Land
Parks • Recreation • Scenic Routes
You can’t escape the influence of the land in MARFA. You are constantly aware of itand affected by it. Time and distance are forces which you may ignore elsewhere but not here. The unique combination of high desert, grasslands, and mountains is special. Situated at an altitude of 4,830 feet above sea level in a semiarid region with many dry streambeds that the summer thunderstorms fill and further erode. To the north are the Davis Mountains, to the southeast the Chisos Mountains, and to the southwest the Chinati Mountains. MARFA lays semi-protected within these escarpments on a great highland plain known as the Marfa Plateau.
The Big Bend Region
““There is a place in Far West Texas where night skies are dark as coal and rivers carve temple-like canyons in ancient limestone. Here, at the end of the road, hundreds of bird species take refuge in a solitary mountain range surrounded by weather-beaten desert. Tenacious cactus bloom in sublime southwestern sun, and diversity of species is the best in the country. This magical place is Big Bend.””
Visit MARFA and explore the breathtaking Big Bend region in Far West Texas, where you'll find many state and national parks nearby to enjoy the Texas mountains.
The Big Bend region in Far West Texas is a majestic place. It's where the Texas mountains and the Chihuahuan Desert collide. It's where you can hike in the morning, river raft in the afternoon, and stargaze at night. Here, you forget about the constraints of time, emails and to-dos, and instead are guided by the daily dance of the sun and moon over this large sky.
Consider MARFA your headquarters, with comfortable beds and great food and drinks. Just what you'll want after a long hike, leisure bike ride, or photo safari. There are several West Texas road trips to check out that include favorite state and national parks in Texas.
From MARFA, head to Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park via the River Road, one of Texas' most scenic drives. See Fort Leaton State Historic Site near Presidio, learn about the Chihuahuan Desert at Barton Warnock Environmental Center in Lajitas, and grab souvenirs in Terlingua Ghost Town.
Drive northwest of MARFA, through Van Horn to the Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Carlsbad Caverns National Park. The first stop is the iconic Prada Marfa. This art installation is the perfect spot to take photographs. Next, head to Van Horn, where you'll find the historic Hotel El Capitan, designed by acclaimed architect Henry Trost in 1929. Next, hike to the tallest point in Texas (Guadalupe Peak) at the Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Or walk McKittrick Canyon for some of the best fall foliage in Texas. Explore underground at Carlsbad Caverns National Park, where magical cave formations await.
Nearby Fort Davis is a neighboring town full of history, hiking, and science to discover. Experience a Solar Viewing and Tour or Star Party at McDonald Observatory (featuring one of the world's largest telescopes). Look for lizards, hummingbirds, and cacti along the trails at the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center. Explore the well-preserved Fort Davis National Historic Site, a frontier military post during the Indian Wars. Hike Davis Mountains State Park, then go snorkeling or scuba diving at Balmorhea State Park.
Parks
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Balmorhea State Park
Dive into the crystal-clear water of the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool. Swim, scuba dive, or just relax under the trees at this historic park in arid West Texas.
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Big Bend National Park
1 Panther Dr., Big Bend National Park
There is a place in Far West Texas where night skies are dark as coal and rivers carve temple-like canyons in ancient limestone. Here, at the end of the road, hundreds of bird species take refuge in a solitary mountain range surrounded by weather-beaten desert. Tenacious cactus bloom in sublime southwestern sun, and species diversity is the best in the country. This magical place is Big Bend.
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Big Bend Ranch State Park
Big Bend Ranch State Park offers outdoor recreation for the truly adventurous. This remote park features rugged mountains, steep canyons, amazing views, unparalleled night skies, and solitude in a high desert setting. The park stretches along the Rio Grande in far west Texas, on the U.S.-Mexico border.
Learn about the park’s unique environment at the eastern entrance, Barton Warnock Visitor Center, before setting out on your desert adventure!
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Carlsbad Caverns National Park
727 Carlsbad Cavern Hwy, Carlsbad, NM
High ancient sea ledges, deep rocky canyons, flowering cactus, and desert wildlife—treasures above the ground in the Chihuahuan Desert. Hidden beneath the surface are more than 119 caves—formed when sulfuric acid dissolved limestone leaving behind caverns of all sizes.
Reservations strongly recommended. Click the image above or call (877) 444-6777. An entrance pass must also be purchased at the park.
Daily (9:30am - 2:30pm)
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Davis Mountains State Park
High in the mountains of West Texas you will find a beautiful and historic park. Explore Davis Mountains State Park’s miles of trails, stay up late to marvel at the night sky, learn about the history of the park and nearby frontier fort. It’s worth the drive!
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Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Come experience mountains and canyons, desert and dunes, night skies and spectacular vistas within a place unlike any other. Guadalupe Mountains National Park protects the world's most extensive Permian fossil reef, the four highest peaks in Texas, an environmentally diverse collection of flora and fauna, and the stories of lives shaped through conflict, cooperation and survival.
Recreation
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Chinati Hot Springs
Chinati Hot Springs, based out of Ruidosa, TX, has been a refreshing oasis for travelers to the Chihuahuan desert for years. (We are not in Marfa.)
Visitors from both sides of the border have enjoyed the warm mineral springs since before there was a border! Over the years, the springs have traded hands. -
El Barrio Disc Golf Course
A traditional 9-hole course with alternative tee pads for 18-hole play. There are tree obstacles, a few mando holes and one triple mando hole. This course may be on a small foot print however the layout makes it an enjoyable time to challenge your skills. Beware of the windy conditions so carry some heavy discs in your bag. Parking is free on W First Street between N Austin Street and N Abbot Street. Walk north on the walking path and the first hole is on the left by the park benches. Please be mindful and courteous to our neighbors surrounding the course. Have a great time!
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Ebikemarfa
Ebikemarfa offers electric bike rental and tours in Marfa, Texas and surrounding areas. We offer modern ebikes from the best ebike company in America.
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Marfa Maid Dairy
A stop at “the little dairy on the prairie” offers visitors a charming look at the goat milking and cheese making operation owners Malinda Beeman and Allan McClane brought to Marfa in 2006.
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Marfa Municipal Golf Course
This highest golf course in Texas offers cart rentals, golf club rentals, and a driving range. Open all year Tuesday through Sunday.
Green Fees
Tuesday - Thursday ($18.06)
Friday-Sunday & Holidays ($24.44) -
West Texas Adventure Co.
Marfa is a town like none other. Travelers who brave the long, lonely highways are rewarded with an escape from the flotsam of urban life. Time moves slowly in Marfa. Take your time to explore at the ideal pace: the steady stride of a dependable horse. West Texas Adventure Co. employs exceptionally well-trained horses suitable for riders of any experience level.
Your guide, who takes care of all the prep work, will help you saddle up for an informative and relaxed town tour. The ride will last for around two hours, during which time you’ll visit renowned sites, explore downtown, and attract the envy of pedestrians. One caveat: if you don’t own a cowboy hat, you might be sorely tempted to buy one.
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Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute
We're located in the foothills of the Davis Mountains at an elevation of 5,100 ft. The following items are recommended to ensure a safe and fun adventure for you and your family:
• A wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and close-toed shoes with a patterned tread for traction;
• Plenty of water;
• Hiking poles or a walking stick.
Be sure to check in at the Powell Visitor Center upon your arrival. We'll supply you with maps and trail guide booklets for the hiking trails. We'll also provide a map of the Botanical Gardens and information about the many features within its 18-acre fenced area, including the Pollinator Garden, Maxie Templeton Cactus Museum, and the Native Grasses Exhibit.
After hiking, enjoy shopping at our thoughtfully appointed Gift Shop, visit the Mining Exhibit, and stop by the Bird Blind.
Scenic Routes
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Calera Chapel, Balmorhea State Park, Balmorhea Lake
Travel north past the Davis Mountains for a day with the splendor of Balmorhea. Start with the famous San Solomon Springs in Balmorhea State Park where you can snorkel and scuba dive and then take in the wildlife in the city itself, where migratory bird routes keep birdwatchers busy.
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Fort Davis National Historic Site, Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center
A visit to the base of the Davis Mountains offers a look into the past and the beyond. McDonald Observatory’s world-class instruments give a look into deep space, while the historic Fort Davis National Historic Site shows how settlers and military lived in the 1800’s.
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Prada Marfa, Van Horn, Guadalupe Mountains, Carlsbad Caverns National Park
The first stop of this West Texas road trip is Prada Marfa, an art installation in the desert that’s one of the most photographed locales of the region. Next, stop at the historic railroad town of Van Horn before hiking in Guadalupe Mountains National Park—home to the tallest peak in Texas. Then a tour through Carlsbad Caverns National Park, a magical underground world with highlights like King’s Palace and Balloon Ballroom.
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Alpine, Museum of the Big Bend, Marathon, Gage Hotel
Head east on U.S. 90 and in less than half an hour you’ll be in the town of Alpine, home to Sul Ross State University. Explore the Museum of the Big Bend, a fabulous immersion into the history, geology and art of the region. Drive a bit further to Marathon, the picturesque ponds and wildlife in Gage Gardens, and the historic Gage Hotel.
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Cibolo Creek Ranch, Fort Leaton, Terlingua Ghost Town, Big Bend Ranch State Park, Big Bend National Park
You’ll forget to breathe more than once while taking in the wonders along the route to Big Bend Ranch State Park and Big Bend National Park. Whether it’s the majesty of Santa Elena Canyon or the mining ghost town of Terlingua, River Road is full of surprises.
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Chinati Hot Springs, Presidio, Fort Leaton
This West Texas road trip takes you to Pinto Canyon via RM 2810, a gorgeous drive for the adventurous wanderer. The Rio Grande and some of the most scenic West Texas views imaginable await on this excursion. Soak in the Chinati Hot Springs, grab enchiladas in border town Presidio, and step back in time at Fort Leaton. The ghostly Chinati Mountains are your backdrop for this drive.
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Terlingua, Study Butte, Big Bend National Park, Chisos Basin
It’s hard to visit Marfa and not make time to spend in Big Bend National Park. Stop at the ghost town of Terlingua—home to that famous chili cook-off—and grab a bite to eat in Study Butte before entering the park. Revel in the breathtaking views of Santa Elena Canyon’s limestone walls. You can bike, bird, raft and hike in Big Bend.