Two popular hiking trails at Fort Davis National Historic Site have been closed indefinitely after severe weather caused structural damage to a historic military building, the National Park Service announced Wednesday.
The Tall Grass Loop Trail and Scenic Overlook Switchback Trail will remain closed until further notice as park officials address public safety concerns involving Historic Building 15, the two-story bachelor officers’ quarters.
The building is among the surviving structures of the 19th-century military installation, which played a significant role in the settlement and military history of West Texas.
The National Park Service attributed the structural damage to severe weather that moved through the area last week. Officials did not provide details about the extent of the damage, estimated repair costs or a timeline for reopening the affected trails.
The National Weather Service had issued flood watches and wind advisories for the Davis Mountains region last week, warning of heavy rainfall, possible flash flooding and wind gusts reaching 55 mph.
Despite the closures, visitors can continue hiking the Hospital Canyon Trail and North Ridge Trail. Both remain open and provide access to scenic overlooks and connections with nearby Davis Mountains State Park.
The Tall Grass Loop Trail ordinarily offers a steep, 0.8-mile hike through the rugged landscape surrounding the historic fort. The Scenic Overlook Trail climbs approximately 320 feet and provides panoramic views of the former military installation and surrounding Davis Mountains.
Established in 1854, Fort Davis served as a strategically important military post along the San Antonio-El Paso Road. The installation protected travelers, freight shipments and mail routes during the 19th century.
The fort was also an important posting for the Buffalo Soldiers, African American troops who served in the U.S. Army following the Civil War. The military abandoned the installation in 1891, and the site was later preserved as part of the National Park System.
Today, Fort Davis National Historic Site preserves original and restored military buildings, including officers’ quarters, enlisted men’s barracks, a hospital and other structures associated with frontier military life.
The damaged bachelor officers’ quarters are part of that historic landscape, illustrating the living conditions of military personnel stationed at the remote West Texas outpost.
Park officials have not announced when the closed trails might reopen. Visitors are encouraged to observe posted closures and use designated open trails while the damaged area remains restricted.
Fort Davis National Historic Site is generally open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., subject to holiday and safety-related closures.
Photo: Structural damage to the historic bachelor officers’ quarters at Fort Davis National Historic Site has prompted the indefinite closure of two nearby hiking trails. National Park Service photo.
