Panhandle Plains: Small Roads. Big Times

The dark, stormy sky of a weather front can make the Panhandle Plains seem like a real life meteorological laboratory.
By Katheryn Jones

The Panhandle Plains region surely deserves the title “King of the Back Roads.” Farm-to-market and ranch roads crisscross counties where cattle often outnumber people. Taking the path less traveled isn’t just a choice, it’s a necessity to appreciate just how big the “Big Country” is. You’re entering real-deal ranch country, home of storied ranches and sprawling spreads such as the JA, the Guitar, the Matador, and the XIT. Get ready to chow down on some of the best beef in Texas and stay in places steeped in history.

Here’s a sampling of some of my favorite Panhandle Plains finds you might miss barreling down the interstate at 70 mph. Take the next exit, follow a two-lane road that disappears over the horizon, and discover them for yourself.

See the full article in the September 2007 issue.

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