Anyone who’s driven through Texas knows exactly how huge this state is. But don’t worry, there’s plenty to see even on one tank of gas! This one tank trip from Fort Worth takes you to see waterfalls, dinosaur tracks, underground caverns, and bustling cities.
This trip is 325 miles and takes about 6 hours and 26 minutes to drive. As always your milage and time may vary.
Fort Worth
Start your exploration of Fort Worth with a trip to the stockyards. The Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District. Historically, this was where millions of heads of cattle were sold in the late 1800s and early 1900s. But today it’s full of shopping, dining, art galleries, museums, and bits of history to explore.
If you’re looking for more places to explore, check out some of the the fantastic museums in town like the Kimbell Art Museum, the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, or the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. Or head outdoors to the Fort Worth Botanic Garden or the Fort Worth Zoo. Then it’s time to fill up your tank of gas and head out on this one tank trip.
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Your first stop on this one tank trip from Fort Worth is Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose, Texas. This state park is home to dinosaur footprints that were left preserved along the Paluxy River. You can hunt for the tracks along the riverbed, but there’s plenty of other things to do as well. Swimming in the river, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and camping are all popular activities at this park.
Hike some of the 20 miles of scenic trails throughout the park or even take a guided horseback ride from local outfitters. There are also ranger activities throughout the year that are great for both kids and adults. The giant dinosaur tracks may be not always be visible or accessible due to weather, so check with the park before you go to see what the current conditions are.
Lake Whitney State Park
Next up it’s time to spend some time at the lake! Head to Lake Whitney State Park for all sorts of water activities. This 1,000-acre park is home to Lake Whitney, a reservoir of the Brazos River. Spend a day boating or waterskiing around the lake, or take it slow by paddling a canoe or kayak. You can also swim and fish in the lake and river.
Prefer to stay on land? Explore some of the hiking trails throughout the park. Or watch for bald eagles perched in the trees around the lake. There’s also camping spots available if you’d like to spend a few days relaxing at the lake.
Waco
The next stop as you head south on this one tank trip from Fort Worth is Waco, Texas. If you’re a fan of interior design, you’re most likely familiar with Magnolia Market at the Silos. Founded by Chip and Joanna Gaines of HGTV’s Fixer Upper fame, this bakery and retail store sells all sorts of furniture, home décor, and gifts. Stop by the bakery for breakfast and stroll through the shop before exploring the rest of the city.
If history is more your thing, head to the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum, which tells all about the past of the historic law enforcement organization. Or visit the Waco Mammoth National Monument. This historic site is home to fossilized remains of mammoths, a saber tooth tiger, and other ancient animals. The 100-acre area that surrounds the national monument also is a state park with hiking trails and picnic areas. Or enjoy a taste of more modern history at the Dr Pepper Museum with its exhibits of the popular soft drink that originated in Waco.
Austin
Then it’s time to head to the funky city of Austin. Want to explore both the land and water? Try a local Duck tour for a guided tour of highlights around then town and then splash into Lake Austin in this floating vehicle. Or stop by the state capitol building to take a free guided tour of the historic building. If the weather is hot, head to Zilker Metropolitan Park for a swim in the Barton Spring Pool, a natural pool filled with water from underground springs. Or take a stroll around Lake Lady Bird on the 10-mile paved Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail.
If you’re looking to get in the spooky, fall mood, head to Congress Bridge in the evening to watch 1.5 million bats take to the sky as they leave the bridge. And don’t forget to check out the fantastic food options in the Downtown district.
Hamilton Pool Preserve
Just outside of Austin is the next stop – a hike to a beautiful pool and waterfall. The Hamilton Pool Preserve in Dripping Springs is a 200-acre preserve is home to a gorgeous 50-foot waterfall that plunges into a sparkling pool. The waterfall and pool can be seen by hiking through the preserve and down some rock steps into the canyons. The trail is only .25 miles long, but it is steep and rugged to take care while hiking. During certain times of the year you can actually swim in the pool, but even if swimming is restricted, it’s worth visiting this serene spot for the views. Reservations are required and can be made on their website.
Jacobs Well
Another nearby outdoor spot is Jacob’s Well. This natural swimming hole is one of the largest and longest submerged caves in Texas. The nature area around the well also has hiking trails to enjoy. There are guided morning tours offered from October through April where the guides explain about the history of the well and the local environment and wildlife. Want to take a dip in the water?
Reservations are required for swimming at the well and can be made online on their website. Occasionally, due to lack of rain and low water levels, swimming is prohibited to protect the area. You can check their website for current conditions. Jacob’s Well is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. most days. It is closed on several holidays.
Natural Bridge Caverns
The last stop on this one tank trip from Fort Worth is Natural Bridge Caverns. These caverns are the largest commercial caverns in Texas and offer many tours and activities both above and below ground. They offer several tours of the large cavern system, including the walking through the caves that are 180 feet underground to see the formations. The more adventurous can even book a tour to the undeveloped parts of the cavern where they can rappel down rocks like a real spelunker.
Back above ground there’s all sorts of activities for kids and adults like a zip line and an obstacle course. There’s also mining for gems and a permanent maze to explore. Natural Bridge Caverns is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Take a One Tank Trip
One tank trips are a great way to explore locally without spending a ton of money on gas. If you’re looking for other great one tank itineraries check out the list below.
And if you’re looking for a rig, check out RVshare.com for an excellent selection of RV rentals!
