Directions
From El Paso
Travelling by air, through El Paso, is often the preferred route, for El Paso's somewhat wider availability of flights and rental cars. The drive to McDonald is approximately 3½ hours. Take I-10 to Kent and 118 south to the observatory.
From Midland/Odessa
From Midland/Odessa, the drive is approximately 3 hours. Take 1-20 west through Pecos to Kent, then 118 south to the observatory.
An alternate route is to take highway 17 south at Pecos to Balmorhea and Fort Davis, then highway 118 north to McDonald.
LOCAL AREA INFORMATION
Links to resources in the vicinity of the observatory can be found at the Visitor Center's Visiting the Observatory page.
Astronomers Lodge
The Lodge accommodates astronomers and staff on official business at McDonald. Rates, services and additional details here.
WEATHER
The current weather at McDonald.
Below are approximate (unofficial) distances to common destinations:
Austin to San Antonio = 78 miles
U.T. to the Airport = 7.5 miles
Austin to Fort Davis = 421 miles
Austin to McDonald Observatory = 438 miles
McDonald Observatory to Fort Davis = 16 miles
McDonald Observatory to Alpine = 43 miles
McDonald Observatory to Marathon = 54 miles
McDonald Observatory to Midland = 180 miles
McDonald Observatory to El Paso = 210 miles
Map Sites
