This itinerary is quite subjective, of course. I am sure
other people would put things in different order of priorities. From Austin,
Houston or San Antonio, travel out on Hwy 90; back on I-10. Better than the
other way round. Recommend at least a week; perhaps ten days. Take good guide
book, binoculars, cameras, maps, hats etc. Supplies/resources are quite limited
out there.
Austin > Del
Rio. Seminole Canyon. www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/seminole-canyon
Can also be done as a separate, “one-off” trip if time is limited. If at all
possible, try and coordinate with the private ranch being open for the White
Shaman tour. www.rockart.org/ Many of the motel chains are represented in
Del Rio if you decide to overnight.
Del Rio >
Marathon. Stop at Langtry en
route for an hour or so. www.texasescapes.com/TOWNS/Texas_ghost_towns/Langtry_Texas/Langtry_Texas.htm Either spend one night at the Gage or at
least have morning coffee or afternoon tea !!!! www.gagehotel.com/
Marathon > Big
Bend. www.nps.gov/bibe/index.htm Two
nights at the Chisos Mountain Lodge. www.chisosmountainslodge.com/ One or two hikes plus Ross Maxwell drive trip.
If no accommodation available at the
Lodge, book Terlingua for four nights.
Big Bend >
Terlingua. Two nights at Las
Casitas @ Far Flung Outdoor Center. http://bigbendfarflung.com/lodging/ Ask for one of the new cedar cabins (#7-10, I
think). Visit the old mining town. Take
a river trip (if water high enough) with one of the outfitters. Probably either
this one http://bigbendfarflung.com/river-trips/
or this one www.bigbendrivertours.com/river.html
The Starlight is an institution in Terlingua www.yelp.com/biz/starlight-theatre-bar-and-restaurant-terlingua
as is La Kiva www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g56758-d547137-Reviews-La_Kiva-Terlingua_Texas.html Go to India’s for breakfast: www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g56758-d2165139-Reviews-India_s_Coffee_Shop_Bakery-Terlingua_Texas.html
Terlingua >
Alpine. Two nights either at the Holland Hotel in Alpine http://thehollandhoteltexas.com/ or
the Hotel Paisano www.hotelpaisano.com/pages/hp001.html
in Marathon. Visit those two towns plus
Fort Davis. Eat at least once at Reata www.reata.net/ Try and get to the star party at the McDonald Observatory.
https://mcdonaldobservatory.org/visitors/programs/star-parties
Alpine > Austin.
A long day. Stop at Balmorhea on the way
out for a morning swim. www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/balmorhea
Something to get you thinking.
