Midnight Mountain, originally uploaded by Ranger 1.

While sleep is precious, there are a few things in this world worth getting up for – one of which is to see Sawtooth Mountain illuminated by a full moon.

Sawtooth Mountain is located outside Fort Davis in the Davis Mountains, a wildly beautiful spot in West Texas. The mountains stand tall and solitary, surrounded by the Chihuahuan Desert. The Davis Mountains are considered an ecological island, since so many miles separate them from places with similar ecological conditions.

The Davis Mountains receive about 6 more inches of rain each year than the surrounding land. Given their elevation, the climate is considerably cooler than surrounding areas, as well. Because of these factors, the plants and animals of the Davis Mountains are not found in the lowlands around them. Bird lovers will find many interesting species to watch here, such as 10 species of delicate hummingbirds, the Montezuma Quail, and the Golden Eagle.

Stay in Fort Davis Texas bed and breakfasts and allow yourself ample time to explore the Davis Mountains. Treat yourself to a decadent breakfast each morning before heading out for a day of hiking, mountain biking or horseback riding. Sit on a shaded porch drinking lemonade (or something stronger) after a long day of bird watching. Bed and Breakfasts Fort Davis TX will treat you right.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park, originally uploaded by NationalParkLover.

If you are planning a trip to West Texas, be sure to put the Guadalupe Mountains National Park on your itinerary. In addition to being stunningly beautiful, it boasts one of the finest examples of fossilized reef in the world. It is fascinating to behold.

There is solitude here, and silence. Hikers will revel in over 80 miles of trails traversing woodland canyons and riparian springs. Some may want to head straight into the wilderness on switch-back trails that aren’t for the faint of heart (literally). Once in the back country, you’ll find isolated valleys and, if you stay the night, you’ll see more stars than one would think possible. Be sure you are well prepared before you set off on even a short hike. There is no water in the back country, and the weather can change suddenly.

The Guadalupe Mountains National Park is worth a visit even if you aren’t a hiker. It is a great spot for birding and fossil hunting. History buffs will enjoy learning about the geology of the area and the first peoples. You can’t go wrong.

So the next time you feel like a road trip, head to West Texas. The Guadalupe Mountains National Park is four to five hours from both Odessa and Fort Davis. Enjoy the comfort and hospitality of West Texas Bed and Breakfasts on your way to and from the park.

While in West Texas, take advantage of your proximity to the world-famous McDonald Observatory and visit it. Located just 16 miles north west of Fort Davis, Texas, the astronomical facilities at McDonald Observatory are perched atop Mt. Locke, 6,791 feet above sea level. Tour the research facilities during daylight hours, and partake in the solar viewing parties. Dine on healthful, delicious food in the beautifully situated StarDate Cafe, which overlooks the mountains

Plan to stay the in a Fort Davis Bed and Breakfast, and join one of the Star Parties that the Observatory puts on every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, after dark. Make sure to arrive early enough to catch the Twilight Program, which starts some time between 6pm and 8pm, depending on the season. Periodic Special Viewing nights allow visitors the chance to look through either a 36″ telescope, 82″ telescope, or 107″ telescope. According to the McDonald Observatory website, visitors will “explore the spiral arms of our galaxy to find nebulae and star clusters. Nebulae are the birthplace of new stars, but are also formed in the violent throes of stellar death and are quite beautiful. Young clusters of stars shine with the brilliant light of young, hot stars, while the oldest denizens of the Milky Way, the globular star clusters, contain hundreds of thousands of stars as old as the galaxy itself. We’ll take a look at galaxies beyond the Milky Way to put our stellar city in perspective.” The website goes on to warn that participants may never again be satisfied with their personal telescopes.

Travel to West Texas, and visit the McDonald Observatory. It will rock your world.