It’s Beautiful!
Nighttime skies filled with stars. Vistas that extend for hundreds of miles. It is a wonderful place for an Ultra Run.
Bing Map
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Located in deep West Texas, right on the border of the United States and Mexico, the parks are hundreds of miles from the nearest large cities and airports.
There is no mass transportation to or within the parks. Opportunities for food, water and fuel can be limited.
It is well worth the travel time, just plan ahead and keep an eye on the gas gauge and map. Sometimes, it is a long way between gas stations and rest stops.
We’ve put together some information on travel.
Driving Instructions + Train + Plane
29.26451489118605, -103.7747719293111
El Paso
Take IH 10 East for 118 miles to Van Horn. Exit US 90 East to Marfa, then turn right onto US 90 and drive 78 miles to Marfa.
Continue on US 90/67 to Alpine and turn right onto TX 118 South (Cockrell Street). Follow TX 118 South for 80 miles to the Study Butte/Terlingua Junction, then turn right onto FM 170 and continue for 14 miles to Lajitas.
San Antonio
IH10 West to Fort Stockton. Continue on I-10W. Roughly 8 miles west of Fort Stockton, take Exit 248 and turn left onto US 67S to Alpine/Big Bend.
Follow US 67S 55 miles to Alpine, then turn left onto TX 118S (Cockrell Street). Follow TX 118 South for 80 miles to the Study Butte/Terlingua Junction, then turn right onto FM 170 and continue for 14 miles to Lajitas.
Dallas
Head west on I-20, continuing 375 miles to Monahans. Take the Highway 18S exit toward Fort Stockton and turn left onto Highway 18S, then right onto FM 1776. Cross over I-10W. FM 1776 turns into US 67S.
Follow US 67S 55 miles to Alpine, then turn left onto TX 118S (Cockrell Street). Follow TX 118 South for 80 miles to the Study Butte/Terlingua Junction, then turn right onto FM 170 and continue for 14 miles to Lajitas.
Houston
Go to San Antonio. See above for San Antonio.
Midland
Midland is just over 4 hours, and is the closest airport (code MAF). It is served by Southwest as well as other airlines.
Flying
The resort has private airport facilities, and there are airports in Midland (closest), El Paso, San Antonio, …
Train
Amtrak’s Texas Eagle provides railroad passenger service to Alpine, where you may rent a car and drive to the park. www.amtrak.com.
Border Checkpoints in Big Bend
As you head north out of the Big Bend area, you will be stopped briefly at Border Patrol checkpoint(s). You’ll notice them driving in. It usually is a quick stop, but all law enforcement rules and behavior will apply. Border Patrol agents will want you to declare and possibly verify citizenship. Foreign nationals should have their passport.
They may walk a dog around your vehicle, sniffing for contraband (drugs, people, explosives, etc.). If they find anything, those involved are arrested and turned over to local authorities.
Wildlife
Keep your food, toiletries and anything with a scent out of reach of the wildlife. Javelinas will tear up a tent to get your goodies. Do not feed or approach wild critters. Keep pets on leashes and secure. Small pets are part of the food chain to a coyote. Packrats are known to take keychains from camps.
Hiking trails are plentiful. Visit the State Park website for them, and the National Park website as well.
