Yes, you read that right, there is a real town in Texas where the mayor has hooves, horns, and a serious thing for beer.
This is not a made-up roadside story or something from a weird dream, because people actually come from all over to meet him.
He does not sign bills or give speeches, but he does chug bottles of beer like a champ and pose for photos like a celebrity.
The town itself is tiny, but it sits in one of the state’s most beautiful corners and is surrounded by crazy-cool views.
Where Is It?
Lajitas sits deep in West Texas, right between Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park.
It’s right along the Rio Grande, just a stone’s throw from the Mexican border.
If you’re driving, it’s about 5 hours from El Paso, 7 hours from San Antonio, and 7 hours and 40 minutes from Austin, so you’ll want to set aside a solid travel window.
The History Of The Goat Mayor
The whole thing began in the 1980s when town owner Walter Mischer and some friends were snowed in and lightheartedly decided Lajitas needed a mayor.
The first “candidate” chosen was a Houston visitor named Tommy Steele.
But a local man named Bill Ivey did not like the idea of an outsider taking the role, so he nominated his goat, Clay Henry, as a contender.
The original Clay Henry already had a reputation for drinking beer at the local trading post, and he actually won the next mock election.
Think less political campaign, more desert-style comedy show.
At the time, Lajitas was a tiny unincorporated town with no real government, so the idea of a beer-guzzling goat in charge just kind of stuck.
And naturally, it wasn’t long before tourists started showing up to see the four-legged mayor for themselves.
Clay Henry became a local celebrity in no time, and he was best known for knocking back cold beers offered by visitors.
But like any true legend, Clay Henry’s reign did not last, and his son with the same name took over the job.
Then came Clay Henry III, followed by Clay Henry IV, and their succession turned the beer-drinking goat mayor tradition into a dynasty.
Can You Meet The Goat Mayor?
Absolutely, you can meet the goat mayor, and that is honestly half the reason people swing through Lajitas.
Clay Henry IV lives right beside the Lajitas General Store in a custom pen marked by a big ol’ sign that proudly declares his title.
No appointment is needed, since the pen is open during daylight hours and you can walk right up to the fence for a close-up.
He doesn’t pound beers like his grand-goat-daddy used to, so most folks simply stop for a quick photo, feed him a few approved pellets, and enjoy his company.
And if your timing lines up with a local event or festival, you might even see the mayor make a special “appearance,” which usually gathers a small crowd.
Things To Do In & Around Lajitas
Once you have greeted the mayor (and possibly seen him headbutt a fence post for fun), there’s still plenty to keep you busy around Lajitas.
This town may be small, but it sits among some of the most gorgeous landscapes in Texas and serves as a great launchpad for exploring the Big Bend region.
Big Bend Ranch State Park
First up is nearby Big Bend Ranch State Park, which does not get as much attention as Big Bend National Park but is just as stunning and far less crowded.
To explore, the Closed Canyon Trail is a must, since it is only 1.4 miles round-trip and takes you through a narrow slot canyon with towering walls on both sides.
Drive the River Road
If you’re feeling adventurous, drive the River Road (FM 170).
It winds along the Rio Grande between Lajitas and Presidio, and it’s one of the most scenic drives in the entire state.
You’ll see epic desert views, dramatic cliffs, and photo ops around every curve.
One of the best pull-off spots is the Hoodoos Trail, where you can wander among funky rock formations that look straight out of a sci-fi movie.
Golf
Just outside town, you will also find Lajitas Golf Resort, and yes, it has a full 18-hole course right in the middle of the desert.
It is called Black Jack’s Crossing and has been ranked among the best golf courses in Texas.
River Activities
For a change of pace, you can book a river trip on the Rio Grande, with local outfitters offering kayak rentals and rafting tours through Colorado Canyon.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is another big draw, and you can saddle up with Lajitas Stables to hit the desert trails like an old-school cowboy.
They offer rides ranging from one hour to full-day adventures, and the scenery is wild in every direction.
Terlingua
If you have extra time, make sure to visit Terlingua Ghost Town just 15 minutes down the road.
It is an old mining town turned desert hangout, filled with crumbling ruins, live music, and a weirdly beautiful cemetery.
Check out The Starlight Theatre for dinner and a show, because it is an actual restaurant inside an old theater, and it is every bit as cool as it sounds.
Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park is just about 30 minutes from Lajitas and is absolutely worth the visit.
With more than 150 miles of trails, epic canyons like Santa Elena, and hikes such as the Lost Mine Trail, it is basically a giant outdoor playground.
Basically, Lajitas is part goat-mayor novelty and part desert adventure basecamp, with hiking, kayaking, golfing, and horseback riding all right at your fingertips.
Know Before You Go
If Lajitas is on your mind, you are in for a great trip, but make sure to check a few things before you hit the road.
When to Go
West Texas can get brutal in the summer, so the best times to visit are October through April, when the weather is actually pleasant.
Spring brings wildflowers, fall has dreamy sunsets, and winter is cool but still totally doable.
Other Tips
Cell service is spotty at best, so download your maps ahead of time and maybe warn your group chat that you’ll be off-grid for a bit.
There’s no major grocery store in Lajitas, so stock up on essentials in Alpine or Terlingua before you roll in.
The town is tiny, but it is not entirely off the grid, since Lajitas Golf Resort offers a hotel, spa, pool, and restaurants.
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