Lajitas, Texas: The Luxury Desert Getaway No One Told You About
Your Ultimate Guide to the Luxury Desert Escape
Lajitas, Texas is a hidden desert oasis known for its luxury resort, dramatic canyon landscapes, Rio Grande river views, dark skies, and direct access to two of the most iconic parks in America. Whether you want relaxation, adventure, photography, or a peaceful remote escape, Lajitas delivers an unforgettable experience.
Why Travelers Love Lajitas
• Remote, peaceful, and visually stunning
• Luxury resort amenities in the desert
• Gateway to both Big Bend parks
• Famous Black Jack’s Crossing Golf Course
• Legendary stargazing
• Unique history and Old West character
Best Time to Visit Lajitas
October through April offers the best weather for hiking and exploring.
Summer is hot but ideal for river activities and resort relaxation.
Winter provides crisp mornings, warm afternoons, and very clear night skies.
First-Timer Mistakes to Avoid in Lajitas
Avoid these common errors so your trip goes smoothly.
• Underestimating driving distances between parks and attractions
• Not booking river tours, horseback rides, or resort activities in advance
• Bringing too little water for desert hikes
• Assuming cell phone service is available everywhere
• Visiting during summer without preparing for extreme heat
• Expecting large-town dining options in Lajitas or Terlingua
• Not checking gas levels before entering remote scenic roads
• Forgetting park entrance fees or reservations during peak times
Top Things to Do in Lajitas
Explore Big Bend National Park
• Santa Elena Canyon
• Chisos Basin
• The Window Trail
• Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
• Hot Springs Historic District
Adventure Through Big Bend Ranch State Park
• Closed Canyon
• Hoodoos Trail
• The Contrabando Movie Set area
• Scenic drive along FM170, one of the most beautiful highways in the world
Golf at Black Jack’s Crossing
A spectacular mountain-view course designed by Lanny Wadkins.
Horseback Riding
Guided rides through desert, canyon, and river landscapes.
Rio Grande River Trips
Choose kayaking, rafting, or a gentle scenic float tour.
Spa and Relaxation
Desert-inspired treatments at the Lajitas Resort spa.
Local Shops and the Famous Goat Mayor
Visit the Lajitas Trading Post and learn about Clay Henry, the “beer-drinking goat mayor” tied to the town’s quirky history.
Essential Packing List for Lajitas and Big Bend
Packing correctly can make or break a desert trip.
• Hydration pack or large reusable water bottles
• Sunscreen and SPF lip balm
• Wide-brimmed hat and polarized sunglasses
• Lightweight, breathable clothing
• Hiking boots or trail shoes
• Portable charger
• Headlamp for early morning or night activities
• Light jacket for cool evenings
• Healthy snacks for long drives and hikes
• Small first-aid kit
• Cash for smaller shops and roadside stands
Where to See Wildlife Around Lajitas
The region is rich with unique desert wildlife. Visitors often spot
• Javelinas
• Roadrunners
• Mule deer
• Coyotes
• Jackrabbits
• Hawks and falcons
• Golden eagles
• Lizards and desert reptiles
Best places to observe wildlife
• Big Bend Ranch State Park overlooks
• Lajitas Resort grounds at sunrise
• River Road FM170
• Chisos Basin in Big Bend National Park
• Trails near Hoodoos and Closed Canyon
Tip: Early morning and sunset are peak wildlife hours.
Stargazing Guide for Lajitas
Lajitas sits under some of the darkest skies in North America.
Best stargazing spots
• Lajitas Golf Resort open areas
• FM170 pull-offs with no light pollution
• Big Bend Ranch State Park backcountry roads
• Chisos Basin (if visiting Big Bend at night)
What you can typically see
• Milky Way (best April to October)
• Shooting stars
• Planets and constellations with naked-eye clarity
Tips for a perfect night
• Bring a blanket and warm layers
• Download a stargazing app
• Let your eyes adjust for 20–30 minutes
• Turn off all bright lights for maximum visibility
Driving Distances and Local Travel Times
Visitors often underestimate the size of the Big Bend region. Here are realistic travel times.
• Lajitas to Terlingua: 20–25 minutes
• Lajitas to Big Bend National Park (west entrance): 20 minutes
• Lajitas to Santa Elena Canyon: 45 minutes
• Lajitas to Chisos Basin: about 1 hour
• Lajitas to Panther Junction Visitor Center: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Lajitas to Big Bend Ranch State Park (Hoodoos area): 30–35 minutes
• Lajitas to Presidio via FM170: 1.5 hours
These driving times help set accurate expectations for trip planning.
Airport Options and Travel Times From Major Texas Cities
Lajitas is remote, so travelers often wonder how to get there.
Nearest airports
• Midland International Air & Space Port (MAF): ~4 hours 15 minutes
• El Paso International Airport (ELP): ~4 hours 30 minutes
• Lajitas International Airport: Private flights only
Approximate driving times from major Texas cities
• Dallas: 8 hours 45 minutes
• Fort Worth: 8 hours 30 minutes
• Austin: 7 hours
• San Antonio: 6 hours 30 minutes
• Houston: 9 hours
• El Paso: 4 hours 30 minutes
Local History and Old West Culture
Lajitas has a rich and unusual past.
• The area was once a border trading post between Texas and Mexico.
• The Rio Grande served as a vital crossing point for goods and ranching.
• The community grew during the mining and ranching era of the early 1900s.
• Lajitas became famous for its goat “mayor,” Clay Henry, a quirky symbol that draws visitors.
• The modern resort transformed the region into a luxury desert destination while preserving its Old West charm.
Weather by Season
• Spring: Warm days, cool nights, blooming desert flowers
• Summer: Very hot afternoons, best for river trips
• Fall: Perfect hiking and photography weather
• Winter: Crisp mornings and outstanding stargazing
Best Photo Spots
• Santa Elena Canyon
• Overlooks along FM170
• Hoodoos Trail rock formations
• Black Jack’s Crossing Golf Course
• Sunrise at Lajitas Resort
Best Day Trips
• Terlingua Ghost Town
• Presidio via the scenic River Road
• Alpine for small-town charm
• Marathon for the historic Gage Hotel
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lajitas safe
Yes. It is a well-visited resort community with tourist support and park services nearby.
How many days do you need
Two to four days is ideal for exploring Lajitas and both Big Bend parks.
Is Lajitas better than Terlingua
Lajitas is more peaceful and upscale. Terlingua is more lively, artsy, and budget-friendly.
Do you need a park pass
Yes, if visiting Big Bend National Park. Big Bend Ranch has separate day-use fees.
Is summer too hot
It can be, but river trips and early morning hikes help balance the heat.