Topic

West Texas

Articles, guides, and practical Texas travel information tagged West Texas.

11 guides

Rugged dirt and gravel road winds through volcanic cliffs of Pinto Canyon toward the Chinati Mountains in West Texas

Places to Visit

Pinto Canyon Road (FM 2810): Overlanding Guide from Marfa to the Rio Grande

Drive Pinto Canyon Road (FM 2810) from Marfa to Ruidosa. Practical guide to vehicle clearance, unpaved canyon switchbacks, Chinati views, and safety.

13 min readUpdated Oct 2026

Straight two-lane highway stretches across the West Texas desert toward the towering limestone cliffs of El Capitan

Places to Visit

The Lonesome Highway (US-285 to El Capitan): Photography Stops & Route Planning Tips

Photograph the iconic Lonesome Highway toward El Capitan in West Texas. Expert guide to TX-54, US-62/180, camera settings, pullouts, and safety.

13 min readUpdated Oct 2026

Telescope domes at McDonald Observatory on a dark West Texas ridge above the visitor center

Places to Visit

McDonald Observatory Star Party: Tickets, Schedule, Passes & Visitor Tips

Plan your McDonald Observatory Star Party visit. Complete guide to ticket booking, evening schedules, red-light rules, weather policies, and mountain lodging.

11 min readUpdated Oct 2026

Tan brick facade and arched entrance of the Gage Hotel beneath the Milky Way in Marathon, Texas

Places to Visit

Marathon Texas Stargazing: Gage Hotel Viewing, Target Marathon & Dark Sky Lodging

Plan your Marathon Texas stargazing trip: complete guide to the Gage Hotel, Marathon Motel telescope courtyard, Target Marathon photos, and dark-sky lodging.

11 min readUpdated Oct 2026

A camera on a tripod captures the Milky Way above the Rio Grande at Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend

Places to Visit

Astrophotography in Texas: Best Milky Way Spots, Camera Settings & Dark Sky Calendars

Master Texas astrophotography with our complete guide to Milky Way spots, camera settings, 500 Rule formulas, seasonal calendars, and dark sky park rules.

12 min readUpdated Oct 2026

Santa Elena Canyon and the Rio Grande beneath the Milky Way in Big Bend National Park, Texas

Places to Visit

Stargazing in Texas: The Ultimate Guide to Dark Sky Parks, Observatories & Night Skies

Explore the ultimate guide to stargazing in Texas. Discover dark sky parks, McDonald Observatory star parties, Bortle 1 wilderness, and night sky calendars.

15 min readUpdated Oct 2026

Santa Elena Canyon limestone walls and the Rio Grande beneath the Milky Way in Big Bend, Texas

Places to Visit

Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve: Exploring the World's Largest Dark Sky Region

Explore the Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve. Complete guide to 15,000 square miles of Bortle 1 skies, national parks, and viewing spots.

12 min readUpdated Oct 2026

Panoramic view of Scenic Mountain limestone bluff and West Texas plains at Big Spring State Park

Texas State Parks

Big Spring State Park Map, Hours, Trails & Tips

Plan your trip to Big Spring State Park with free admission hours, Scenic Mountain loop drive, nature trails, CCC history, and West Texas travel tips.

11 min readUpdated Oct 2026

Spectators gathered near the Presidio County Courthouse in Marfa Texas during the annual Marfa Lights Festival

Texas State

Marfa Lights Festival 2026: Official Dates, Schedule, and Tickets

Discover all you need to know about the Marfa Lights Festival 2026. Get dates, weekend schedules, free courthouse events, and viewing center tips here!

9 min readUpdated Sep 2026

Historic downtown Highland Avenue leading to the Presidio County Courthouse in Marfa Texas

Places to Visit

Marfa Weekend Itinerary: Art, Food, Hotels and Desert Day Trips

Plan your perfect Marfa weekend itinerary. Discover 2026 tour booking rules for Chinati, Judd Foundation, Marfa Lights, Prada Marfa, and local hotels.

13 min readUpdated Sep 2026

Panoramic desert landscape and rugged mountain view in West Texas

Places to Visit

20 Hidden Gems in West Texas You Can't Miss!

Explore 20 secluded hidden gems in West Texas, from Balmorhea's spring-fed pool and Hueco Tanks to ghost towns, dark sky observatories, and sand dunes.

16 min readUpdated Sep 2026