Willow City Loop — come with me and catch a glimpse of what is…

My first exposure to Willow City Loop and its magical charms came early one April when acres of bluebonnets climb the Texas hills and spill into its valleys, forming a floral sea at their center.  Seeing this took my breath away.

Ever since that day, Willow City Loop draws me west — a must visit journey anytime I am within a stone’s throw of Fredericksburg with the luxury of time on my hands. It doesn’t matter if I start at the beginning or the end of this pastoral drive.  It doesn’t matter if it is fall, winter, spring, or summer.

All that matters is that the nose of my car slowly follows the dips and curls and climbing hills as it winds its way onward, exposing me and all who see it to a glimpse of the Texas that was—and still is—in many places.

Today the sky is filled with dark billowing clouds filling the air with the portent of storms to come. But then there is a tear in the thick gray of the sky and sunlight falls, lighting the valley below.

May has its unique charms when shades of yellow, orange, white, and green burst forth from the meadows and along the roadside.  Cows laze, butterflies flit and, gentle breezes blow. Traffic is all but nonexistent this Saturday. It is a gift.

This road belongs to me.

This time is mine.

Willow City Loop – the Details

Willow City Loop is a 13-mile scenic drive through the lonely and rugged Texas Hill Country landscape. However, the world seems to want to be here during April when the bluebonnets are in blossom.

The winding road cuts through private property where large ranches and smaller farms are tucked here and there between the rocks, hills, and valleys, with cars clogging the way, even though there are signs that say NO STOPPING and NO PARKING. They are, unfortunately, ignored by many.
If you must go to the Willow City Loop in April, try to do so on a weekday. The traffic is a tiny bit better on these days.

Luckily, traffic is almost non-existent during the offseason. That is a fortunate gift. Although the bluebonnets and other wildflowers are gone (except for March and May), the rural peace of this drive is worth the trip.