Cross Country cyclist

Bicyclists making their way across the southern route of the U.S. cycle right through the Texas Mountain Trail region -- from El Paso to Marathon.

Here's a little pooch taking a rest from her trailer!

Hiking Near El Paso

Just above the city of El Paso, there's a hiker's and mountain biker's mecca known as the Franklin Mountains National Park, check it out!

Ocotillo Blossoms

Ocotillo put out their brilliant orange blossoms several times a year.

When you're in the region, plan to visit one of our many excellent nature centers or state parks!

Clark Hotel Museum

Van Horn has always been an overnight stop for the traveler, and its history can be seen in the Culberson County Historical Museum in the old Clark Hotel.

Now the town is known as the Crossroads of the Texas Mountain Trail!

Look up when you're there, check out the interesting architectural details!

Cholla Blossoms

El Capitan

One of the most imposing sights in the state of Texas is El Capitan in the Guadalupe Mountains National Park.

The park preserves an ancient marine reef formed during the Permian Age, 250 million years ago. Geologic uplift created the mountains, now a haven of hikers and outdoor adventurers and a source of study for scientists and geologists

Hotel Paisano

One of our favorite places in Marfa is the historic Hotel Paisano, the headquarters of the filming of the movie, Giant! starring James Dean, Rock Hudson and Elizabeth Taylor.

Just one of the lovely historic properties in the Texas Mountain Trail region, see more at www.texasmountaintrail.com/historichotels

Photo Op

A group enjoying Red Rock Ranch near Van Horn.

Sweet Face

On the Smith Spring Trail...

...and the view of the desert below the Trail, in the Guadalupe Mountains National Park. This is a great trail for families since it starts at the Frijole Ranch house and covers a variety of terrain, including a cool shaded mountain spring, an area frequented by animals and waterfowl, and a historic ranch house.

Cactus Blossom

The last bit of evening light

Taken near Fort Davis.

The Rio Grande at Big Bend

The River Road in Big Bend National Park allows visitors with four wheel drive a scenic view of the desert, the river, and Mexico on the far bank.

The road takes you past ruins of historic ranch houses, Mariscal Mine, and the site of the Hot Springs.

Frontier Cemetery in Fort Davis

On the edge of Fort Davis, on the road to Alpine is a seldom visited, but surprisingly delightful place. Park at the historic marker for the Frontier Cemetery, and walk down a narrow sidewalk to a long unused cemetery. Beautiful and interesting headstones await the visitor!

Cave Kiva

At Hueco Tanks State Historic Site near El Paso, the rocks allow for challenging hiking and bouldering, and provide special places for adventurous visitors, like Cave Kiva.

The park has many fragile ancient rock art pictographs, so visitor access is controlled and limited. Reservations are required, and all visitors must view an orientation video about protecting historic resources and rock art. Visitors come away with a stronger appreciation for the care needed to preserve these important cultural works. Here a group of hikers pause inside Cave Kiva to view the precious mask pictographs.

For other hikes in the Texas Mountain Trail region, vist: www.texasmountaintrail.com/hike

Hiking in Santa Elena Canyon

If you only have one day to visit Big Bend National Park, a "must do" hike is through Santa Elena Canyon, a short hike regularly listed as one of the best in the state. Down Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive is the Visitor Center at Castolon, a quiet place to get off the road and relax a bit, and learn about the history of the area. A little further down the road is the trail head to Santa Elena Canyon, and a short walk to Terlingua Creek. After crossing the creek, you'll climb through several switchbacks to the 1,500 foot cliffs along the Rio Grande. Only 1.7 miles roundtrip, this is hike one of the most spectacular experiences in the park.

Check out the dramatic scale of the canyon...notice the person at the bottom of the picture? Don't you want to be there yourself?

For other great hikes in the Texas Mountain Trail region, visit: www.texasmountaintrail.com/hike

Rodeo Season

Recently, Van Horn had its annual 4H Rodeo, and the crowd enjoyed watching the kids ride and rope.

Rock Art

Ancient rock art is visible in many places throughout the region, including Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Ranch State Park, Red Rock Ranch, and here at Hueco Tanks State Historic Site.

Adventurous rock climbers also know Hueco Tanks as a world-class bouldering site. To allow a balance between preserving the small park's precious history, and allowing climbers to enjoy the boulders, visitation at the park is limited.

Visitors are welcomed, it is strongly suggested you make reservations for a rock art, hiking, birding or bouldering tour prior to arriving in the area, but it is worth it!

Shoes on the Ranch

If you don't slow down and take it easy, you miss the most incredible things....

Just north of Valentine, not far from Marfa, there's a surprise for unsuspecting travelers, an art installation, called Prada Marfa.

You can read more about it, here.

Visit the fine folks at Ballroom Marfa, when you're in the area. They helped this project come to fruition, and they bring a steady stream of high quality visual and performing arts projects to the region!

Beautiful Sunrise

Out here our wide open spaces let you see the entire beautiful sky...

Fort Leaton

Near Presidio, visitors are welcome at the Fort Leaton State Historic Site, an adobe trading post built in 1848 by Ben Leaton. He built the fortress at a strategic site on the Chihuahua-San Antonio Trail and dominated border trade with the Apache and Comanche Indians before he died in 1851.

Ysleta Mission

Home of a still active congregation, the Ysleta Mission is part of El Paso County's famed Mission Trail.

Biking in Big Bend

For more information about biking in the region, click here.

For more information about biking and other fun things to do in Big Bend National Park, click here.

For suggestions for a trip for a girlfriend getaway, a family vacation, click here.

Donald Judd's Home in Marfa

Tours are available through the Chinati Foundation in Marfa a mecca for minimalist art lovers. Marfa offers visual and performing arts events and excellent restaurants, click here for more information about Chinati Foundation!

Prickly Pear blossoms

Check out one of our many excellent nature centers in the region!

Railroad

Seen between Alpine and Marfa!,

To visit transportation-related museums and exhibits, click here.

Mitre Peak

Taken from the Girl Scout Camp between Alpine and Fort Davis.

Uncle Sam

At Los Noplales and Fancy Junk in Van Horn. A special Uncle Sam shout-out to the artist, Gerald Scott of Van Horn!

Top Ten 15-Minute Rest Stops

Point of Rocks rest area on the Scenic Loop near Fort Davis, just one of the best little spots off the road--on our list of Top Ten 15-Minute Rest Stops in the Texas Mountain Trail region.

As you're traveling, take some quiet time off the road. Stop at one of of the special places for a chance to see wildlife, GREAT mountain views, or charming insights into life in our towns and cities.

Click here to check out the entire list!

Prickly Pear

Visit one of our many excellent nature centers in the region, for more information, click here.

Franklin Mountains

The Franklin Mountains State Park, right in El Paso, is a mecca for mountain bikers and hikers. Check it out, here.

Also, check out the hiking and biking pages on the Texas Mountain Trail website!