📍 United States

FAR WEST TEXAS: DESERT ART, GHOST TOWNS AND BIG BEND

Minimalist art glowing in desert twilight, ghost town saloons serving cold beers, canyon walls blazing at sunset. West Texas defies expectations.

≈ 8
Days
990
Km
6
Stops
📖 4 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Venture into the wild Texas frontier in seven extraordinary days. Begin with El Paso's border blend, drift toward Marfa's minimalist art installations gleaming in desert light. Explore ghost town Terlingua's saloons, hike Big Bend's spectacular canyons. End at Fort Davis under North America's darkest skies.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

El Paso

border city franklin mountains mission trail

El Paso - Photo 1El Paso - Photo 2El Paso - Photo 3El Paso - Photo 4El Paso - Photo 5El Paso - Photo 6El Paso - Photo 7El Paso - Photo 8El Paso - Photo 9El Paso - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of downtown El Paso and its historic architecture
2
Exploration of the Mission Trail district and Socorro Mission
3
Visit to Franklin Mountains State Park for a panoramic hike
🎯

Activities

→
Viewing of Casa de Azucar, emblematic artisanal work of El Paso
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 320 km
Travel time: 2h45
2
Day

Marfa

prada installation chinati foundation desert art

Marfa - Photo 1Marfa - Photo 2Marfa - Photo 3Marfa - Photo 4Marfa - Photo 5Marfa - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of the artistic center of Marfa and the Chinati Foundation founded by Donald Judd
2
Observation of the Prada Marfa sculpture in Valentine
🎯

Activities

→
Walking tour through the streets of Marfa to admire the artistic installations and galleries
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 150 km
Travel time: 2h
3
Day

Terlingua

ghost town chili cookoff starlight cantina

Terlingua - Photo 1Terlingua - Photo 2Terlingua - Photo 3Terlingua - Photo 4Terlingua - Photo 5Terlingua - Photo 6Terlingua - Photo 7
7 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Scenic drive El Camino Del Rio between Presidio and Lajitas along the Rio Grande
2
Exploration of Big Bend Ranch State Park and observation of Colorado Canyon
🎯

Activities

→
Horseback excursion in the Big Bend Ranch desert with mountain views
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 35 km
Travel time: 25min
4
Day

Big Bend

Big Bend - Photo 1Big Bend - Photo 2Big Bend - Photo 3Big Bend - Photo 4Big Bend - Photo 5Big Bend - Photo 6Big Bend - Photo 7Big Bend - Photo 8Big Bend - Photo 9Big Bend - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Hiking in Santa Elena canyon along the Rio Grande
2
Exploration of Chisos Basin and the Window Trail offering a panorama of the desert
🎯

Activities

→
Driving on the Maxwell Scenic Drive and observation of the park's rock formations
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 115 km
Travel time: 1h30
5
Day

Marathon

gage hotel desert oasis railroad heritage

Marathon - Photo 1Marathon - Photo 2Marathon - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of the small town of Marathon and its local art galleries
2
Walk in the gardens of Gage Gardens and observation of desert landscapes
🎯

Activities

→
Walking tour through the historic streets of Marathon discovering adobe architecture
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 50 km
Travel time: 45min
6
Day

Fort Davis

mcdonald observatory darkest skies historic fort

Fort Davis - Photo 1Fort Davis - Photo 2Fort Davis - Photo 3Fort Davis - Photo 4Fort Davis - Photo 5Fort Davis - Photo 6Fort Davis - Photo 7Fort Davis - Photo 8Fort Davis - Photo 9Fort Davis - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Exploration of Alpine's murals and art galleries on Holland Avenue
2
Discovery of Fort Davis historic center and Fort Davis National Historic Site
🎯

Activities

→
Scenic drive on Fort Davis Scenic Loop with views of the Davis Mountains
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 320 km
Travel time: 3h20
7
Day

El Paso

border city franklin mountains mission trail

El Paso - Photo 1El Paso - Photo 2El Paso - Photo 3El Paso - Photo 4El Paso - Photo 5El Paso - Photo 6El Paso - Photo 7El Paso - Photo 8El Paso - Photo 9El Paso - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Return journey to El Paso through the vast desert expanses of West Texas
🎯

Activities

→
Photo stops along the route to admire the sunset over the Texas plains

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

TEXAS & NEW MEXICO DESERT PARKS

📅 10 days 🛣️ 1627.1000000000001 Km

CROSSING CANADA FROM EAST TO WEST: FROM QUEBEC TO THE ROCKIES

📅 16 days 🛣️ 4610 Km

ONE-WEEK ADVENTURE IN THE FLORIDA KEYS – FROM KEY LARGO TO KEY WEST

📅 8 days 🛣️ 453 Km

🛡️ Travel advice - United States

Check official recommendations

UK Foreign Travel Advice →

❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-May): Perfect weather across most regions (15-25°C) with blooming landscapes, moderate crowds, and excellent conditions for national parks and cities. Ideal for diverse activities nationwide.

Autumn (September-October): Excellent temperatures with spectacular fall foliage, harvest festivals, and comfortable weather. Perfect for outdoor activities, cultural events, fewer crowds than summer.

Summer (June-August): Peak season with warmest weather but highest crowds and prices. Excellent for northern regions, challenging in southwestern deserts, perfect for beaches and national parks.

Winter (December-February): Variable conditions from tropical Florida to snowy Colorado. Perfect for skiing, southern destinations, indoor attractions, lowest prices outside holiday periods.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 6 and 10 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in United States?

Continental diversity with iconic landmarks, cultural melting pot, and endless possibilities. Experience natural wonders, vibrant cities, and authentic American dreams from coast to coast. The country offers incredible diversity with modern amenities and cultural richness. United States provides life-changing experiences with natural beauty and cultural authenticity.