Your Base Camp for Hill Country Roads
Drive Amazing Roads, Sleep Under the Stars
Staying at Al's Hideaway in Pipe Creek puts you within minutes of legendary Texas Hill Country drives — including sections of the famous Twisted Sisters motorcycle route. Wake up, grab your keys, and go.
Local Insider Tip: Spring (March–April) brings bluebonnets along nearly every route listed here. If you can visit during wildflower season, do it — the Hill Country becomes something out of a painting. Fall (October–November) is a close second for color and cool temperatures.
The Twisted Sisters — RR 335, 336 & 337
The crown jewel of Texas Hill Country drives. Ranch Roads 335, 336, and 337 form a legendary loop through Leakey, Vanderpool, and Medina — just 20 minutes from Al's Hideaway. Sweeping curves, dramatic elevation changes, and almost no traffic make this a bucket-list drive for motorcyclists and road trippers alike. The stretch through the Sabinal River canyon is unforgettable.
- Start in Medina (10 min from Al's Hideaway) and loop back through Leakey
- Best on weekday mornings — weekends bring motorcycle traffic
- Stop at the Medina Lake overlook for panoramic views
- Full loop is approximately 100 miles — allow 2–3 hours
FM 470 — Bandera to Medina
A beautiful and easy drive that connects Bandera to Medina through classic Hill Country ranch land. FM 470 winds past limestone outcroppings, cedar and live oak canopy, and working cattle ranches. In spring, the roadside comes alive with Indian paintbrush, bluebonnets, and coreopsis. This is the quintessential Texas Hill Country back road — relaxed, gorgeous, and right in our backyard.
- Connects directly to the Twisted Sisters loop at Medina
- Pass through Bandera — stop for breakfast at OST Restaurant first
- Excellent wildflower viewing March through early April
- Approx. 25 miles, 30–40 minutes at a leisurely pace
TX-16 — Kerrville to Fredericksburg
One of the most scenic stretches of state highway in Texas. TX-16 north from Kerrville to Fredericksburg climbs through rolling hills with sweeping valley views, passing historic ranch gates and fields of wildflowers. End in Fredericksburg for world-class wine tasting, German food, and Main Street shopping — then drive back as the sun sets over the hills.
- Kerrville is 35 minutes from Al's Hideaway via TX-16
- Fredericksburg has 50+ wineries — plan a full day
- Highway 290 wine corridor connects multiple tasting rooms
- Approx. 35 miles one way, 45 minutes
Scenic Loop Road — Near San Antonio
Just outside San Antonio, Scenic Loop Road (FM 3351) and Babcock Road form a beloved local drive through the Hill Country's eastern edge. Tall canopy oaks arch over the narrow two-lane road, creating a tunnel effect that's stunning any time of year. This is the scenic drive closest to San Antonio — popular with locals on Sunday mornings. Pair it with brunch in Boerne for a perfect half-day outing.
- Runs through Leon Springs and Helotes near San Antonio
- Beautiful oak canopy tunnel effect on FM 3351
- Boerne is 20 minutes away — great for lunch and shopping
- Loop is approximately 20 miles
RR 187 — Vanderpool & Lost Maples
Ranch Road 187 through Vanderpool is one of Texas's best-kept secrets — and the gateway to Lost Maples State Natural Area, where bigtooth maple trees turn brilliant red and orange in late October and November. The drive itself winds through remote Hill Country with deer, turkey, and painted buntings along the roadside. This is also part of the Twisted Sisters corridor, so you can combine both in one trip.
- Lost Maples State Park: peak fall color late October – mid November
- Reserve state park entry well in advance during fall season
- Excellent wildlife viewing at dawn and dusk
- Connects to RR 337 (Twisted Sisters) at Leakey
Austin to Bandera via TX-16 South
The drive from Austin down through the Hill Country to Bandera is a classic Texas road trip in its own right. Head south on US-290 through Dripping Springs wine country, pick up TX-16 south through Kerrville, and follow it into Bandera — the "Cowboy Capital of the World." The whole route is around 2.5 hours of pure Hill Country scenery, making Al's Hideaway a natural endpoint for the drive.
- Dripping Springs: Hill Country wine and distillery corridor
- Johnson City: LBJ Ranch and wildflower viewing
- Fredericksburg: German heritage, wineries, peach stands
- End the day at Al's Hideaway — your cabin is waiting
Best Times to Drive the Hill Country
Every season brings something different to these roads. Here's what to expect throughout the year.
🌸 Spring (Mar–May)
Peak wildflower season. Bluebonnets, Indian paintbrush, and coreopsis line every road. Temperatures are mild and ideal for driving with windows down.
☀️ Summer (Jun–Aug)
Hot but beautiful. Start drives early morning to beat the heat. Rivers and swimming holes along the routes make great stops.
🍂 Fall (Sep–Nov)
The second wildflower season. Cooler temperatures, golden light, and fall foliage at Lost Maples in October–November.
❄️ Winter (Dec–Feb)
Quiet roads, crisp air, and dramatic bare-limb views. Deer and wildlife are highly visible. Occasional ice on RR 337 — check conditions before driving.
Tips Before You Go
Gas up in Bandera or Medina — some of these routes go through remote areas with no services for 20–30 miles. Fill the tank before heading out on RR 335/336/337.
Cell service is limited on most of these roads. Download your route in Google Maps offline before you leave, or pick up a paper map in Bandera.
Watch for deer at dawn and dusk — especially on FM 470 and RR 187. The Hill Country has one of the highest white-tailed deer densities in North America.
Motorcyclists: The Twisted Sisters (RR 335/336/337) are world-renowned riding roads. If you're bringing your bike, Al's Hideaway has spacious sites and secure parking. Just ask when you book.
Find Al's Hideaway — Your Base for Hill Country Drives
We're located in Pipe Creek, TX — right at the intersection of FM 470 and TX-16, placing you within 10–45 minutes of every drive on this list.