Discover The 'Swiss Alps Of Texas' On This Unbelievably Scenic Road Trip

If you think Texas is all dusty plains, oil wells, and hulking cities, think again. A little way outside of San Antonio, you can discover the so-called "Swiss Alps of Texas." While the mountains may not reach the towering heights of those in Switzerland, the region's sparkling rivers, lush (for Texas) scenery, and 2,400-foot peaks will give you a taste of the Alps. The route also passes by one of the best state parks in Texas, if you need more reasons to make the trip.

The 85-mile circular route starts in Bandera, around an hour from downtown San Antonio. Bandera is a quintessentially Texan place to begin a road trip in the state, even holding the nickname "the Cowboy Capital of the World." The town earned this moniker as it was a starting point for the Great Western Cattle Drive in the 19th century, and even now, you can watch cowboys testing their skills at summer rodeos. You might want to stay at one of the many dude ranches around the town and spend the evening enjoying live music and dancing the Texas Two-Step.

Once you're ready to hit the road, head north towards Medina before turning west on Highway 337. As you drive towards Vanderpool, the landscapes will become increasingly filled with trees and rolling hills as you crisscross the region's many waterways. At Vanderpool, the route has you turning south, but we recommend postponing that for a short while.

Instead, go 5 miles north to Lost Maples State Natural Area. This picturesque area has crystal-clear rivers for fishing, as well as campgrounds and hiking trails, one of which reaches over 2,000 feet and offers glorious views. True to its name, Lost Maples is full of maple trees that burst into a kaleidoscope of color in the fall. Here, you get a real taste of why the area is called the Swiss Alps of Texas. After visiting, go west towards Leakey and then turn south on Highway 83 to reach Garner State Park.

The park is an incredible destination for water adventures. In the summer, you can rent kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and inflatable tubes to float peacefully down the Frio River. Garner is fantastic year-round, with spring wildflowers, cooling water in the summer, and vibrant foliage in the fall. One happy Tripadvisor reviewer described the park as "Beyond imagination," perfect for hiking and relaxing by the "pristine river." Swiss Alps, eat your heart out.

From Garner State Park, you can take Highway 470 back to Bandera. The scenery remains beautiful as you return to your starting point. However, your road trip isn't over, and you have a few stops to make on the road back home. First, you'll pass through Utopia, a small town with a big name. Make sure to visit the Sabinal Canyon Museum, which has a small but fascinating collection of artifacts from local pioneers and Native Americans.

Your final pitstop before reaching Bandera should be Tarpley. This tiny town is home to Mac & Ernie's Roadside Eatery, a delicious restaurant that appeared on an early episode of "Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives." The menu is updated weekly, but for lunch, you can expect burgers and sandwiches (red deer and goat burgers were on the menu at the time of writing). For dinner, you could try the highly-rated catfish, steaks, pork and lamb chops, and fried shrimp. With a full stomach, it's time to wrap up your adventure in the Swiss Alps of Texas. If you think this road trip sounds good, check out our article about another Texan road trip to discover hidden gems in the state.