All road trips

3-day road trip · ≈ 600 miles · Best October–April

Big Bend & Marfa Dark Skies

The darkest skies in the lower 48 and art in the desert.

Visitor tip

Fuel up every chance you get — stations are 80+ miles apart.

  1. Day 1: Into the desert

    • 1
      Balmorhea State Park

      Toyahvale · The world's largest spring-fed swimming pool — crystal-clear, 72 degrees and full of tiny desert fish.

    • 2
      McDonald Observatory

      Fort Davis · Research telescopes atop Mount Locke and public star parties under some of the darkest skies in North America.

      ≈ 30 mi, 0.6 hrs from previous stop

    Eat: Fort Davis Drug StoreSleep: Hotel Limpia, Fort Davis

  2. Day 2: Marfa

    • 3
      Marfa

      Marfa · A high-desert town of minimalist art, open skies and the mysterious Marfa Lights.

      ≈ 33 mi, 0.6 hrs from previous stop

    Eat: Marfa BurritoSleep: Hotel Saint George

  3. Day 3: Big Bend

    • 4
      Big Bend National Park

      Terlingua · Desert, river and mountains in one park — the Chisos range, Santa Elena Canyon and the darkest skies in Texas.

      ≈ 113 mi, 2.1 hrs from previous stop

    Eat: Starlight TheatreSleep: Chisos Mountains Lodge

Drive times are estimates. Check hours and reservations before you go.

Ask the Texan