Devil's Backbone · Ranch Road 32 · Texas Hill Country Scenic Drive

About Devil’s Backbone

Two dozen miles on the crest of the ridge.

Devil’s Backbone is the stretch of Ranch Road 32 that follows a narrow limestone ridge between RR 12, south of Wimberley, and US 281, south of Blanco. It’s roughly 24 miles end to end. For long stretches the road runs right along the top, and the country drops off on both sides toward the creek valleys.

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Make a loop of it

Most people drive it as part of a loop. The one we’ve sent guests on for years starts in Blanco: south on US 281, east on RR 32 across the Backbone, north on RR 12 into Wimberley, then back west on FM 2325 and FM 165 to Blanco — about 51 miles.

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The view

There’s a roadside picnic area up on the ridge with shaded tables and a long look out over the valleys. It’s the one place built for stopping; the shoulders along the rest of the ridge are narrow, so save the pictures for the pull-off.

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Drive it with respect

Two lanes, real curves, and some grades. It’s a favorite with motorcyclists, especially on weekends, so give them room. Deer are out at dawn and dusk.

Plan around it

Where to stay, and what’s nearby.

The Backbone sits on the eastern edge of the Hill Country, between two good small towns. Here is how it fits the rest of a trip.

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Find a place to stay

We don’t manage any houses on the Backbone itself. The closest are in Boerne and Fredericksburg, about an hour away — close enough to make the drive a day out. See the houses

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Towns at each end

Wimberley sits at the east end, with Jacob’s Well and Blue Hole close by. Blanco is at the west end, on the Blanco River.

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Make a day of it

Pair the drive with Blanco State Park or Old Baldy in Wimberley, or build a longer route across the HillCountry.ai network.

Before you go

Use the pull-off, not the shoulder.

The shoulders on the ridge are narrow and the curves hide oncoming traffic. Stop at the picnic area for the view, watch for deer around dawn and dusk, and give the motorcycles room on weekends.

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