The drive
The Bronc is a Hill Country loop built around one of the region’s most engaging stretches of pavement: Texas Highway 16 between Kerrville and Bandera. The route pairs elevation changes and tight bends with cowboy history, the Medina River, and a traditional Bandera lunch.
Route overview
From Fredericksburg, take TX-16 South through Kerrville to Bandera. Explore downtown and the Medina River, then take TX-173 North toward Comfort and US-87 North back to Fredericksburg for a true loop.
The route, stop by stop
Stop 01
Fredericksburg to Kerrville
TX-16 South · about 24 miles · about 30 minutes
Follow TX-16 South toward Kerrville as the road drops from the Fredericksburg plateau toward the Guadalupe River valley.
Stop 02
Kerrville and the Guadalupe River
Continue through Kerrville on TX-16
If time allows, pause near the Guadalupe River. South of town, Highway 16 becomes narrower, hillier, and more engaging.
Stop 03
Ride the Bronc
TX-16 South · Kerrville → Bandera · about 25 miles
The centerpiece climbs and falls through rugged limestone country, with blind crests, changing-radius corners, and quick sequences of bends. Drive smoothly and leave a generous margin.
Stop 04
Safe Hill Country photo stop
TX-16 South · use a legal paved pullout only
Pause only where a legal, fully paved pullout has adequate visibility. Never stop on the shoulder of a blind curve or crest.
Stop 05
Bandera
Downtown Bandera
Highway 16 leads into Bandera. The historic courthouse area and bronze National Rodeo Champions monument make a fitting stop.
Stop 06
Lunch at O.S.T. Restaurant
311 Main St, Bandera · allow about 60–75 minutes
The route card identifies O.S.T. Restaurant as a long-running Bandera lunch stop. Confirm current hours and offerings before setting out.
Stop 07
Optional Bandera stop
Frontier Times Museum or Medina River
Add time for the Frontier Times Museum or a Medina River photo stop where public access and parking are clearly permitted. Confirm current opening hours and admission.
Stop 08
Return to Fredericksburg
TX-173 North → Comfort → US-87 North
Leave Bandera on TX-173 North toward Comfort rather than retracing the Bronc, then take US-87 North to Fredericksburg.