Devil's Backbone Scenic Drive
A dramatic limestone ridge drive through the Texas Hill Country, featuring stunning vistas and a unique memorial fence.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful vibes
Devil's Backbone Scenic Drive
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful vibes
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A dramatic limestone ridge drive through the Texas Hill Country, featuring stunning vistas and a unique memorial fence.
"The drive through Devils Backbone was beautiful and scenic as described. "
🚗 Drive Safely
The winding roads can be tricky. Take your time and enjoy the scenery, especially if you're not used to hill country driving.
🙏 Be Respectful
The memorial fence is a place of remembrance. Treat it with the utmost respect and avoid disturbing the items.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Memorial Fence
Rest area along the drive
A poignant and unique memorial fence adorned with personal items, offering a somber yet beautiful tribute to lost loved ones.
Panoramic Hill Country Views
Various overlooks
Experience sweeping vistas of the Texas Hill Country, a truly picturesque landscape that photos can't fully capture.
The Ridge Drive
Along the main road
Navigate the limestone ridge carved by time, offering a unique driving experience with dramatic elevation changes and scenic beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Respect the Memorials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive Safely
The winding roads can be tricky. Take your time and enjoy the scenery, especially if you're not used to hill country driving.
🙏 Be Respectful
The memorial fence is a place of remembrance. Treat it with the utmost respect and avoid disturbing the items.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera! The panoramic views are stunning, especially during sunrise and sunset.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
There are nice picnic spots with benches and shade, perfect for a relaxing break during your drive.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive Safely
The winding roads can be tricky. Take your time and enjoy the scenery, especially if you're not used to hill country driving.
🙏 Be Respectful
The memorial fence is a place of remembrance. Treat it with the utmost respect and avoid disturbing the items.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera! The panoramic views are stunning, especially during sunrise and sunset.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
There are nice picnic spots with benches and shade, perfect for a relaxing break during your drive.
👻 Ghost Stories
This area is known for its legends and ghost stories, adding an eerie charm to the drive.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Devil's Backbone Scenic Drive for its breathtaking Texas Hill Country vistas and the unique, reflective atmosphere of the memorial fence. While the drive itself is beautiful, some find the views slightly obstructed by the fence at the main rest area. It's a popular spot for a peaceful drive and a moment of contemplation.
"What a beautiful place to stop and take in what Texas is really all about. Texas hill country for miles and miles. The memorials are just a small part of the beautiful scenery."
Lynsey Benson
"The drive through Devils Backbone was beautiful and scenic as described. When you arrive to the picnic/rest area spot, you'll come across a serene and sombering chain-linked fence made up of handmade items from hundreds if not thousands of loved ones memorializing the life once lived. It's a beautiful reminder of those lossed and for those of us still here to continue living our best every day."
Keysha Berry
"Devil’s Backbone is a beautiful scenic spot nestled in the hills near Canyon Lake, Wimberley, and San Marcos. It’s a peaceful overlook with benches, shaded areas, and spots for barbecue—perfect for a casual picnic or just a relaxing break during a drive.
There’s a unique memorial fence where people leave personal items and crosses, giving the place a quiet, reflective vibe.
I usually go in the evening or at night—it’s a great place to unwind, think, or just hang out with friends, play some music, and talk. Definitely one of my favorite chill spots around San Marcos."
Aiyubur Rahman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Devil's Backbone Scenic Drive is located in the Texas Hill Country, near Wimberley, Texas. It's accessible via FM 32. Use a GPS or map app to navigate to the general area, and then follow the signs for the scenic drive.
No, the Devil's Backbone Scenic Drive is not a loop. It's a stretch of road, primarily FM 32, that you can drive out and back or incorporate into a larger road trip through the Texas Hill Country.
Many visitors recommend driving the entire length of FM 32, stopping at various overlooks and the memorial area. It's also popular to combine it with visits to nearby towns like Wimberley or Canyon Lake.
While the main road is paved, some sections can be narrow and winding. RVs and larger vehicles should exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings. It's always best to check local conditions if you have a very large vehicle.
There isn't a formal start or end point, but many people begin their drive from the vicinity of Wimberley or head towards Canyon Lake. The most recognized part of the drive is along FM 32.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets or admission fees required to drive the Devil's Backbone Scenic Drive. It's a public roadway.
As a public road, the Devil's Backbone Scenic Drive is accessible 24/7. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and to fully appreciate the views.
There is no fee to visit the memorial fence or the rest area. It's a free public space for reflection.
Yes, there are designated pull-offs and a rest area with benches where you can park and enjoy the views. Please park only in safe, designated areas.
The primary restriction is to be respectful. Do not remove items from the fence and maintain a quiet demeanor.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The memorial fence is a unique roadside attraction where visitors leave personal items, crosses, and tributes to honor loved ones. It's a deeply moving and reflective spot.
Absolutely! The panoramic views of the Texas Hill Country are spectacular. The memorial fence also offers unique photographic opportunities, but always be mindful of the solemn nature of the site.
Expect rolling hills, limestone cliffs, and expansive views of the Texas Hill Country. The drive itself follows a prominent ridge, offering dramatic perspectives.
Yes, it's a popular day trip destination. It's about a 1.5-hour drive from Austin and a similar distance from San Antonio, making it a perfect escape.
While the drive itself is the main attraction, the surrounding Texas Hill Country offers numerous opportunities for hiking in nearby state parks and natural areas. The drive itself is more about the scenic road and overlooks.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants directly on the scenic drive itself. However, the nearby towns of Wimberley and Canyon Lake offer a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to local eateries.
Yes, there are picnic areas with benches and shaded spots, making it an ideal place for a picnic lunch or snack.
Wimberley offers a charming selection of restaurants, including Texas barbecue, cafes, and fine dining. It's a great place to stop for a meal before or after your drive.
It's uncommon to find permanent food vendors directly on the scenic drive. It's best to plan your meals in advance or visit nearby towns.
Don't miss out on classic Texas barbecue, Tex-Mex dishes, and local craft beers and wines, which are abundant in the Hill Country region.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, just after sunrise and before sunset, offers the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for landscape photography. Midday can be harsh.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details in the rolling hills. Don't forget a tripod for low-light shots.
The overlooks along FM 32 offer stunning panoramic views. The memorial fence also provides unique and poignant photographic opportunities, but always be respectful.
Yes, you can photograph the memorial fence, but it's crucial to do so respectfully. Avoid intrusive shots and be mindful of the emotional significance of the site.
The rolling hills of the Texas Hill Country, the unique memorial fence, winding roads, and the vast sky are all popular subjects for photographers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For younger children, the novelty of the winding roads and the vast open spaces might be engaging. However, the somber nature of the memorial fence should be approached with sensitivity. Nearby attractions in Wimberley or Canyon Lake might offer more traditional kid-focused activities if you're looking for a full day of family fun.
📸 Photographers
The memorial fence presents a unique photographic challenge and opportunity. While capturing its essence, remember to be respectful and focus on the collective artistry rather than intrusive close-ups. Experiment with different angles and compositions to convey the emotional weight of the site.
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
Combine this drive with visits to nearby charming towns like Wimberley or explore the recreational opportunities at Canyon Lake for a complete Hill Country road trip. Remember to check your fuel levels before you start, as services are sparse. Weekday visits are highly recommended to fully enjoy the drive without the weekend rush.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of Devil's Backbone
While the exact origins of the name are debated, the imposing nature of the ridge likely contributed to its formidable moniker. The area has seen conflict, grit, and survival, with stories still echoing through the hills. This historical context adds a layer of depth to the scenic drive, inviting visitors to imagine the lives and events that unfolded here centuries ago.
Today, the Devil's Backbone is a beloved destination for its breathtaking views and unique roadside attractions, but its historical significance and the legends it holds continue to captivate those who traverse its winding paths.
The Memorial Fence: A Place of Remembrance
Visitors often describe the experience of walking along the fence as serene and sombering. It serves as a beautiful reminder of the enduring power of love and memory, and for those who visit, it's an opportunity to reflect on their own lives and the importance of cherishing every day.
While it's a place for reflection, it's also a popular spot for people to simply hang out with friends, play music, and talk, finding a unique sense of peace and connection in this special location.
Driving the Devil's Backbone: Tips for a Great Experience
Many visitors suggest visiting on weekdays to avoid larger crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience. Weekends can become quite busy, particularly during peak tourist seasons. Consider timing your visit for the 'golden hour' – shortly after sunrise or before sunset – for the most spectacular lighting conditions, perfect for photography.
When planning your drive, remember that amenities are scarce directly on the scenic route. It's wise to fill up your gas tank and pack snacks or a picnic, as there are lovely rest areas with benches and shaded spots ideal for a break. Nearby towns like Wimberley and Canyon Lake offer dining options if you plan to stop for a meal.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit