River Road Bike Route!

Bike route on the River Road, Hwy 170, click on the photo for a closer view!

Some places capture the imagination more than others...and one of the best is the winding, exciting, Hwy 170, "the River Road" between Presidio and Terlingua.  Not only is it a great driving and motorcycling road, but it is a challenging, yet thoroughly satisfying bike route...check it out!  Much of the route cuts through the edge of Big Bend Ranch State Park, and slides by the Rio Grande. 

For more regional cycling information, visit: www.texasmountaintrail.com/bike

Wintertime swim

There's a place northwest of Presidio that offers hot springs and a cool pool with a great view of the mountains, Chinati Hot Springs.  You can camp or stay in one of their adobe/stone cabins, and some of those cabins even have private hot pools.  The place is ultra-relaxed and unpretentious...all meals are on your own and there's a communal kitchen available to every guest at the property.  There's also hiking trails on the property, which we suggest you take early in the morning, so you can see the rosy light on the mountains all around!

Pinto Canyon Road

One of the best 4x4 adventures in the region is the drive from Marfa to Presidio on FM2810, known as the Pinto Canyon Road.  Driving south of out Marfa, the smooth asphalt turns to rocky adventure suitable only for the most rugged of vehicles and the most adventurous drivers.  While it is tempting to explore off-road, don't, as the road is surrounded by private land and some landowners to not welcome visitors on their property.  That fact doesn't detract from the sheer adventure of traveling the road itself.  Have fun and expect a bumpy ride!

Early Ranching Photos

This wonderful image is in the collection of the Marfa and Presidio County Museum, and this copy was sent to us by Randy Mallory on assignment for the Texas Historical Commission.  The Museum, on San Antonio Street in Marfa, has an impressive photography collection and exhibits telling the story of early Marfa and Presidio County.

Historic Hotels

Pictured here is the entrance of the famed Marfa hotel, The Hotel Paisano. It was the home for the production of the classic western film, Giant! The film's stars Rock Hudson, Elizabeth Taylor and James Dean are memorialized in the hotel's display about the film.

More Giant! memorabilia and photographs can be viewed at the Marfa and Presidio County Historical Museum.

More regional historic hotels can be found here.