Gillespie County US 290 Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Trip from Montopolis, TX to Ozona, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 20, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 12m
Distance
234.7 mi
378 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$32
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 59m
★
6 AM
4h 12m
8 AM
4h 39m
10 AM
4h 22m
12 PM
4h 19m
3 PM
4h 23m
5 PM
4h 37m
8 PM
4h 5m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Montopolis, TX
Jeff Stapleton
Ozona, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Montopolis, TX to Ozona, TX is 234.7 miles and takes about 4h 12m via I 10 and US 290, with a fuel budget near $34 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip primarily stays within the Great Plains region, traversing Texas on a mostly highway route. You'll find this drive straightforward, making it a good option if you're looking for a direct connection between these two points. With a single recommended day and a relatively short duration, it offers flexibility for departure times or potential brief detours.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
117.3 miles from Montopolis, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 19m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 10 | 111.2 mi | 1h 44m |
| West US Highway 290 | 96.7 mi | 1h 50m |
| TX 71 | 6.5 mi | 7m |
| US 290 | 6.1 mi | 7m |
| South US Highway 281 | 5.4 mi | 6m |
| East Main Street | 4.6 mi | 9m |
| Bergstrom Expressway | 0.8 mi | <1m |
| West US 290 Bypass Lanes | 0.5 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 10
— 111.2 mi, about 1h 44m
Traffic on I-10
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 16 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~487 veh/hr typical · worst 873
Quietest
3 AM
~90 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
5.4×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 51 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Montopolis, TX and Ozona, TX.
1
Start on this road
219 ft
·
5 sec
·
this road
Toward 183 Toll South: Lockhart
2
Merge onto 183 Toll
0.8 mi
·
47 sec
·
Bergstrom Expressway
3
Continue on US 183
0.2 mi
·
13 sec
·
Bastrop Highway
4
Take the exit
1.0 mi
·
2 min
Toward 183 Toll: Ben White Boulevard
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
5
Merge onto TX 71
6.5 mi
·
7 min
·
TX 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Keep slight left at fork onto US 290; TX 71
6.1 mi
·
7 min
·
US 290; TX 71
Use the straight lane.
7
Continue on West US Highway 290 Frontage Rd
447 ft
·
6 sec
·
West US Highway 290 Frontage Rd
8
Continue on West US 290 Frontage Rd
0.3 mi
·
23 sec
·
West US 290 Frontage Rd
9
Turn straight onto West US 290 Bypass Lanes
0.5 mi
·
33 sec
·
West US 290 Bypass Lanes
10
Continue on US 290
378 ft
·
4 sec
·
West US Highway 290
11
Continue on US 290
30 mi
·
37 min
·
West US Highway 290
Use the left lane.
12
Merge onto US 281; US 290
5.4 mi
·
6 min
·
South US Highway 281
13
Turn left onto US 290
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
East Main Street
Toward Fredericksburg
14
Continue on US 290
27 mi
·
30 min
·
West US Highway 290
15
Continue on US 290
3.5 mi
·
7 min
·
East Main Street
16
Continue on US 290
39 mi
·
42 min
·
West US Highway 290
17
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 10 West: Fort Stockton
18
Merge onto I 10
111 mi
·
1 hr 44 min
·
I 10
19
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
Exit 365
Toward SH 163: Sterling City, Comstock
20
Continue on 14th Street
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
·
14th Street
21
Turn right onto TX 163
0.3 mi
·
28 sec
·
Avenue E
22
Turn right onto Loop 466
264 ft
·
7 sec
·
11th Street
23
Turn right onto Avenue D
10 ft
·
0 sec
·
Avenue D
24
Arrive at destination
Avenue D
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 12m estimated drive time, leaving Montopolis in the morning should allow ample daylight to reach Ozona comfortably. The route is mostly highway, with a significant 111.2-mile stretch on I 10, so plan your fuel stops accordingly, as services can be spread out. While the drive is manageable in one day, the relatively short duration means you have the flexibility to depart later if needed. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longer highway segments, to avoid any unexpected delays.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 117.3 miles from Montopolis, TX, or about 2h 19m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 111.2 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 52 miles or 1h 3m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 117.3 miles or 2h 19m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 31m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Ozona, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Montopolis, TX so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Montopolis, TX
This is one driving day of about 234.7 miles and 4h 12m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 52 miles from Montopolis, TX.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 10 for about 111.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
117 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 52 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 117.3 miles from Montopolis, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 10 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 111.2 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Sutton County Westbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Sutton County Eastbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Picnic Area
0.1 mi from route
Parking Area
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Gillespie County Ranch Road 1 Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
Picnic Area
0.2 mi from route
Parking Area
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.2 mi from route
Picnic Area
0.3 mi from route
Picnic Area
0.4 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.9 mi from route
Pioneer Museum
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, short detour
Early stretch
1.2 mi from route
~3 min detour
Fredericksburg, Texas
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+18309908441
Visit websiteLyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Early in the drive, short detour
Early stretch
1.6 mi from route
~4 min detour
Stonewall, Texas
Hours: 8:30 am–4 pm
+18306442252
Visit websiteSonora Ice House Ranch Museum
4.9
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
1.9 mi from route
~5 min detour
Sonora, Texas
Hours: 1–5 pm
+13253873754
Visit websiteAustin Bat Tours
4.4
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the start, ~9 min detour
3.5 mi from route
~9 min detour
Austin, Texas
Hours: 9 am–10 pm
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 135 decision points cluster between mile 1 and 234.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
1 mi into trip
|
~1m in
Take the exit toward 183 Toll: Ben White Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Toward 183 Toll: Ben White Boulevard
5
2 mi into trip
|
~3m in
|
TX 71
Merge onto TX 71
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
8.6 mi into trip
|
~10m in
|
US 290; TX 71
Keep slight left at fork onto US 290; TX 71
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
6
233.9 mi into trip
|
~4h 10m in
Take the exit toward SH 163: Sterling City, Comstock
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 365
Toward SH 163: Sterling City, Comstock
5
234.4 mi into trip
|
~4h 11m in
|
TX 163 / Avenue E
Turn right onto TX 163 / Avenue E
Navigation decision point
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$32.15 one way
$64.29 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
82 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $35.91 | $71.81 |
| premium | $4.23 | $39.04 | $78.08 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $44.32 | $88.63 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$32
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$57–$82
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 82.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 70.4 | 0 | $24.64 | $11.27 |
| Efficient EV | 58.7 | 0 | $20.54 | $9.39 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 93.9 | 1 | $32.86 | $15.02 |
Gas CO2
82 kg
EV CO2
27 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Montopolis, TX
Late night in Montopolis on Monday
Local time
5:49 AM
CDT
Current temp
94°F
Partly Sunny
S 5 to 10 mph
1% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 9:55AM CDT until July 19 at 11:00AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 9:53AM CDT until July 19 at 7:15PM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Destination
Ozona, TX
Late night in Ozona on Monday
Local time
5:49 AM
CDT
Current temp
86°F
Partly Sunny
SSE 15 mph
7% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 9:55AM CDT until July 19 at 11:00AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 9:53AM CDT until July 19 at 7:15PM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
8 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 12m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Lyndon B Johnson National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park tells the story of our 36th president beginning with his ancestors until his final resting place on his beloved LBJ Ranch. This entire "circle of life" gives...
1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Free
near mile 64.7
Park Closure: Texas White House Complex Closure
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is 97% highway, meaning you'll spend most of your time on high-speed roads. The longest continuous stretch on I 10 covers 111.2 miles, so expect extended periods of rural cruising without frequent exits. Once you transition off I 10 and onto TX 71 and US 290, you'll notice a change to more typical surface road driving with a denser exit pattern.
97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 111.2 mi on I 10.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 10 and West US Highway 290. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1 miles in.
Driving Effort
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 234.7 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 2 miles (TX 71): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 8.6 miles (US 290; TX 71): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
2,351 ft
463 ft
Total Climb
2,453 ft
Total Descent
566 ft
Highest Point
2,351 ft
~234.7 mi in
Elevation Range
1,888 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Montopolis, TX to Ozona, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Fredericksburg along the way.
Fredericksburg
51.4 mi in
|
~1h 2m
|
via US 290
About the Cities
Arriving in Ozona, TX
Full guide →Founded 1891
Ozona, "The Biggest Little Town in the World," is an unincorporated town in Texas, about an hour south-west of San Angelo. It is the county seat (in fact, sole town) of Crockett County.
Top landmarks
- • Crockett County Courthouse — historic place in Ozona, Crockett County, Texas
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 12m. Total distance: 234.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 12m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 111.2 miles on I 10. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 14 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Ozona, TX before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. There are 14 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 2 miles (TX 71): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 8.6 miles (US 290; TX 71): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Lyndon B Johnson National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Ozona, TX, but most travelers stay overnight.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, USGS 3DEP for elevation, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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