Big Bend.
⚖️ How to Choose?
- Pick #1 if hot springs and stargazing are your top priorities.
- Pick #2 if you want to swim, float, and avoid long drives.
- Pick #3 if you crave epic hikes and desert silence.
📍 Honorable Mentions (Add-Ons)
- Marfa, TX: Quirky art town (add 2 nights between Big Bend and Davis Mountains).
- Truth or Consequences, NM: If you’re willing to drive 5 hrs from Big Bend for more hot springs.
🚐 Pro Tips for All Trips
- Book Early: Garner SP, Big Bend, and Balmorhea fill up.
- Pack: Swim gear, hiking sandals, and a portable fire pit (some parks restrict fires).
- Flex Days: Add extra nights where you love the vibe (Terlingua, Fredericksburg).