Ultimate Terlingua, TX Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, Where to Stay, & More

Texas
Written By Anna Rooker

Terlingua, TX is a quirky desert town on the edge of Big Bend National Park with a population of fewer than 200 people, and it stands out as one of the most unique places to visit in West Texas. It’s famous for its ghost-town ruins, epic sunsets, star-filled night skies, and laid back western vibe. Whether you’re heading here for outdoor adventure in Big Bend, ghost town exploration, the legendary chili cook-offs, or simply to experience one of the most offbeat destinations in Texas, this Terlingua travel guide covers everything you need to know.

From the best things to do in Terlingua to where to stay, what to eat, and top tips for visiting the area, this guide will help you plan an unforgettable trip to one of Texas’s most iconic desert towns.

 

Affiliate Disclaimer

Please note that some of the links on this website are affiliate links. This means that I may earn a commission if you click on the link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products and services that I have personally used or thoroughly researched. Thank you for your support!

 
 

Following the Leave No Trace principles ensures that we minimize our impact on the environment, preserving nature's beauty and integrity for future generations. Review the 7 Principles here!

When to Visit Terlingua & How Many Days

Terlingua is a year-round destination, but spring (March to April) and Fall (October to November) are the best seasons to visit Terlingua and Big Bend National Park, thanks to their moderate weather, perfect for hiking and camping. We stayed in March, and the temperature ranged from mid-to-high 70s during the day and in the high 40s at night. It was perfect!

Most people who come all the way to Terlingua are in the area for Big Bend National Park. I recommend spending at least 3 days in the area if you plan to visit Big Bend National Park, as well. Additionally, venturing into Marfa for an extra 1-2 days is a great add-on to your journey. This does not include travel days to and from the region.

Left: Views along drive in BBNP; Right: Views from ALON Gas Station in Terlingua

How to Get to Terlingua

Fly, then drive (rental car)

Terlingua is very remote. If you are traveling from a location that is not within a realistic driving distance of Terlingua, the best option is to fly into one of the closest larger cities with an airport and drive the rest of the way with a rental car. The closest commercial airports are:

Regardless of where you are coming from, a car is necessary to get around Terlingua and the surrounding areas.

How to Get Around Terlingua

There is no public transportation in Terlingua. Visitors are required to have their own vehicle to get around.

There are also some fun alternatives to rent for a few hours or a day, such as mountain bikes, 4x4 vehicles, and ATVs, if you’re feeling adventurous. Check out some of these Terlingua rental companies:

Above: The Local Chapter yurt

Where to Stay in Terlingua

Aesthetically stunning and unique properties with a view, solitude, and close to Big Bend National Park - that describes the kind of accommodations you can expect to find in Terlingua. The Airbnb market in Terlingua is top-notch!

Here are some highly rated accommodation options in Terlingua:

  • The Local Chapter (Yurt): This is where we stayed! A small community of fully-equipped yurts on an elevated cliff ledge on the outskirts of Terlingua, a 2-minute drive to the BBNP Maverick Junction Entrance. You literally can’t get any closer to the park without staying in it. The mountainous landscape views and night skies here were breathtaking, + the fun of staying in a yurt made this a 5-star experience.

  • The Desert Pearl at Ghost Town Casitas: Vintage Airstream, adobe cottage, or desert mirror cabin - take your pick! Walking distance to Terlingua Ghost Town, and a 10-minute drive to Big Bend.

  • Stardust Big Bend: Luxury A-Frame cabins in a central location that accommodate up to 4 people. Includes a wrap-around patio, firepit, and pergola for an enjoyable outdoor experience. Laundry facilities and a shared clubhouse are also available!

  • The Perch: This modern/retro-style, completely off-grid container home sleeps 8 people and requires a 4WD or high-clearance vehicle. If you have a larger group and the right vehicle, you’re in for a treat: comfort, luxury, and aesthetic meet in this private desert oasis.

  • Space Cowboys: Stay in a mirrored dome “Space Pod” in the desert with Space Cowboys. 1/3 of the dome is windows, allowing you to enjoy the night sky from your bed in this unique accommodation.

  • Basecamp Terlingua: Basecamp Terlingua offers a wide range of vacation options, including booking a tipi, bubble, casita, lotus tent, or campsite.

  • Big Bend Casitas at Far Flung: Terlingua lodging with spacious and comfortable amenities operated by Far Flung, an adventure outdoor center. It’s the perfect place to stay if you also want to play! Far Flung offers river trips, ATV tours, 4x4 rentals, and more, all at your doorstep if you stay here.

  • + Many more picturesque stays in and around Terlingua! Take a look at Airbnb for yourself or click around on Google Maps. So many good options!

Camping & RV Sites In or Near Big Bend National Park

The NPS Big Bend National Park site offers a comprehensive list of camping and RV spots in and around the national park, some very near or in Terlingua! I highly recommend checking out this list if this interests you. Reservations made in advance are highly recommended, especially during the busy seasons.

Left to Right: Taqueria el Milagro, El Gordo’s Grill, DB’s Rustic Iron BBQ, Milky Way Treats

Where to Eat in Terlingua

Terlingua offers a range of dining options. Here are some of my favorite spots to eat in Terlingua:

  • (Mexican) Taqueria el Milagro - A BYOB Mexican restaurant in Terlingua with excellent tacos, elote, and outdoor seating.

  • (Pizza) Long Draw Pizza - The best place to get pizza in town! They even have a cauliflower crust option.

  • (BBQ) DB’s Rustic Iron BBQ - Classic Texas BBQ meat and side spread with a laidback vibe.

  • (American) Starlight Theatre - Movie theatre turned restaurant serving burgers, steak, and Mexican dishes with live music.

  • (Mexican) El Gordo’s Grill - Food truck with fantastic street tacos (that I went back for more than once). They have covered picnic tables to enjoy your meal there.

  • (European) DEAD HUNGRY - The newest food truck in Terlingua with a changing menu, focused on European comfort food.

  • (Dessert) Milky Way Treats - Soft serve ice cream with endless topping and sundae combination options.

  • (Coffee) Espresso Y Poco Mas - Coffee shop with all the fixings of flavors, non-dairy milk options, and espresso drinks + a breakfast and lunch menu.

Grocery Shopping in Terlingua

Best Things to Do in Terlingua

Explore Terlingua Ghost Town

Terlingua was a mining town established in 1903 that began to decline in the 1930s and ultimately shut down in the 1940s. Miners abandoned the Terlingua Ghost Town that we see today, leaving behind still-standing ruins and cemeteries that visitors can freely explore on their own.

Check out some of these sites in Terlingua Ghost Town:

  • St. Agnes Church

  • Terlingua Cemetery & surrounding ruins

  • “Welcome to Terlingua Ghostown” sign

  • The Abandoned Mine Shaft

  • Terlingua Jail

  • Perry School Ruins

  • Perry Mansion

📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps

Horseback Riding with Big Bend Stables

Big Bend & Lajitas Stables offers guided horseback riding tours for all ages and levels of experience, from short 2-hour rides along the boundaries of Big Bend to adventurous multi-day excursions — a fun way to see this region’s beautiful landscape.

📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps

 

Go Stargazing

This area is a part of the Greater Big Bend International Sky Reserve, currently the world’s largest dark sky reserve, where you can see the galaxies and constellations with the naked eye, just by simply stepping outside your accommodation late at night.

Our Airbnb (The Local Chapter) was on the outskirts of Terlingua and came with a telescope that was fun to play with after dark. We also happened to be in Terlingua on the night of the lunar eclipse, which was perfectly centered in our yurt’s skylight window, allowing us to watch it from bed. Absolutely magical.

Alternatively, book tickets to a star-gazing party with Far Flung Outdoor Center.

 

Photo by Dennis Lamberth of Unsplash

Live Music at Starlight Theatre

Starlight Theatre Restaurant & Saloon is the best spot in Terlingua for a Western gourmet dinner, flowing drinks, and live entertainment. What began as a film theatre for miners’ entertainment in the late 19th century has evolved into a cultural hub in Terlingua, where locals and tourists alike gather to socialize, enjoy a good meal, and listen to live music. Stop by this historic spot for dinner!

📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps

Souvenir Shopping and Gallery Browsing

Terlingua is riddled with local shops selling unique souvenirs and artwork.

  • Terlingua Trading Company - Quaint gift shop in town selling regional gifts, art souvenirs, and jewelry. There is also a small museum section with interesting artifacts and fossils.

  • Many Stones - Selling gems, rocks, fossils, jewelry, and more!

  • Galeria Chisos - A gallery shop with primarily local artists’ work, plus rock and mineral selections.

  • Earth & Fire Imports - Local gallery brimming with original paintings, gems, pottery, and more.

 

Left: Chilly sunrise in Terlingua from The Local Chapter Yurt; Right: Dusty sunset in Terlingua

Catch a West Texas Sunrise & Sunset

As a Texan who has traveled all over the world, I have never been as wowed by sunsets and sunrises as I am whenever I am back in Texas. In West Texas, particularly, with its mountainous and vast open landscape, the sunrises and sunsets here are a sight to behold.

 

Get a Massage at Desert Lotus Healing Arts

Desert Lotus Healing Arts provides massage therapy in Terlingua for anyone wanting to add some extra relaxation time to their vacation, or for those with post-hike aches and soreness.

📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps

 

Above: Big Bend Visitor Information Center

Check out the Big Bend Visitor Information Center

As you pass through Terlingua, you’ll find a small, unmanned building with loads of brochures for local businesses, lodges, and activities in the area to help you get some new ideas for things to do during your visit, plus some interpretive signs that explain some of the history of the Big Bend region.

📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps

Hike the Indian Head Trail

The Indian Head Trail access road is located on the outskirts of Terlingua, but the trail itself is located within the boundaries of Big Bend National Park. You will need your BBNP entry paid for at the West Entrance (the closest entrance to Terlingua). This cool 1.9-mile out-and-back trail takes you to Indian pictographs and petroglyphs.

A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for the unpaved dirt road to the trailhead. The trail has no shade. Do it in the early morning or evening at sunset during the cooler seasons of the year.

📍Trailhead Location: Get directions on Google Maps

🥾Track your trail progress on AllTrails: Indian Head Trail

 

Above: The Boathouse Bar & Bungalows

Hop Around the Rustic Terlingua Bars (even if you don’t drink!)

I am sober and still had a blast experiencing the local hangout spots! Many of the saloons around Terlingua also serve food, and some have live music.

 

Left to Right: Boquillas Canyon, views on Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, The Window Trail in Chisos Mountains, Santa Elena Canyon Overlook

Visit Big Bend National Park

If you make the trip all the way to Terlingua, plan to visit Big Bend National Park as well. Terlingua is right at its doorstep!

I recommend spending at least 2-3 days exploring Big Bend National Park. If you enjoy backcountry or river adventures, there’s a whole world of Big Bend off the beaten track that you could spend up to a week exploring.

I have created a thorough 3-day Big Bend National Park Itinerary from Terlingua for your convenience, detailing the most iconic and easily accessible areas in Big Bend!

 

Book a Guided Tour to Big Bend National Park

Several tour companies based in Terlingua offer guided tours or off-road rentals into Big Bend National Park.

 

Tips for Visiting Terlingua

  • If you plan to visit Terlingua during its busy season (October through April), plan ahead as much as possible for optimal lodging selection. Sites can and do sell out!

  • Be hyper-vigilant of the weather. Texas, and particularly the desert landscape of West Texas, has temperature and weather extremes year-round. Summers can get well above 100°F and down into the 30s°F in the winter. Dust and wind storms occur occasionally throughout the year that can be triggering to those with allergies, cause respiratory issues, and be difficult and even dangerous to drive through due to a lack of visibility.

  • Terlingua is a desert town. Carry plenty of water with you at all times, regardless of the time of year you plan to visit, and especially if you plan to engage in any hiking or outdoor excursions.

  • Wear layers! Weather and temperature can vary greatly throughout the day. Wearing layers that can be removed and added when needed is highly recommended.

  • Carry cash with you just in case! Some establishments in Terlingua accept cards, while others do not. Power outages can also occur, which is why it’s a good idea to carry cash with you to settle your bills in case the card machines go offline.

  • Cellphone service can be spotty. Download the offline Google Maps of the area to get around in case you have no service. I have AT&T and had pretty solid service throughout Terlingua, but lost service in Big Bend National Park.

  • There is only one gas station in town, the ALON Gas Station. It also has a general store and bathrooms, and is the last gas station before entering Big Bend National Park.

  • Bring a red-light flashlight or headlamp for late-night stargazing (instead of a normal white-light flashlight) to preserve your dark adaptation and to be courteous to others around you who may also be gazing into the stunning night sky.

  • Every year, around the first week of November, there are two annual chili cookoff events in Terlingua: the CASI Terlingua International Chili Championship and the Frank Tolbert-Wick Fowler Chili Cook-Off. Thousands of people attend each year, making it a fun addition to your trip out west, but it can also mean crowds throughout Terlingua during this time of year. Something to keep in mind!

  • There are US Border Control Checkpoints a few miles outside Big Bend on TX-118 and US-385. You will only be stopped at these checkpoints when heading North away from the park/Terlingua, and the border. Have your ID ready! If you are a foreign tourist, have your passport with you to avoid any delays or issues at the checkpoint.

    • My experience in March 2025: I am a US citizen. I was not asked for any identification, surprisingly. The officer took my word. My partner, a foreign tourist visiting on a visa, was asked to hand over his passport. A glance at his visa, and we were done in under a minute, no questions asked. Very easy!

    • There is also a high presence of border control officers around Terlingua, Marfa, Alpine, Marathon, and within Big Bend National Park, given its proximity to the US-Mexico border.

Left: Alpine, TX welcome sign; Right: the famous Prada Marfa art installation

More Stops on your West Texas Road Trip

Make the most of your time in this vast region of Texas! Here are some additional destinations worth visiting, whether you’re just dropping by for a couple of hours during your drive through or staying a day or 2. Save these spots on Google Maps by clicking the link!

Map

↓ read more texas travel guides ↓

PIN FOR LATER!

Anna Rooker
Next

Hiking the Window Trail in Big Bend National Park (Before it closes in 2026!)