Best Scenic Route to Catch Texas’ Spring Wildflowers
Texas is known for its spring wildflower season, where you can catch breathtaking sights like this.
What’s so Special About Texas Wildflowers?
Bluebonnets are the Texas state flower, designated all the way back in 1901. They are native only in Texas. Despite the name, they can sometimes be pink or white, in addition to the more common blue variety. The vibrant, spectacular colors can be found across the state of Texas. It wasn’t always the case though. Roadside planting began when Ladybird Johnson, the husband of our 36th President Lyndon B. Johnson, wanted to save money in mowing and protect the natural habitats as well as create a beautiful Spring and Summer display. She was an advocate for conservation and her efforts are celebrated each year when we get to enjoy the splendor of Texas’ wildflowers. Her work culminated in the Highway Beautification Act “to provide for scenic development and road beautification of the Federal-aid highway systems”.
Where to See Them?
The Willow City Loop is one of the best scenic routes to view wildflowers at peak bloom. It is a 13-mile loop filled with hills, creeks, and meadows. You will find vast fields of flowers of all colors. When you see cars stopped on the side of the road, you’ll know you've made it!
The loop starts off Highway 16 between Fredericksburg and Llano, which is a 90-minute drive from Austin. It is on the left as you come south on Highway 16 from Llano. Going north from Fredericksburg, you will see it as Farm Road 1323 off Highway 16 on the right. Look carefully because the road is not marked. You may see traffic heading this way.
Texas Hill Country Wildflowers
When to Go?
Every year is different depending on the temperatures and rain; however, most years the best display is the end of March to the beginning of April. In general, the most amazing spreads of wildflowers are found March through May with peaks in April and in the summertime after good rains. Even outside of the wildflower season, you might enjoy this trip just to see a typical Texas countryside. Plan on about an hour to leisurely go the entire route.
Along with seeing cattle, you might even see some wildlife like deer, squirrels, vultures, and wild turkeys along with many bird species that can be migrating through the area in spring.
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More Texas Wildflower Information
For more information on Texas wildflowers see: