Bobcat Bucket List #93: Have a Picnic at Devil’s Backbone

Devil’s Backbone is a stretch of highway through Texas Hill Country that connects Wimberly and Blanco. This winding highway has panoramic views of Hill Country and multiple hiking trails. Devil’s Backbone overlook is the perfect place to take a break from the drive and have a picnic.

A shaded spot at Devil’s Backbone overlook

The best picnic spot is about one mile past The Devil’s Backbone Tavern. The small turnoff has multiple shaded picnic tables, large trees, and plenty of grass to lay a blanket down. Right away, you’ll notice the hundreds of crosses tied to the fence. These crosses are put up in memory of loved ones who died.

If picnicking next to a memorial spot isn’t spooky enough for you, visit The Devil’s Backbone Tavern and learn about the area’s ghost stories. This biker bar is full of regulars with stories of haunted experiences on this stretch of highway.

Devil’s Backbone has a history of ghost stories of Confederate soldiers, Native Americans, Spanish Monks, and more. There are multiple accounts of a monk appearing then disappearing at night, but the most interesting story is about John Villarreal.

John and his friends were hiking in an area called “the Haunted Valley” when he got separated from his friends. A wolf started running at John, pounced, and went right through him. John reported feeling a cold chill that followed him all the way back to his car. That night, his friends said John’s voice got deep and he started telling stories about Indian massacres in a language that was a mix of Spanish and Apache.

Devil’s Backbone was a sacred and spiritual spot for the Comanche and Apache tribes before they were massacred by Spaniards. Many people think this is why so many spirits appear in this area.

The full route takes 1.5 hours to drive, and it has expansive views of the Balcones Fault. If you take a trip down to Devil’s Backbone, keep an eye out for lost spirits. Or, at least enjoy the view.