Planning Your Time

There’s a good chance travelers won’t find themselves in this remote region of the country too often, so maximizing time in this distinct part of the world is important. The popular West Texas triangle of Marfa [1], Alpine [2], and Fort Davis [3] is a natural place to start.

Plan to spend two to three days in these towns, with at least half a day set aside for the incomparable Chinati Foundation in Marfa [4]. Fort Davis is a charming Old West town with a day’s worth of activities, but Alpine, despite its evocative name, only takes a morning or afternoon to appreciate.

Depending on your comfort level (tolerance for extreme topographical and climactic conditions), plan on spending two to four days in Big Bend National Park [5] and its surroundings. Some visitors never leave the car, choosing instead to soak up the park’s natural beauty on scenic drives [6], but hiking [7] and camping are definitely the best ways to appreciate this amazing topographical treasure.