You Might Need a Bigger Truck: How Wide (and Wild) is Texas?
Texas, the land of ten-gallon hats, endless blue skies, and barbecue that'll make your taste buds do a two-step. But have you ever wondered just how much "land" there is in the Lone Star State? Buckle up, partner, because we're about to embark on a journey to measure this magnificent beast, both in its yeehaw width and its howdy height.
East to West: A Coast-to-Coast Country Cruise (Almost)
Let's say you're feeling fancy and want to catch a sunrise over the piney woods of East Texas and chase the sunset down on the sandy beaches of El Paso. How far would this scenic route be? Hold onto your Stetsons, because you're looking at a straight-line distance of around 773 miles. That's farther than the distance between your mama's nagging and one ear, and out the other.
But wait! Don't pack your flip-flops just yet. Roads aren't always built for crows (or cowboys, for that matter). Depending on your final destinations, that actual driving distance could stretch your journey considerably.
North to South: A Panhandle-to-Rio Grande Romp
Maybe you're a mountain lover, with a hankering to hike the Guadalupe Mountains and a craving for fresh Tex-Mex on the border. This north-to-south adventure would take you on an 801-mile expedition, straight as an arrow. That's a bigger distance than from New York City to Chicago – y'all practically be in a different country!
Again, the road less traveled (or the one with more Whataburger stops) could add some serious miles to your trip.
Texas: Big Enough for Its Own Country (Almost)
So, how big is Texas, really? Texas boasts a whopping 268,596 square miles, making it the second-largest state in the continental US (Alaska, you win this round). That's enough space to fit England, Wales, and Scotland all snuggled up inside its borders, with plenty of room left over for a good ol' fashioned rodeo.
Moral of the story? Texas is big. Like, really big. So big, you might need a map, a compass, and a whole lot of snacks for your next Texas-sized adventure.
