Day Trips from Marfa Texas

Out here, the desert seems endless.

The sky goes on forever, and the horizon looks close enough to touch. Marfa sits right in the middle of it all — a quiet, creative town surrounded by adventure in every direction.
Drive an hour, and you hit ghost towns, hot springs, or the edge of the Rio Grande.

That’s the beauty of West Texas. Everything feels remote, but everything connects.

In this blog we will talk about Day Trips from Marfa Texas.

Marfa makes the perfect base for exploring it all. You wake up to art and coffee, then hit the highway for mountain trails, desert pools, and small towns with stories as big as the landscape.

So fill the tank. Roll down the windows. Let’s see where the road leads.

A Quick Look at the Open Road

Most day trips from Marfa fall within one or two hours by car.

The main routes — Highway 90, Highway 67, and the Davis Mountains Scenic Loop — carve through open desert, rocky hills, and sky so wide it hums.

There’s almost no traffic. Just long stretches of quiet and the occasional roadrunner darting across the asphalt.

Every stop brings a new version of West Texas — historic forts, starlit observatories, river towns, and art installations standing alone in the dust.

1. Alpine (25 miles east)

If Marfa is a dreamer’s town, Alpine is its friendly neighbor.

You’ll reach it in about 25 minutes on Highway 90. The drive rolls through open ranchland before downtown Alpine appears — colorful murals, old brick storefronts, and the warm buzz of a college town.

Start at the Museum of the Big Bend, tucked inside Sul Ross State University. It tells the story of West Texas through maps, fossils, and cowboy artifacts. Small but mighty.

Then grab coffee at Cedar Coffee Supply or Judy’s Bread and Breakfast Café, where the cinnamon rolls draw a loyal crowd.

Alpine also has one of the best mural walks in the region. Just wander downtown, and you’ll spot painted walls celebrating desert life, mountain views, and border culture.

Before heading back, drop by Front Street Books — a charming indie shop where time moves a little slower.

2. Fort Davis (21 miles north)

Head north on Highway 17, and you’ll reach Fort Davis in less than half an hour.

It’s one of the oldest towns in Texas and home to some of its best-preserved history. Fort Davis National Historic Site sits at the base of the Davis Mountains — rows of restored stone buildings that once housed Buffalo Soldiers and frontier troops.

You can walk through old barracks, peek into officers’ quarters, and look out over the fort’s natural amphitheater of cliffs.

Afterward, explore Davis Mountains State Park, just a few minutes away. Trails lead to sweeping overlooks where you can see the desert stretch for miles. The park’s Skyline Drive is one of the prettiest short drives in the region.

Stick around till nightfall if you can. The McDonald Observatory, perched high in the mountains, hosts Star Parties several nights a week. You’ll see the Milky Way like never before — sharp, endless, and silent.

It’s worth planning your day around that show.

3. Balmorhea State Park (73 miles north)

Nothing beats a desert swim.

At Balmorhea State Park, about an hour and fifteen minutes from Marfa, you can dive into the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool.

The water stays around 72 degrees year-round, clear enough to see fish gliding below you. Locals and travelers come here to float, snorkel, and escape the desert heat.

Pack a picnic, arrive early, and don’t forget your towel. The spring-fed pool fills fast in summer, and reservations are sometimes required.

On your drive back, the road cuts through quiet ranch country — long fences, big skies, and maybe a windmill or two spinning in the breeze.

4. Big Bend National Park (108 miles south)

If there’s one place worth the drive, it’s Big Bend National Park.

You’ll reach the park’s entrance in about two hours, but the trip is part of the fun. The route follows Highway 67 toward Presidio, then FM 170 — also known as the River Road — one of the most scenic drives in Texas.

When the mountains rise and the Rio Grande glints beside you, you’ll forget time completely.

Inside Big Bend, every bend in the road reveals something new — desert plains, canyons carved by the river, and trails that lead to wild, empty beauty.

Hike Santa Elena Canyon for towering rock walls and cool river breezes. Drive Ross Maxwell Scenic Road for dramatic desert views. Or just pull over, sit on the hood, and watch the sky shift colors for an hour.

Can you do Marfa to Big Bend in a day? Yes, but start early and keep an eye on daylight. The roads are safe but long, and the park deserves your full attention.

If you have time, stay overnight near Terlingua and watch the stars from your porch.

5. Terlingua Ghost Town (95 miles south)

Once a booming mining settlement, Terlingua is now a beautifully strange ghost town about an hour and a half from Marfa.

Crumbled adobe ruins and rusted trucks sit beside quirky cafes, art studios, and open-air bars. It feels both abandoned and alive.

Stop by the Starlight Theatre, a former movie house turned restaurant and music venue. Order a burger, grab a cold beer, and listen to live guitar under the neon glow.

Every fall, Terlingua hosts the legendary Chili Cook-Off, where hundreds of contestants compete in a desert party that lasts for days.

Even if you visit on a quiet afternoon, you’ll feel that mix of grit and humor that defines this place.

Terlingua isn’t polished — and that’s exactly why it’s worth the trip.

6. Presidio (60 miles southwest)

Drive south on Highway 67, and you’ll reach Presidio, a border town full of color, culture, and history.

It’s about an hour and ten minutes from Marfa, surrounded by mountains that glow pink at sunset.

Presidio is one of the oldest settlements in North America. Visit Fort Leaton Historic Site, a massive adobe trading post from the 1800s, where you can wander through courtyards and rooms that still echo with stories.

Then continue west on FM 170 (River Road) — the legendary scenic route between Presidio and Lajitas.

It hugs the Rio Grande, twisting through cliffs and cactus fields. Along the way, you’ll find picnic areas, lookouts, and a sense of space so vast it feels sacred.

Few drives capture the soul of West Texas like this one.

7. Shafter Ghost Town (43 miles southwest)

Blink and you might miss Shafter. But if you stop, you’ll find one of Texas’s quietest treasures.

This old mining town sits off Highway 67, about 45 minutes from Marfa, hidden among cottonwood trees and canyon walls.

Once home to silver miners, Shafter now holds a scattering of stone ruins, a tiny church, and a still-active cemetery that tells the story of its past.

It’s haunting, peaceful, and endlessly photogenic.

Bring your camera. The light here hits everything at just the right angle.

8. Valentine (30 miles west)

The road to Valentine looks like it leads to nowhere — until you spot it.

A tiny Prada store sitting alone in the desert.

Of course, Prada Marfa is not a real store. It’s a permanent art installation built in 2005 by artists Elmgreen & Dragset. The doors never open, but the window displays are filled with real Prada handbags and shoes.

It’s one of the most iconic art pieces in Texas and a must-see stop on your Marfa road trip list.

Valentine itself is a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it town, but that makes it even more surreal. Park safely on the shoulder, snap a photo, and take a moment to appreciate the silence.

9. Chinati Hot Springs (85 miles southwest)

If your perfect day trip involves hot water and zero crowds, Chinati Hot Springs is calling.

The drive takes about two hours through winding desert roads, but the reward is pure magic — natural mineral pools tucked against rocky hills.

You can soak under the stars, nap in a hammock, or explore short trails nearby. The springs are private but open to day visitors for a small fee (reservations recommended).

It’s peaceful, off-grid, and feels like another world. Bring water, snacks, and patience for the drive — it’s remote, but worth every mile.

10. Davis Mountains Scenic Loop

If you only have time for one pure drive, make it this one.

The Davis Mountains Scenic Loop starts in Fort Davis and winds through about 75 miles of rugged peaks, grasslands, and valleys. It’s often called the most beautiful drive in Texas, and once you’re on it, you’ll see why.

The road climbs over 6,000 feet, passes ranch gates, crosses creeks, and rolls past mountain overlooks that feel untouched.

Pull over at Point of Rocks, breathe the thin air, and take it in.

It’s not about where you end up — it’s about how the road makes you feel.

Recommended Road Routes

Want to link a few stops together? Try these easy day circuits:

1. The Culture Loop
Marfa → Fort Davis → Alpine → Marfa
You’ll hit three distinct vibes — history, mountains, and murals — all within one scenic day.

2. The Desert Trail
Marfa → Valentine (Prada Marfa) → Shafter → Presidio → River Road → back to Marfa
A photographer’s dream with desert solitude and river views.

3. The Big Adventure
Marfa → Terlingua → Big Bend National Park → back via Alpine
Start early, bring snacks, and make it a full-day odyssey of cliffs, canyons, and stars.

Tips for Day Trippers

The desert rewards those who prepare.

• Fuel up before you go. Gas stations can be few and far between.
  
• Carry water and snacks. You’ll thank yourself halfway down Highway 67.
  
• Download offline maps. Cell service fades fast outside Marfa.
  
• Check the weather. Storms can roll in suddenly, and roads flood quickly.
  
• Plan your daylight. Driving at night in open desert isn’t ideal.
  
• Respect the land. Stay on marked roads and leave no trace.
  

A little planning keeps the magic intact.

Read:Unique Stays in Marfa: Glamping, Airstreams, and Desert Motels

Local Eats Along the Way

Road-tripping in West Texas runs on tacos, burgers, and caffeine.

In Alpine, grab breakfast at Judy’s Bread and Breakfast Café or lunch at Reata Restaurant, known for steaks and mountain views.

In Fort Davis, try Blue Mountain Bistro or Stone Village Market for sandwiches and coffee before heading up the Scenic Loop.

Down in Terlingua, the Starlight Theatre serves hearty chili, burgers, and live music — the perfect desert evening combo.

If you make it to Presidio, stop at El Patio for authentic Mexican plates and a cold drink before driving the River Road.

Every meal feels earned out here.

Photography & Nature Stops

West Texas light is a photographer’s dream — sharp, warm, and endless.

For sunrise, aim east toward the Davis Mountains. For sunset, face west over the open desert near Valentine or Shafter.

Along River Road, every curve feels like a movie scene. Stop often, but safely — the pullouts are made for it.

You’ll pass wildflowers in spring, blooming cactus in summer, and endless stars year-round. Even abandoned buildings tell stories worth framing.

Just remember: sometimes the best photo is the one you never take — the one you just stand and feel.

FAQs About Marfa Day Trips

What is the best day trip from Marfa?
For a mix of nature and history, Fort Davis tops the list. For pure adventure, Big Bend wins every time.

How far is Big Bend from Marfa?
About 108 miles, roughly two hours each way.

Can you do Big Bend in one day?
Yes, if you start early. Pick one or two highlights like Santa Elena Canyon or Ross Maxwell Drive.

Is it safe to drive at night in West Texas?
It’s better to avoid it. The roads are dark, wildlife roams, and fuel stops are scarce.

What is the most scenic drive near Marfa?
The Davis Mountains Scenic Loop and the River Road (FM 170) both offer unforgettable views.

Final Thoughts

Every road out of Marfa feels like a story waiting to happen.

You might end up in a ghost town with wind in your hair. Or floating in a spring-fed pool surrounded by desert silence. Or standing on a canyon rim watching the sky turn gold.

That’s the magic of day trips from Marfa, Texas — every direction holds something different, but they all feel connected by the same slow rhythm of the desert.

So fill the tank. Roll the windows down.

Let the wind, the road, and the endless sky remind you that sometimes the journey really is the destination.