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Before you go
Your trip to Terlingua.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Terlingua – Texas Destination Big Bend (Alpine; Terlingua; Marfa) about 750 km from Austin
How to get there
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Midland International Air and Space Port (MAF) Midland · 400 km
Approximate distances. Check flights and bus, train or boat schedules before you travel.
By car from Alpine via TX-118, about an hour and a half (130 km). From the Panther Junction visitor center in the national park it’s about 40 km. There is no public transportation.
How many days
Two days allow you to see the national park, including the Chisos and Santa Elena mountains, and the village. With three days, include the state park.
When to go
From autumn to spring the heat eases. In summer temperatures rise a lot; schedule hikes for the cooler hours.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
Yes. Parks and services are spread out, and there is no public transport.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Terlingua
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Morning
Chisos Mountains
Enter the national park and go up to the Chisos Basin for the Window trail.
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Afternoon
Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
Drive down the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive to Santa Elena Canyon.
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Evening
Terlingua village
Return to the village, watch the sunset from the old store’s porch and stargaze.
2 days in Terlingua
Day 2
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All day
River Road
Drive the River Road through Big Bend Ranch State Park, along the Rio Grande.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
What to do in Terlingua?
Use the village as a base for Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park, see the old mine ruins and the historic cemetery, and watch the night sky.
Is Terlingua a ghost town?
The historic part, with ruined stone houses from the old mercury mine, is called a ghost town, but the village has residents, restaurants and lodging.
Are there gas stations near Big Bend?
Few. Fill up in Alpine or in Terlingua and Study Butte before entering the park.
What time zone is Terlingua in?
Terlingua follows Central Time: UTC-6 in winter and UTC-5 in daylight saving time, which runs from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November.