Best of Big Bend

Santa Elena Canyon [1]: One of Big Bend National Park’s [2] most dramatic natural features, Santa Elena Canyon’s sheer cliffs — more than 1,500 feet high on each side of the Rio Grande — is absolutely mesmerizing.

Terlingua [3]: The liveliest ghost town you’ll ever experience, this Big Bend neighbor draws tourists from across the globe in search of its quality restaurants, trendy lodging, funky gift shops, and historic cemetery.

Chinati Foundation [4]: Marfa’s world-renowned art museum and artist compound, housed in the barracks, artillery sheds, and prisoner-of-war facilities of a former army camp, features some of the world’s largest permanent installation artwork.

Marfa Lights [5]: The mysterious Marfa Lights are bouncing, splitting, and disappearing ethereal orbs with no apparent source, unless you believe the theorists who claim they’re UFOs, Native-American spirits, or swamp gas.

McDonald Observatory [6]: Sitting nearly 7,000 feet high atop the Davis Mountains, the McDonald Observatory offers spectacular views of the heavens via its massive telescopes and famous stargazing parties.