If you’re up for an adventure that blends small-town charm, stargazing, spooky stories, and a rugged desert experience, buckle up for the ultimate West Texas road trip!

We made the journey in our RV, towing a small car. Road-tripping in our RV felt like having a little mobile oasis wherever we went! We could park wherever adventure called, then jump in the car to explore hidden gems off the beaten path. Plus, we loved having pizza in the oven while we were cruising - nothing like a hot meal on wheels :) We truly had the ultimate mix of freedom, flexibility, and non-stop fun!

On our eight wheels, we toured the whole area, from the artsy vibes of Alpine to the ghostly whispers of Terlingua and the awe-inspiring vastness of Big Bend National Park. This journey is filled with unique stops and unforgettable landscapes. Let’s hit the road!

Alpine, Texas, is the kind of town that feels like a warm hug. Located in the mountains of West Texas, it’s full of colorful murals, quirky boutiques, and friendly faces. Start exploring with a stroll down Holland Avenue, where you’ll find adorable shops like Front Street Books, the perfect spot to grab a novel for the road, and Vintage Antiques & Snazzy Things, a treasure trove of unique finds. Of course, we ended up with a vintage rusty metal Texas Star vibing an original Retro Western look.

For a quick caffeine fix, head to Cedar Coffee Supply, where the oat milk lattes are as smooth as the West Texas sunsets. They do have regular coffee, too :) And if you're hungry, Reata Restaurant serves up an amazing charbroiled rib eye and lots of other Tex-Mex goodies.
Tip: Try the bacon-wrapped shrimp!

McDonald Observatory
Next, drive about an hour north to the McDonald Observatory, one of the best stargazing spots in the country. The drive itself is beautiful, with rolling hills giving way to endless desert skies. Book a daytime tour to peek inside the massive telescopes and learn about the cosmos, or, if you’re up for something extra magical, join a Star Party. You will spend an unforgettable evening under one of the darkest skies in the U.S., viewing planets, galaxies, and constellations in all their starry beauty.

After soaking up the stars, head south toward the ghost town of Terlingua, an old mining settlement that’s equal parts eerie and enchanting. The drive down is classic West Texas, with long stretches of highway and mountains rising in the distance. Once you arrive, wander through the hauntingly beautiful Terlingua Cemetery. You'll find weathered wooden crosses and stone markers that whisper stories of the past. You can almost feel the ghosts of the Old West lingering nearby, as if they might appear at any moment. Truly spooky!

And as the sun sets, there’s only one place to be: The Starlight Theatre. What was once an abandoned cinema is now a lively restaurant and bar with live music and mouthwatering chili rellenos. Grab a seat, order a refreshing margarita or more, and soak in the desert magic.

If you’re looking for a little cowboy luxury, Lajitas Resort is the spot. It’s got that Old West charm mixed with upscale vibes and feels like stepping into a classic Western movie. Just a short drive from Terlingua, Lajitas Golf Resort sits right on the banks of the Rio Grande, with its Western-style buildings set against the stunning backdrop of Lajitas Mesa. Since we had our RV, we stayed at their RV park but still got to enjoy all the resort’s amenities. It ended up being our basecamp for exploring Big Bend!

Feel like teeing off on one of Texas’s most epic golf courses or saddling up for a horseback ride along the edge of Big Bend? This spot is the perfect mix of groomed adventure and total wilderness. The views? Unreal. The vibes? Wild West & Cowboy Chic.

Cool cowboy fact we picked up on our ride: they always carry a short piece of gardenhose - just in case their horse takes a rattlesnake bite while trekking through rugged terrain. Talk about Wild West survival hacks!

No West Texas road trip is complete without exploring Big Bend National Park. Wake up early to catch the sunrise over the Chisos Mountains, then set out on a hike to Santa Elena Canyon. Here, towering cliffs frame the Rio Grande, creating one of the most breathtaking sights in Big Bend. The trail is about 2.5 km and offers a relatively easy trek through this beautiful landscape. You can also get a kayak and paddle the Rio Grande, because why not casually step into Mexico for a minute? No passport required, just a sense of adventure and a good paddle stroke. :)
Hiking, kayaking, or just driving through the park, you’ll find the landscapes here truly spectacular. If you’re up for one last adventure at the end of the day, take a short drive - just over an hour from Terlingua - to reach the Hot Springs. These ancient geothermal waters bubble up at a warm 40°C, packed with minerals believed to heal body and soul. There is a natural riverside pool where you can jump in. It really is the perfect way to unwind after a long day of exploring.

As you drive back, take one last look at the wide-open skies and rugged terrain of West Texas. This road trip is more than just a drive, it’s an experience, a journey through some of the most beautiful and unexpected corners of Texas. We felt like every stop we made on this route was packed with character and adventure.


Tips for Big Bend National Park:
Always check the BBNP webpage for updates on trails and weather conditions!
Always bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, and good shoes!
Be aware of snakes and scorpions!

Closest airport: El Paso International Airport
RV Rental: Outdoorsy

Important Links:
Travel Texas
Lajitas Resort
Visit Alpine
Mc Donald Observatory