Peterson Sorenson
You won’t find skyscrapers or theme parks in West Texas—but who needs them? This region is full of otherworldly spots filled with excitement. If you’re road-tripping through West Texas, explore these ten wildest and most wonderful places along the way.
Big Bend National Park
This park stretches across 801,163 acres of mountains, desert, and river, with 150 miles of trails and 118 miles of Rio Grande frontage. You can soak in the Langford Hot Springs (105°F), hike up 7,825-foot Emory Peak, or take in the dramatic views at Santa Elena Canyon—especially stunning at sunset.
Marfa
Sitting on U.S. Route 90, Marfa was a railroad water stop in 1883 but turned into an art destination in the 1970s. At Chinati Foundation, you’ll find massive concrete boxes built by Donald Judd. Don’t miss the Marfa Lights View Park—12 miles east—where unexplained glowing orbs sometimes dance at night.
Prada Marfa
This faux boutique sits on Highway 90 just west of Valentine, Texas—just 26 miles from Marfa. It’s not a store where you can shop. It’s an art joke aimed at luxury consumerism. Built in 2005 by artists Elmgreen & Dragset, it holds 2005 Prada heels and bags, all sealed behind glass.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Drive up Highway 62/180 to spot El Capitan’s jagged peak. It’s a 1,000-foot limestone cliff marking the southern edge of the Guadalupe Mountains. Hike 8.5 miles round-trip to Guadalupe Peak (elevation: 8,751 feet) or explore McKittrick Canyon, where maple trees turn bright red every October.
Terlingua Ghost Town
About 12 miles from Big Bend’s western entrance, Terlingua once mined cinnabar for mercury. Today, the 1903 ruins sit among desert art shacks and taco stands. Grab a bite at the Starlight Theatre, which is a saloon now, then visit the historic Boot Hill Cemetery, where graves are still marked by hand.
Davis Mountains State Park
Located just outside Fort Davis, the park covers 2,709 acres of lava-formed mountains. Take the Skyline Drive Trail to a 5,700-foot overlook. You can also stay overnight at Indian Lodge—a pueblo-style hotel built in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It has 39 rooms and adobe-style courtyards.
McDonald Observatory
Seven miles west of Fort Davis via Spur 78, this observatory hosts public Star Parties three nights a week. It’s home to the Hobby-Eberly Telescope, one of the largest in the world, with a 10-meter mirror. During the day, you might want to see live solar flares with the hydrogen-alpha telescope.
Fort Davis National Historic Site
In Limpia Canyon, this 460-acre fort served as a key outpost from 1854 to 1891. Walk inside the original 1870s officers’ quarters, the stone hospital, and five enlisted men’s barracks. You’ll find living history demos and trails leading straight to Davis Mountains State Park.
Chinati Hot Springs
About 40 miles southwest of Marfa near Ruidosa, Chinati Hot Springs has natural mineral water at 109°F. These springs were used by Apache tribes before becoming a resort in the 1930s. Now, there are five outdoor tubs, simple casitas, no phone service, and plenty of sky.
Lajitas
On FM 170 between Big Bend and Terlingua, Lajitas is a private resort town where Clay Henry IV, a goat, serves as mayor (yes, really). He “drinks” beer and greets tourists near the Trading Post. You’ll also find a 7,500-yard golf course, river zip lines, and a frontier-style boardwalk straight out of a Western.
