U.S. Highway 290 originally followed the old stage coach route west from Junction, through Sonora and Ozona, across the western end of the Edwards Plateau. It then wound down the steep western escarpment of the Plateau adjacent to Fort Lancaster, before crossing the Pecos River. If you get off I-10 and take old Highway 290 west today, just before you drop off the Plateau into the valley of the Pecos, there is a scenic roadside picnic spot.