Alex & Nicole
Explore West Texas
Big Bend National Park - Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
The Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive is a popular 30-mile paved road in Big Bend National Park, Texas, known for stunning Chihuahuan Desert views, diverse geology, and access to trails like Santa Elena Canyon. Key stops include Sotol Vista, Mule Ears Overlook, and the historic Castolon area, offering varied landscapes from mountains to the Rio Grande, perfect for scenic driving and short hikes. Key Highlights & Stops: Sotol Vista: Offers panoramic views of the Chisos Mountains. Mule Ears Viewpoint: Features iconic rock formations resembling donkey ears. Tuff Canyon: A short hike leads to a narrow canyon formed by volcanic tuff. Lower Burro Mesa Pour-Off: A canyon formed by flash floods, accessible by a short hike. Castolon Historic District: A former village with historic buildings and homestead remnants like Sam Nail Ranch. Santa Elena Canyon: The drive ends at the trailhead for this spectacular canyon on the Rio Grande.
Big Bend National Park - Santa Elena Canyon
Roundtrip Distance: 1.6 miles (2.6 km) Elevation Change: 80 feet (26 m) Average Hiking Time: 1 hour The trail begins at the end of the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive and is one of the prettiest short trails in the park. To access the trail, hikers must first cross the bed of Terlingua Creek, and climb a short but steep bank. Conditions change constantly at this location. As the trail enters the canyon mouth, it climbs a series of concrete steps to a high viewpoint. From the viewpoint, the trail slopes gradually down to the river’s edge and continues winding among large boulders until it ends abruptly where the canyon wall meets the Rio Grande. This is one of the narrowest places in the seven-mile long Santa Elena Canyon. Rest for a bit, and listen for the descending notes of the canyon wren or the call of the raven high along the canyon walls.
Big Bend National Park - Balanced Rock
The Balanced Rock Trail in Big Bend National Park, accessed via the rough Grapevine Hills Road (requiring a high-clearance vehicle), is a popular, relatively easy 2-mile round trip hike leading to an iconic, precariously balanced rock formation in the Grapevine Hills, known for its boulder-strewn, volcanic geology and requiring caution on the final rocky ascent. Length: About 2 miles round trip. Difficulty: Easy to moderate; mostly flat with a rocky, steep scramble at the end. Time: 1-2 hours. Elevation: Mild, around 80-246 feet gain. Terrain: Sandy wash for most of the way, then a final rocky climb over boulders. Key Features: Iconic Formation: A large boulder seemingly defying gravity on a narrow base, popular for photos. Volcanic Origin: The rocks formed underground (intrusive) and weather spherically, creating unique shapes. Grapevine Hills Road: A rough, unpaved, 6.5-mile road to the trailhead, best with a high-clearance vehicle.
Big Bend National Park - Window Trail
The Window Trail in Big Bend National Park is a popular, moderately challenging 5.6-mile roundtrip hike in the Chisos Basin, known for its stunning desert views through a natural rock "window," but be prepared for a significant uphill climb on the return after an initial downhill descent. Starting near the Chisos Basin Lodge or Campground, this out-and-back trail follows Oak Creek, descending to the Window Pour-Off with little shade and requiring plenty of water and sun protection, with the return hike being strenuous due to the elevation gain. Length: ~5.6 miles roundtrip. Elevation Change: About 1,000 feet, all on the return. Difficulty: Moderate; the downhill in and uphill out makes it strenuous. What to Expect: The Ascent: The return trip is a steady uphill climb back to the basin.
Big Bend Motor Inn Store and Restaurant
Inside the gas station is Big Bend Resort & Adventures Café which serves simple cafeteria style meals. The café is open seven days a week, 7am - 9pm and serves generous portions of breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The convenience store next door offers quick snack options, picnic supplies, ice, basic groceries, gasoline, and diesel fuel. Propane is also available for RV's.
Big Bend Ranch State Park
Big Bend Ranch State Park is the largest state park in Texas. It features rugged mountains, canyons, and a designation as an International Dark Sky Park. Activities include hiking, mountain biking, backpacking, paddling, and exploring by vehicle, and the park offers primitive camping and a unique back country experience. Location of infamous “river road”
Lajitas Golf Resort - Blackjack Crossing Golf Course
Located at Lajitas Golf Resort, a 27,000-acre resort along the Rio Grande, Black Jack’s Crossing was designed by golf superstar Lanny Wadkins, winner of the 1977 PGA Championship, eight-time member of the US Ryder Cup team (as well as 1995 team captain), and inductee into the World Golf Hall of Fame. Named after U.S. Army General, “Black Jack” Pershing who pursued Pancho Villa across the Rio Grande, the golf course combines the historical features of the land with the stunning setting of Big Bend National Park. Several breathtaking mountain holes set against spectacular mountain vistas make this course a true work of art. The historic Lajitas Trading Post (ca. 1800’s), having survived the battles of Pershing, serves as the Pro Shop and Longhorn Museum. The Trading Post (now used as Black Jack’s Crossing Clubhouse) is a remnant from the early Texas Frontier where cowboys and miners bartered for supplies and drank whiskey.
Lajitas Golf Resort - Equestrian Center
Conveniently located on property at Lajitas Golf Resort directly across from Lajitas Mesa, the Stables & Equestrian Center at Lajitas Golf Resort offers a variety of services including trail rides, basic or advanced riding clinics and boarding. We strive to match horse and rider so that the trail riding experience is enjoyable for any and every skill level. 2 1/2 Mile and 5 Mile Trail Rides These rides traverse Comanche Creek and travel along historic trails that provide breathtaking views of Mesa de Anguila, Lajitas Mesa and Mexico
Lajitas Golf Resort - Shooting Activities
Five Stand Sporting Clay Shoot This shotgun shooting game using sporting clays, allows shooters of all abilities some of the most exciting target combinations available. One round consists of 25 shots, with groups of shots being taken from each shooting stand. Cowboy Action Shoot Our cowboy shooters know their way around any kind of weapon of the Old West and will show you how it’s done. Our town of Stargazer Springs is full of nostalgia and awaiting targets. You will walk through town shooting a single-action pistol, a side-by-side shot-gun, and a lever-action rifle. Combat Course Try your hand at our recently redesigned combat course and tactical range. The layout of the course is a simulation of what soldiers would do in an active field environment. Weapons used here are the AR-15 rifle, Glock 9mm pistol, and a 12 gauge tactical pump shotgun as you experience making your way through this simulated combat atmosphere with interactive targets. Minimum age is 13.
Desert Lotus Healing Arts
After a big day of exploring treat yourself to some of the best body work around offered by Desert Lotus Healing Arts. They have a wide variety of massage treatment options ranging from Rolfing, Swedish, Deep Tissue, Jin Shin Do, hot stone, couples massages and more. Schedule with them directly through their website or via text: (432) 386-0305. With groups of 2+ they will come to the property and massage you at your casita.
Terlingua Ghost Town
Terlingua Ghost Town in Texas is a historic mercury mining town that became a ghost town after mining ceased in the 1940s but has since transformed into a quirky tourist destination, known for its quirky art, historic cemetery, and hosting the World Championship Chili Cookoff, attracting visitors with unique lodging, desert vibes, and remnants of its rich past near Big Bend National Park. History Mining Boom: Established around 1903 by the Chisos Mining Company, Terlingua became a major quicksilver producer. Decline: Operations ceased after World War II, leading to its decline into a ghost town by the late 1930s/early 1940s. Sites Terlingua Cemetery: A historic, National Register-listed cemetery with unique grave decorations. Starlight Theatre: An old theater now a restaurant and bar, popular for local gatherings. Terlingua Trading Company: The old company store, offering gifts, beer, and lodging. Art & Sculptures: Quirky metal sculptures and art galleries dot the landscape.
La Posada Milagro Coffee Shop
La Posada Milagro Coffee Shop is located in the heart of Terlingua's ghost town. Owned by the always wonderful and welcoming, Mimi, it is a great place to grab breakfast and check emails (offers wifi!). They serve a delicious Mexican breakfast and lunch, open 7:30 AM- 2 PM. Built atop ruins, this charming coffee shop / lunch destination serves as an early morning meeting spot for Terlingua travelers headed into the park. It is also the La Posada Milagro hotel guest check- in location.
Starlight Theatre
The historic Starlight Theatre is a gathering place for all. It serves as a restaurant, bar and venue for singers/songwriters. In its hay day, the stage saw greats like Willie Nelson, Gary P. Nunn, and Jerry Jeff Walker. Since then, it has continued to bring in musical acts to play for diners and passersby. Starlight opens its doors at 5 PM but the front porch, which wraps around the entirety of the building, starts to fill up around 3:30 with locals who come wielding guitars and cases of beer (BYOB to the porch) while mingling with neighbors & travelers. Open from 5 PM to 11PM Daily Listen: Gary P. Nunn's 'Terlingua Sky'
Far Flung Outdoor Center
Looking for a guided river trip down the Rio Grande? Interested in a jeep or ATV tour? Guided hikes, step on guides, rentals and shuttles are also available. Located in nearby Terlingua, Far Flung is a full service outfitter.
Prada Marfa
Heading to Marfa? This art piece is about 2.5 hours away from the Willow House and a must see. Keep in mind that most Marfa businesses are closed Monday - Wednesday. If you drive here at night, watch out for the suicide bunnies
University of Texas McDonald Observatory
About 2 hours away from the Willow House The Visitors Center is open 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Check the calendar for programs and start times. General Admission: Explore the Visitors Center exhibit gallery and gift shop and take a self-guided tour of both summits. Solar Viewing: This theater-based program includes live views of the sun (weather permitting) as well as a discussion of the formation, visible features, and the future of the Sun. On not-so-clear days, previously captured video and stills are used. This is typically a 45-50 minute program. Guided Tours: Experience an up-close look at large research telescopes at McDonald Observatory. The program includes general admission to the Visitors Center and a guided tour of two of our research telescopes (approximately 90-120-minutes).