Craving a peaceful journey across wide-open highways, where the sky stretches forever and traffic feels like a memory? A scenic road trip around Midland, Texas offers the perfect remedy for stress and screen time. This West Texas gem is surrounded by tranquil routes, historic highways, and stunning sunsets that transform every mile into a moment of calm.
From backroad byways to small-town detours, these drives are all about unwinding at your own pace—windows down, playlist up, and the horizon glowing.
Why Scenic Drives Near Midland Are Worth It
Midland sits in the heart of the Permian Basin, offering open landscapes, rolling plains, and rustic charm just beyond the city. These drives are never crowded, often lined with windmills, cotton fields, and oil pump jacks that paint a true picture of West Texas. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend cruise or just a Sunday spin, these scenic routes provide space to think, connect, and breathe—making them ideal for couples, solo travelers, or families looking to slow down.
7 Best Scenic Drives Around Midland, Texas
1. Midland to Garden City Loop (TX-158 Scenic Route)
This drive takes you east on TX-158 through oil country toward Garden City. The road winds gently through desert terrain, occasional farmland, and distant ridgelines. It’s especially peaceful in the early morning or late afternoon.
Distance: 100-mile loop
Approx Drive Time: 1.5–2 hours
Famous For: Long horizons, low traffic, and desert scenery
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Stop in Garden City for a picnic and return via TX-137 for varied views.
2. Highway 349 to Lamesa
Take a day trip north toward Lamesa, a small farming town with an authentic West Texas vibe. The road offers wide shoulders, cotton fields, and red clay terrain—a dream for photographers.
Distance: 60 miles one way
Approx Drive Time: 1 hour each way
Famous For: Roadside farms, windmills, and dramatic skies
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Visit during golden hour for stunning rural photography.
3. FM 1788 to Andrews
Head northwest on this peaceful farm-to-market road that sees more pump jacks than people. The isolation, straight stretches, and subtle changes in elevation make it incredibly relaxing.
Distance: 35 miles one way
Approx Drive Time: 45 minutes
Famous For: Oilfield vistas and endless sky
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Ideal for sunrise drives—bring coffee and enjoy the calm.
4. The Monahans Sandhills Detour
Drive west on I-20 for a scenic detour to Monahans Sandhills State Park. This unexpected landscape of rolling dunes offers visual contrast to Midland’s plains and is perfect for a day trip.
Distance: 70 miles
Approx Drive Time: 1 hour
Famous For: White sand dunes and serene desert views
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Bring sunglasses and a scarf—windy days kick up sand!
5. Midland to Big Spring via Highway 80
Take a classic route east on US-80 through Stanton and on to Big Spring. This historic highway passes rural churches, cotton gins, and roadside relics, ending in a town with unique attractions.
Distance: 50 miles
Approx Drive Time: 1 hour
Famous For: Historic US highway vibes and peaceful farmland
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Visit the historic Hotel Settles for lunch or a quick look inside.
6. Loop 250 Sunset Drive
For a quick local escape, take a loop around Midland at golden hour. The soft light, low traffic, and occasional roadside art or mural make it a perfect close to the day.
Distance: 20 miles
Approx Drive Time: 30–45 minutes
Famous For: Easy access and sunset skyline views
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Pack snacks and park briefly at Hogan Park to watch the sunset unfold.
7. Desert Backroad from Midland to Kermit (TX-302)
For a true “nowhere road” experience, drive west through TX-302 to the small town of Kermit. This long, flat highway is straight out of a movie scene—remote, scenic, and meditative.
Distance: 75 miles
Approx Drive Time: 1.5 hours
Famous For: Desert solitude and open-air freedom
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Fill up on gas before you go—this route has long stretches with no services.
Packing Tips for a Scenic West Texas Drive
Sunglasses and a wide-brim hat
Refillable water bottle and snacks
Road trip playlist or podcast downloads
Phone charger and mount
Printed map or offline GPS
Travel journal or photo log
Binoculars for spotting birds or distant landmarks
Comfortable walking shoes if you plan to stop
Small cooler for drinks or picnic supplies
Sunscreen and lip balm (dry air!)
Local Tips and Seasonal Advice
Spring and fall offer the best light and weather for long drives
Early mornings and evenings deliver the most dramatic skies
Watch for wildlife at dawn—especially deer on backroads
Keep your gas tank half-full or more—stations can be far apart
Bring cash for small-town eateries and roadside shops
Avoid summer midday drives—heat can reach triple digits
Visit local visitor centers for brochures with self-guided scenic routes
Take your time—these drives are meant to be savored
Conclusion: Find Calm on the Open Road
Sometimes the most memorable journeys don’t lead to landmarks—they simply offer room to breathe. A scenic drive around Midland invites you to step away from the noise, reconnect with nature, and rediscover the joy of unhurried travel. With vast landscapes, small-town stops, and skies that shift color by the minute, this region of West Texas makes every mile meaningful.
So fill up the tank, roll down your windows, and let Midland’s open roads carry you toward peace, perspective, and something beautiful beyond the bend.
