5 Scenic Texas Wildflower Drives

There’s so much ground to cover in the Great State of Texas. And I mean that literally and figuratively. Spring is an excellent time to take a Texas Road Trip, and here are 5 Scenic Texas Wildflower Drives that will help you get out and about and enjoy the Lone Star State.

Lots of places in the United States are known for their beautiful flowers. Washington D.C. is known for its Cherry Blossom Trees. The South is known for its Azalea Trails. And Texas has the most glorious wildflowers! Many of our highways, both big and small, boast miles and miles of Bluebonnets, Indian Paintbrush, Phlox, and Verbena. Late March, April and early May are the idea months.

Now, Texas just endured the coldest weather we’ve seen in a LONG time. Plant material all over the state has suffered greatly. But what about the wildflowers? According to Neil Sperry, a Texas gardening and horticulture expert known for his books, magazine, radio program, and annual gardening show, “Wildflowers have been through Texas winters for hundreds of thousands of years. They are not in jeopardy.”

YEE HAW, y’all! Here’s 5 Scenic Texas Wildflower Drives to consider:

Scenic Drive #1: Near Dallas

In Ennis, you can find gorgeous Bluebonnets and other wildflowers along the Ennis Bluebonnet Trails. 40 miles of mapped driving Bluebonnet Trails sponsored by the Ennis Garden Club. These trails are the oldest such trails known in the state.
On State Highway 31 from Corsicana to Athens you can enjoy wild indigo, coneflowers, and pink evening primrose, commonly called buttercups.
For other fun activities in East Texas, check out this post.

Scenic Drive #2: Far East Texas

Flowers typically blanket the sides of FM 227 which is half-way between Palestine and Crockett.
The drive on State Highway 21 between Alto and Nacogdoches features dogwoods, redbuds, and yellow jessamine.
While you are there, be sure and stop in Jefferson, Texas to enjoy a bite at Ritual!

Scenic Drive #3: North Central Texas and Central West Texas

US 377 from Comanche through Stephenville to Granbury will take you by pastures dotted with bluebonnets, Indian paintbrush, and other wildflowers.
State Highway 16 between San Saba and Comanche usually have stunning displays. Stop at Round Top Hill, which is the first big hill west of Comanche on US 377, filled with bluebonnets, winecup, and Indian paintbrush.
For attractions and great places to eat and shop, check out this blog post.

Scenic Drive #4: The Hill Country

Probably the most popular place for intense wildflower admiration, there’s many great locations!

Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site, between Fredericksburg and Johnson City, boasts more than 400 species, including bluebonnets, evening primrose, and scarlet sage. And while you are there, check out some of the great wineries nearby, like the winery I enjoyed on a recent road trip.
The Willow City Loop is a famous route for wildflowers, and is closest to Fredericksburg. Weekends can get crazy with traffic, so maybe consider a week-day visit!

Scenic Drive #5: Washington County

Washington County is famous for bluebonnets. The highways typically lined with them include State Highway 105, Farm-to-Market 50 to Independence, FM 390 to Old Baylor Park, and FM 1155’s. You are close to Brenham, and Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, where Texians signed the Texas Declaration of Independence. Texas, our Texas, All Hail the Mighty State!

SPECIAL NOTE: Will and I recently explored this area while we were in Round Top sourcing Antiques and Vintage for our business. We drove FM 390 North from Carmine to Old Baylor Park. Gorgeous rolling hills! And the field of Bluebonnets and grove of huge Oak Trees at the Old Baylor Park is an IDEAL stop for photos!

a boy and a girl kneeling in a field of Bluebonnets

The Curious Cowgirl and her Stinky Little Brother Michael, circa 1985, in the obligatory Texas “Children in a Field of Bluebonnets” Picture

Wildflower Etiquitte

At the risk of sounding like Ms. Manners, we might want to review a few things before we all jump in the car and head out.

Take pictures of the wildflowers. Just don’t take pictures in the wildflowers!
Picking flowers is also a no-no. In fact, on the side of the Highway, it’s against the law. Well…OK, it’s not really. But you really shouldn’t. When you pick wildflowers, you are preventing the flower from dropping its seeds, which makes for an even prettier season next year.
If you stop on a highway, park off the roadway, parallel to the road in the direction of traffic. Park on the same side of the roadway that the flowers are on. Don’t cross lanes of traffic on foot to get to the wildflowers. Always signal before leaving or entering the roadway. Obey all signs that prohibit parking on the roadway.
It’s not uncommon for rattlesnakes, copperheads and various other species of snakes to nestle in areas of these wildflowers, many times undetected by humans. Wear closed-toe shoes, and watch where you step!!!

OK, I think that covered it! Have fun, y’all!!!