Summary
There’s a slight warmth in the air. The days are getting longer, and the rain and snow are slowly starting to taper, which means one thing: Texas is about to be overtaken by wildflowers.
The Lone Star State is home to some 2,700 different wildflower species, including the bluebonnet, Indian paintbrush, and pink evening primrose. They’re all just about ready to pop into a vibrant display of color, blanketing the fields and lining the roadways. Therefore, now is the perfect time to embark on a Texas wildflower road trip.
Though the size and locations of the flowers vary annually, Texas is home to some tried-and-true destinations to enjoy these picturesque views during peak bloom time, which typically occurs between mid-March and mid-April. Read on to discover which Texas road trip route is best for you.
Washington and Grimes Counties
There’s an 80-mile round-trip circuit between Brenham, Burton, Independence, Washington, and Chappell Hill that takes travelers along a route showcasing bluebonnets, Indian paintbrush blooms, thistles, purple coneflowers, verbenas, and more. As explained by Texas Highways, those reliably lined with wildflowers include State Highway 105 and Farm to Market 50 (FM 50) towards Independence.
For those wishing to venture even further, a 105-mile loop from Brenham through Navasota, Plantersville, Magnolia, Hempstead, and back to Brenham offers a breathtaking display of wildflower colors against the backdrop of oak and pine forests along FM 1774.
Visiting Ennis for Bluebonnets
If you’re looking for an official experience, head straight to the Official Texas Bluebonnet Trail in Ennis. The area features endless grassy plains taken over by bluebonnets every spring, and visiting in April allows you to experience the Bluebonnet Trails Festival, highlighting over 40 miles of scenic wildflower routes through the region.
Explore Texas Hill Country
For guaranteed views of bluebonnets, make your way to the Texas Hill Country, specifically Marble Falls, Burnet, Lampasas, and Fredericksburg, where you can spot flowers alongside Indian paintbrush blooms, pink evening primroses, and daisies. Moreover, the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site features more than 400 species of wildflowers, making it a must-see in the area.
Additionally, the Willow City Loop enables a scenic drive that also includes U.S. 281 and U.S. 290. A visit to Fredericksburg will not be complete without stopping by Wildseed Farms, the nation’s largest working wildflower farm.
Discover West Texas Wildflowers
West Texas boasts its own wildflowers, particularly in Terlingua and Big Bend. Here, visitors will discover roadside blooms amidst arid landscapes, and they may come across fields of the Chisos bluebonnet, a unique Texas flower reaching up to four feet tall. To extend your journey, consider visiting Franklin Mountains State Park, approximately five hours north, known for its rich flora including ocotillo and barrel cacti.
Experience East Texas Blooms
Lastly, don’t miss East Texas on your wildflower road trip. Here, the distinctive white and pink blooms thrive on the Texas Dogwood Trails. Palestine’s Davey Dogwood Park offers a beautiful experience with expansive grounds and numerous trails, perfect for nature lovers. For a drive brimming with vibrant color, navigate FM 227 to see redbuds and yellow jessamine in bloom.
