This is your cue to put a (far) West Texas road trip on your travel list.
West Texas is a unique part of Lone Star Start and has much to offer. Bordering Mexico on the other side of the Rio Grande, this enchanting region offers desert landscapes, ghost towns, inspiring artwork, and mountains. Travelers planning to vacation in El Paso may want to consider extending their West Texas road trip by visiting some of the small towns that encompass this region, aka, Big Bend Country.
About Big Bend Country
Located in West Texas, the picturesque Big Bend Country has a rich history and breathtaking natural beauty within its over one million acres of public land, which include both Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park and small towns that offer their own uniqueness.
While both Big Bend parks are extremely popular tourist destinations, there’s something special about the small Texas towns surrounding the desert landscape – including Alpine, Presidio, Marfa, Sanderson, Terlingua, Marathon, and a few more on our list.
Top Small Towns to Visit On A West Texas Road Trip
From the scenic drives to discover, the gorgeous mountains to endure, and all the “first-time” things you’ll do on a West Texas road trip, it’s the memories you’ll cherish the most. Let’s explore these small towns in West Texas, aka Big Bend Country.
Sanderson, Texas
The Most Challenging Road Race in the World!
A very small town of only 711 residents named the Cactus Capital of Texas by the state Legislature in 1999 is something to endure. With a hiking trail named after its title, it’s a great start to the perfect road trip. Cactus Capital Hiking Trail is a self-guided nature trail leading to the top of the mesas above Sanderson. The trailhead starts on the north end of School Street.
Sanderson, Texas, may look like a ghost town, but come next April (2025), “the most challenging road race in the world” will be held between Sanderson and Fort Stockton on US 285. Make plans to attend the Big Bend Open Road Race. No doubt, this will be a very busy place during the race. Get your engines ready!
Marathon, Texas
Get a night’s sleep here before heading to Big Bend National Park
The main street through Marathon is lined with shops, restaurants, and the infamous historic Gage Hotel. The landmark hotel, established in 1927, is the heart of the town and is gorgeous inside and out. A friend of mine told me that and provided these photos. The Gage Hotel offers unique accommodations, including rooms inside and in a separate building with a courtyard called Los Portales. The rooms in Los Portales have an authentic Old Western design scheme, each with a one-of-a-kind hand-crafted set of wooden doors. This would be my choice to stay. It’s pricy but unforgettable.
The top things to do in a Marathon are simple: eat, sleep, and play outdoors, then repeat!
Alpine, Texas
Museums, murals, & mountains – a place to start your Big Bend history lesson
This is your stop to learn more about the history of Big Bend Country. The town has many restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and many boutiques and shops all around. Alpine is a great place to shop for souvenirs.
Things to do in Alpine, Texas, include visiting the museum (Sul Ross State University Museum of the Big Bend), taking a historic and mural walking tour, and hiking on the Hancock Hill Hiking Trails. The pet-friendly Holland Hotel may also be worth checking out.
Fort Davis, Texas
Desert mountain scenery at its best
Among the desert mountain scenery are specialty shops, restaurants, and accommodations that make Fort Davis a lovely place to visit. It is one of the best-surviving frontier military posts for Native Americans.
Davis Mountains State Park is only about three minutes from town and is an excellent spot for outdoor activities including hiking, horseback riding, camping, and mountain biking. The Fort Davis National Historic Site also offers hiking trails to explore.
Balmorhea, Texas
Dive into the spring-fed swimming hole
Balmorhea is a charming West Texas town and home to Balmorhea State Park. The park spans 46 acres and offers swimming in crystal clear blue waters fed by San Solomon Springs. With water temperatures a consistent 72–76°F year-round, visiting any time for a swim is a plus. It is the perfect place to relax and refresh in the middle of the desert.
Marfa, Texas
See local flora, fauna, and the Marfa Lights
Because of Marfa’s quirkiness and funkiness, it has become one of the most popular small towns in West Texas with many artists and visitors alike. The desert town is a growing arts hub for artists worldwide to display their work at galleries.
Besides the arts, there are more reasons to visit this popular town on your West Texas road trip.
- Marfa is home to The Chinati Foundation, where visitors can view indoor and outdoor art installations from a former army base.
- For a culinary scene experience consider Margaret’s in Marfa is a cozy diner serving home-style comfort food. Or for a fine dining experience, head to Cochineal Marfa for a multi-course dinner with an exceptional presentation.
- Take a night walk and look for the Marfa Mystery Lights at the designated viewing center.
Presidio, Texas
The place to cross the bridge into Mexico
Presidio is one of the oldest towns in Texas, and rightfully so. The town boasts a great deal of history in and around it. History notes say that the first Europeans came to this area in 1535 with Spanish explorer Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca and established one of the first European settlements. Thus, Presidio was born.
If your West Texas road trip takes you to Mexico, you’ll be just across the bridge to Ojinasa. Or if staying in Texas, go shopping and take the scenic road FM 170, also called River Road. It’s also a popular drive for motorcycle riders., stay around in Texas, go shopping,
Lajitas, Texas
The western edge of Big Bend National Park
Further south, toward Big Bend National Park, you’ll find the quiet, quirky town of Lajitas (pronounced La-HEE-tahs). If golfing is your thing, here lies a modern resort that features an 18-hole golf course, a zip line, a swimming pool, a spa, a restaurant, and more. A great place for the whole family, and a perfectly good reason to visit this small town in far West Texas.
Terlingua, Texas
A place to show up and be present
Terlingua is a small ghost town (or was) in West Texas, nestled between Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park, near the Mexican border.
Visitors can experience authentic Texas barbecue at DB’s Rustic Iron BBQ, visit the Terlingua Cemetery, or enjoy dinner and a beer or two at the Starlight Theatre Restaurant & Saloon.
If you have more time, visit the Terlingua Trading Company on Ivey Street and explore the ghost town, ruins, and abandoned buildings.
While you might know this already, what put Terlingua on the map in the first place is its annual chili cook-off. It’s not a regular ole chili cook-off – it’s the Original Terlingua International Chili Cool-Off, where people from all walks of life go to enter the competitions and be spectators.
Valentine, Texas
Where Valentine’s Day is a big deal!
On every Valentine’s Day, Valentine goes all out for lovers at its annual Valentine’s in Valentine celebration. Valentine only has about 100 residents, but look for thousands to come to this celebration.
Here’s to your (far) West Texas road trip!
PIN IT!
Leave a Reply