Unearth The Voyage
The vast expanse of Texas holds many secrets, but few as mesmerizing as its remote desert towns. These communities, isolated by geography and time, offer experiences that feel otherworldly. From peculiar art installations to breathtaking natural formations, each town has a unique story, waiting to whisk visitors away to a realm unlike any other. Discover 12 of these captivating locales that feel like they’ve been plucked from another planet.
1. Terlingua (Brewster County)
In the heart of Brewster County, Terlingua enchants with its ghostly stone ruins and haunting hillside cemetery. As blood-red sunsets paint the sky, this town offers a surreal backdrop nestled between Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park. Visitors flock to the annual Terlingua chili championships, a spicy festivity known far and wide. Once a mercury-mining district, Terlingua has transformed into a quaint tourist hub. Despite its charming allure, the town remains tiny and services are limited, preserving a sense of untouched wilderness.
2. Lajitas
Lajitas, a former border outpost, now serves as a resort village with an amusing twist—a goat named Clay Henry as its ‘mayor.’ This tongue-in-cheek tradition has delighted visitors for decades, adding charm to the town’s rugged desert scenery. The breathtaking drive along River Road (FM 170) reveals the striking beauty of the Rio Grande. As Lajitas evolved from a trading post to a resort, it carved a niche between two vast parks. Visitors marvel at the juxtaposition of luxury and wilderness.
3. Marfa
Marfa, renowned for its minimalist land art, captivates with the inexplicable Marfa Lights that dance across the desert. This small town has become a pilgrimage site for art enthusiasts and mystery seekers alike. The Chinati Foundation’s monumental installations draw visitors from around the globe, offering a unique artistic experience. East of town, the official Marfa Lights viewing area beckons those curious about this enduring enigma. It’s a place where art and mystery intertwine seamlessly.
4. Valentine
Valentine might be a speck on the map, but it boasts the surreal ‘Prada Marfa’—an art installation resembling a boutique amid the vast desert. This unexpected spectacle has become an icon of contemporary art, drawing visitors to this remote locale. The drive along US-90 between Van Horn and Marfa adds to the sense of isolation, with sweeping desert vistas and a feeling of endless adventure on the horizon. Valentine’s charm lies in its ability to surprise and delight.
5. Shafter
Shafter, a near-empty silver-mining town, whispers tales of the past with its photogenic ruins and white-stone church. The silence of the desert amplifies its ghostly allure, inviting travelers to explore remnants of its historic era. Situated off US-67, between Presidio and Marfa, it offers a quiet detour into Texas’s mining history. Shafter’s sparse population and wide-open spaces evoke a sense of timelessness, offering a glimpse into a bygone era where nature and history stand frozen.
6. Presidio
Presidio sits where stark river canyons converge, offering dramatic views at the Mexico border. The journey through volcanic mountains and empty basins sets the stage for its breathtaking landscape. A drive along FM 2810 (Pinto Canyon Road) from Marfa promises one of Texas’ most exhilarating adventures. This town, with its rugged beauty, stands as a testament to nature’s artistry, providing a gateway into a realm of untamed wilderness and striking contrasts.
7. Ruidosa
Ruidosa, with its tiny riverside charm, offers a glimpse into a bygone era. The 1914 adobe church stands as a testament to its rich history, while the town’s time-warp feel provides a serene escape from modernity. Tucked at the far end of River Road, it’s a hidden gem for those seeking tranquility. Nearby Chinati Hot Springs offers solace, set in a remote canyon north of town. Ruidosa invites visitors to pause and appreciate simple, timeless beauty.
8. Fort Davis
Fort Davis, an oasis in the desert, captivates with its exceptionally dark night skies, perfect for stargazing. The McDonald Observatory hosts evening Star Parties, offering a glimpse into the cosmos. This town is a ‘sky island’, not just for its celestial wonders but also for its frontier-era charm. The Fort Davis National Historic Site preserves its military past, inviting exploration. Amidst the arid landscape, Fort Davis stands out as a beacon for astronomy enthusiasts.
9. Van Horn
Van Horn finds itself in the heart of spaceport country, as Blue Origin’s Launch Site One operates nearby. This town offers a curious blend of frontier charm and modern exploration. The classic 1930 Trost-designed Hotel El Capitan provides a nostalgic lodging experience, with sunrise views toward the Guadalupe Mountains. Van Horn is a crossroads of the past and future, where space-age aspirations meet timeless desert landscapes. Visitors discover the echoes of history and the pulse of innovation.
10. Sierra Blanca
Sierra Blanca, a lonely county seat, keeps time with its own rhythm. The town, guarded by a volcanic laccolith, offers a unique geological spectacle. Its adobe courthouse and railroad museum provide glimpses into its storied past. The vast desert around gives a sense of isolation, enhanced by the town’s adherence to Mountain Time. Sierra Blanca’s allure lies in its natural wonders and historical anchors, standing resilient at the edge of the Trans-Pecos.
11. Sanderson
Sanderson, dubbed the ‘Cactus Capital of Texas,’ is a haven for those seeking solitude in the prickly desert. Despite its remote location, the town offers a unique charm with its quiet main drag and rich history. The Texas Legislature’s 1999 designation cemented its reputation, celebrating its arid beauty. Wandering through Sanderson, visitors can pause at Terrell County history stops, reflecting on its heritage. This town is a quiet sanctuary where history and landscape intertwine seamlessly.
12. Salt Flat
Salt Flat, with its white salt basin resembling a Martian landscape, intrigues with its stark beauty. Nestled at the foot of the Guadalupe Mountains, this area offers a glimpse into another world. Derelict buildings stand as silent sentinels, witnessing the passage of time. The Pinery ruins, once an 1858 Butterfield Overland Mail station, invite exploration along the short, paved Pinery Trail. Salt Flat’s barren elegance and historical echoes create a haunting yet inviting atmosphere.
