Twisted Sisters

Leakey to Leakey

Texas Hill Country · Texas · United States

Key measurements

Distance

95.5 miles

Elevation gain

5,586 ft

Elevation loss

5,580 ft

High point

2,401 ft

Low point

1,441 ft

Net change

0 ft (1,609 ft to 1,609 ft)

Surface

Paved

Route type

loop

Route Overview

This 95.5-mile loop is the definitive Texas Hill Country circuit, tracing the rugged limestone topography along the southwestern edge of the Edwards Plateau. Starting and finishing in Leakey, the route links three distinct Farm-to-Market roads—FM 337, FM 335, and FM 336—connected at the northern reaches by State Highway 41.

The trip moves through dramatic geographic contrasts, dropping into deep spring-fed river valleys and climbing over narrow, arid canyon divides. Riders encounter over 5,500 feet of total elevation change across tight switchbacks, rim-side shelf roads, and high plateau sweeps. Expect a highly technical, remote loop defined by steep limestone bluffs, flash-wash creek bottoms, open rangeland, and expansive views across Real and Edwards counties.

Key Segments & Geographic Transitions

Cresting the Canyons on FM 337 — Miles 0.4–21.3

Leaving Leakey heading west, FM 337 immediately climbs away from the Frio River valley. This segment crosses two major ridge systems separating the Frio, Dry Frio, and Nueces drainages. The road features steep climbs, tight hairpins cut directly into limestone bluffs, and high-shelf passes offering panoramic views of deep cedar canyons. The low point of the entire route (1,441 feet) lies at the western end of this segment as you drop into the Nueces River basin at Camp Wood.

Tracing the Upper Nueces Valley on FM 335 — Miles 25.8–54.7

Turning north at Camp Wood, FM 335 follows the narrow valley of the West Nueces River upstream into increasingly remote ranch country. The terrain transitions from river bottoms to high canyon walls, following natural drainage lines. This section is characterized by multiple dry creek beds, blind hill crests, low-water crossings, and unfenced rangeland. Pavement quality varies, and short sightlines demand steady focus as the road gradually gains elevation toward the plateau top.

The High Divide Connector along TX-41 — Miles 54.8–68.4

Joining TX-41, the route breaks out of the narrow canyons onto the broad, windswept crest of the Edwards Plateau. Reaching the route’s high point of 2,401 feet near Mile 70.1, this segment offers wide-open two-lane highway, straight sightlines, and flat-to-rolling terrain through native scrub oak and mesquite pasture. It provides a brief break in technical demand before transitioning back south toward the river canyons.

Descending the Frio Rim on FM 336 — Miles 68.5–94.7

Turning south onto FM 336, the route drops back off the plateau into the West Frio River drainage. The upper section cuts along high ridge tops before descending steeply through a rapid succession of tight turns, off-camber drops, and livestock guards. The road parallels the Frio River down a deep, wooded valley, delivering some of the most concentrated elevation changes and scenic ridge-line vistas on the loop before terminating back in Leakey.

Seasonal & Environmental Context

Summer in the Edwards Plateau brings extreme heat, with ambient temperatures frequently exceeding 100°F from June through August. Radiant heat off the limestone cuts and asphalt can make early morning or late afternoon runs far preferable. Spring and autumn offer ideal temperatures, though early spring can bring high pollen counts from Ashe juniper (mountain cedar).

The terrain is prone to flash flooding. Heavy rainfall miles away can send rapid torrents across the low-water crossings on FM 335 and FM 336. If water is flowing across the road, depth and underlying road condition cannot be reliably judged.

Logistics & Services

Fuel and basic services are concentrated entirely at the southern anchor points of the loop: Leakey and Camp Wood.

Fuel: Fill up completely in Leakey or Camp Wood. There are no fuel stations along FM 335, TX-41, or FM 336—a stretch of nearly 70 miles without service. * Cellular Service: Coverage is extremely spotty. Expect complete signal loss along the floor of FM 335 and deep in the canyon cuts of FM 336. Satellite messaging devices or offline maps are strongly recommended.

Important Considerations

Livestock & Wildlife: Large stretches of FM 335 and FM 336 pass through unfenced open range. Cattle, goats, and exotic ranch stock frequently wander onto the road. White-tailed deer, axis deer, and feral hogs are abundant, particularly around dawn and dusk. * Cattle Guards: Numerous metal livestock guards cross the pavement on FM 335 and FM 336. They can be slick when wet, angled on curves, or settled unevenly relative to the asphalt surface. * Road Surface Hazards: Rain washes gravel, limestone dust, and loose mud out of unpaved ranch entrances into blind corners. Summer heat can cause tar bleed (tar snakes) on re-surfaced sections, softening the road grip during peak heat hours.