Terlingua

The basics

Terlingua lies in one of the most remote parts of Texas near the US–Mexico border, and reaching it is the hard part. The town lies on Texas State Route 170, roughly halfway between Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park, making it an ideal road trip destination before (or after) visiting the parks. Drive through, and you can see the few roadside galleries, eateries, and souvenir shops in an hour or two. Terlingua also has easy access to hiking, river rafting, and stargazing.

Things to know before you go

• Terlingua is ideal for travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path destinations
• Terlingua’s remote location means limited cell service and amenities, so plan accordingly.
• There’s no real grocery store in Terlingua, so stock up on supplies elsewhere.

How to get there

Ready for a road trip? Terlingua is in Brewster County, Texas, near the border with the Mexican state of Chihuahua. It’s about 5–6 hours southeast of El Paso and 7 hours west of El Paso—Marfa and Alpine, the nearest sizable towns, lie about 1.5 hours to the north. There’s no realistic way of getting around this part of West Texas without a car.

When to get there

The best time to visit Terlingua is during the fall, winter, and spring months when temperatures are milder. Summer can be sweltering, making outdoor activities challenging. The annual chili cook-off in November is a popular event that brings the town to life with festivities and competitions.

Is Terlingua a real ghost town?

Terlingua was a quicksilver mining town as early as the 1880s, but it was abandoned by 1942, making it an authentic ghost town. Today, a small but vibrant desert community persists, but you can experience the authentic West Texas ghost town by walking through the mining cemetery, complete with eerie wooden crosses and other abandoned buildings throughout the settlement. The original Chisos Mining Company is now the Terlingua Trading Company, a gift shop.