Ready to hit the open road and explore a side of Texas most people never see?
This isn’t your typical BBQ-and-cowboy trip—it’s all about wide-open deserts, sky-high mountains, ghost towns, and stretches of quiet roads.
Along the way, you’ll cruise past towering cliffs, slide down sand dunes, hike trails with endless views, and even stumble upon a hidden swimming hole.
Every stop offers its own little adventure, so grab some snacks, fill up the tank, and let’s map one unforgettable ride across West Texas.
1. Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park, located in Far West Texas along the Rio Grande, is known for its vast deserts, steep canyons, and the Chisos Mountains rising tall in the middle.
You can hike up the Lost Mine Trail for crazy-good views or soak in the natural hot springs by the river.
After that, drive the winding Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive past old ranches and volcanic rock formations.
Fun fact: Big Bend is one of the best spots in the entire U.S. for stargazing, thanks to having some of the darkest night skies anywhere!
2. Terlingua Ghost Town
Just down the road from Big Bend, you’ll hit Terlingua Ghost Town—a dusty little spot that used to be a bustling mercury mining town.
You can wander past crumbling adobe ruins, grab a cold drink at the Starlight Theatre, and check out the funky art shops and an old Wild West-style cemetery.
Stick around after sunset—the town might be “ghostly,” but the starry sky and live music give it serious small-town magic vibes.
3. Big Bend Ranch State Park
Keep cruising west and you’ll roll right into Big Bend Ranch State Park, the wild little sibling of Big Bend National Park but way less crowded and way more rugged.
This place is all about jagged canyons, lava rock formations, and over 300,000 acres of desert trails, ideal for hiking, mountain biking, or even horseback riding.
For one of the state’s most scenic drives, hit River Road (FM 170) as it hugs the Rio Grande with sharp curves and nonstop views.
4. Alpine
After all that desert exploring, swing up north to Alpine—a chill little town in the Davis Mountains.
Here, you can stroll around mural-covered buildings, pop into local shops, and catch a baseball game at Kokernot Field, known as the “Yankee Stadium of Texas.”
Bonus: Fuel up with a gourmet hotdog at the Cow Dog food truck before heading deeper into the mountains.
5. Fort Davis National Historic Site
Just a quick drive from Alpine lands you at Fort Davis National Historic Site, where you can walk through one of the best-preserved frontier forts in the country.
This place used to be home to Buffalo Soldiers and cavalry troops protecting West Texas in the 1800s.
Now, you can roam the old barracks, peek inside officers’ homes, and even stand inside the original hospital.
It’s like stepping straight into a history book—but with mountain views and way better photo ops.
6. Davis Mountains State Park
Right next door to the fort, Davis Mountains State Park cranks up the scenery with rolling hills, twisty mountain roads, and some cool camping spots.
You can hike the Skyline Drive Trail for sweeping views, spot javelinas wandering in the brush, or kick back at Indian Lodge—a cozy adobe hotel built in the 1930s.
For sunset lovers, the overlook puts on a golden-hour display you won’t forget.
7. Balmorhea State Park
Once you’ve soaked up those mountain views, cruise about an hour north to Balmorhea State Park.
It’s a total desert surprise with a massive spring-fed swimming pool right in the middle of nowhere.
The crystal-clear San Solomon Springs stays a crisp 72 to 76 degrees year-round, inviting you to swim, snorkel, or scuba dive alongside fish and turtles.
It’s the perfect place to cool off and recharge before tackling the final stretch of your trip.
8. Monahans Sandhills State Park
Next up, swing east to Monahans Sandhills State Park, where the desert suddenly flips into an endless sea of soft, rolling sand dunes.
This spot is all about sand sledding—so grab a plastic sled at the park HQ and spend the afternoon zooming down the hills like you’re in Texas’s version of a snow day.
And if you’re lucky, you might spot a few jackrabbits or lizards darting between the dunes while you catch your breath.
9. Guadalupe Mountains National Park
End your West Texas road trip with a bang at Guadalupe Mountains National Park, home to the tallest peak in the state and some seriously epic hiking.
If you’re up for the challenge, you can tackle the Guadalupe Peak Trail.
It’s an 8.5-mile round-trip trek that will take you to 8,751 feet above sea level, with views that go on forever.
If you’d rather skip the climb, explore McKittrick Canyon’s colorful fall foliage, hidden springs, and a historic stone cabin that feels like a secret hideout.
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