Out on the frontier removed from the frustrations of civilization sits Balmorhea an artesian gem…read morehiding among the tumbleweeds. The springs themselves are astonishing. Crystalline water, a natural oasis. Wilderness as a touch of elegance. The water is cool, refreshing, and large enough you can swim without bumping into a flotilla of inflatable flamingos every ten seconds. It is serene. Now, the true pièce de résistance: tiny fish. Yes darling, little cousins of piranhas nibbling delicately at your skin. At first, it's mildly horrifying. Being lightly snacked upon by aquatic creatures isn't typically on the itinerary. It's nature's exfoliation service. Truly. These miniature aestheticians gather around and provide the most delightful, ticklish skin treatment imaginable. Think of it as a rustic version of spa fish pedicures, except this one is completely natural, wildly entertaining, and performed by creatures that actually live in the ecosystem instead of a questionable salon tank. The entire place has this fascinating ecological charm that sneaks up on you. You're floating in a massive spring-fed pool, mountains in the distance, dragonflies skimming the water, and tiny fish politely tend to your skincare needs. The magic of Balmorhea (I'll let you figure out how to pronounce it correctly) is that it's a living ecosystem, and being able to swim in the middle of it is special. It's frontier chic. Don't expect marble spas and cucumber water. Following an afternoon, my skin felt absurdly smooth, stress level plummeted, and it was imperative to recommend the remote desert destination without qualification. Five stars for the fish running the spa.

Fun time at this park…read more Enroute from San Antonio to El Paso, we were able to stop at this park to get the kids out of the car and into some refreshing spring water It was clean, not crowded and left us already planning a return on our next trip back or towards Big Bend National. There are cabins on the ground, picnic tables, barbecue pits. I saw a basketball court. They had a few nature areas to enjoy. I was certainly pleased with just getting my feet wet, but the water is clear and if you were interested in seeing more below the water, I recommend goggles or snorkeling gear. I hear companies teach scuba here too. There's not much else near the park, so bring all the amenities you need or want there. Good times with nature. We will return.

As another reviewer mentioned, the actual Marfa Lights Viewing Area is not located inside the city…read moreof Marfa and the address for this Yelp entry is wrong. To get to the actual viewing area, go East from Marfa on US-90 and you'll see it off the highway on the right. There's a nice roadside building with a parking lot, bathrooms, a few signs on the strange history of the lights, and a nice viewing platform with some built-in binoculars. There's plenty of space for people to stand or sit, some people even sat out camp chairs, but it is open air so be prepared if it's cooler or windy (we were freezing over New Year's with the wind gusts)! The Marfa Lights are such a cool mystery in West Texas and I'm so glad we stopped here on our way back from the McDonald Observatory's star party, even if we didn't get to see the mysterious lights for ourselves... "I want to believe!"

The Marfa Lights remain as West Texas's predominant mystery…read more If you gaze towards the Chinati Mountains, you might see them. The Lights are supposedly not like the Aurora Borealis which I have seen. They have been described as glowing orbs. I have heard many unusual and some humorous possible explanations, but there are still only theories... I took my girls with me on 2.16.2025 to try to catch a glimpse. Our luck was non-existent. I encourage you to visit The Marfa Mystery Lights Viewing Area, a few miles outside of Marfa, TX. And I know many folks won't have time to do this, but visit the viewing area during operating hours, then return a bit before sunset for the possibility of a light show. Here's my review of the Viewing Area: https://www.yelp.com/biz/marfa-mystery-lights-viewing-area-marfa?hrid=D5Ko7O4dg7iXuqJ-9-3-zQ&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct) Five stars because I love earth's "living museum" plus Marfa is a fun place to visit for a day or two. Happy trails to you...

Davis Mountains Preserve - which is separate from the Davis Mountains State Park - is home to…read moreMadera Canyon Trail. While searching for an appropriate hike for my crew, I came across the the 32,844-acre Preserve established by The Nature Conservancy (TNC). This trail unlike others within the preserve is open to the public. No permit required. The beautiful, slightly moderate 2.4-mile trail is also open all year long, from sunrise to sunset, regardless of the closure of the Davis Mountains Preserve. My young daughters, my Black Mouth Cur, and I are now fans. We hiked the entire loop on 2.15.2025. A sign-in sheet was at the large kiosk at the entrance. There was a somewhat snobby couple that came in after us that neglected to sign in. But I digress... Yes, contrary to Shannon B.'s review from Apr 2, 2018, leashed dogs have always been and still are welcome... there is a dog waste bag station near the trail's entrance. Remember to leave no trace - only footprints. Best part of all of this beautiful nature? Free parking & entry. Thank you, TNC and DMP. What a Lonestar State gem. Here's more info: https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/davis-mountains-preserve/

The Davis Mountains Preserve is a privately-held 33,000-acre treasure managed by the Nature…read moreConservancy approximately 25 miles northwest of Ft. Davis on Hwy. 118 (about 10 miles past McDonald Observatory and about ¼ mile past the Lawrence E. Wood Picnic Area; 30.70723, -104.09968) in Jeff Davis County in the northeastern Chihuahuan Desert. No, this isn't the state park with a similar name, but a wholly different destination that you should add to any Fort Davis, Texas itinerary if you love the outdoors. The Conservancy established the Davis Mountains Preserve in 1997 from the lands of the historic U Up U Down Ranch, with the heart of the preserve being the evergreen-covered, 8,378-foot Mount Livermore, the highest peak of the Davis Mountains and the 5th highest in Texas. They describe the place as "a unique sky island with plants and animals found nowhere else in the world." It took until 2004 to acquire the total acreage and the Conservancy continues its vital efforts today to restore and protect this sensitive region through innovative partnerships with ranchers and other landowners, as well as service & educational groups like the Boy Scouts and the Texas A&M Forestry Service. These later agreements with owners of the surrounding lands have created an additional 70,000-acre buffer zone around the preserve. The majority of this nature preserve is closed to the general public, but we can get a taste of what's inside by hiking the 2.5-mile loop known as the Madera Canyon Trail (map: https://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/texas/multimedia/madera-canyon-trail-map.pdf; information about what you'll see: https://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/texas/multimedia/madera-canyon-trail-fact-sheet.pdf). The trailhead is adjacent to the Lawrence E. Wood Picnic Area just off Hwy. 118, and the trail is open to the public year-round from dawn until dusk. Hikers should sign in at the trailhead kiosk prior to departing upon the trail. Be sure to bring plenty of water, stay on the trail, take only photos, and leave only footprints. At a small number of annual special "Open Days" events (generally bi-monthly, around 7 per year), the public is invited inside the preserve for a more intimate look throughout the entire property: hiking, biking, camping, horseback riding, picnics, photography, birding, stargazing and other outdoor activities. You can check the calendar for those 2018 dates and start planning your trip here: https://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/texas/events/davis-mountains-2018-open-days.xml Know before you go to the special Open Days: * Only high clearance street legal vehicles will be allowed past the McIvor Conservation Center. * Only camp stoves are allowed, and ground fires are prohibited. * Restrooms are available at the McIvor Center. * Guests should bring their own food and drinks, and take their trash home with them. * Hikers should bring their own binoculars, cameras, sunscreen, hats, appropriate footwear and plenty of water to drink. * Firearms and any technology that disrupts quiet enjoyment are not permitted. * For safety reasons, children must be supervised by parents or other designated adults. * No pets are permitted on the Preserve, other than service animals for assistance. More about the Davis Mountains Preserve and scenic drives in the area: http://www.davis-mountains.com/pages/Davis%20Mountains/nc.html https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/rjd03 https://tpwmagazine.com/archive/2017/jan/ed_3_ponderosa/index.phtml http://www.texashighways.com/travel/item/257-postcards-davis-mountains-scenic-loop

What a beautiful hidden gem! The moment you step through the gates it feels like you've entered a…read morewhole new world. My wife and I spent about 45 minutes just wandering, chatting, and taking it all in, we still didn't make it through all 27 acres. The garden is meticulously maintained, with an incredible variety of native Texas plants thoughtfully arranged to highlight the natural beauty of the region. Everywhere you turn, there's something to appreciate from colorful blooms to shaded pathways that invite you to slow down. The fountains and water features are absolutely stunning, adding a sense of calm and tranquility to the walk. The sound of the water pairs perfectly with the natural surroundings, making it a peaceful escape. We noticed lights strung throughout the garden, which makes me think an evening stroll here would be absolutely magical perfect for a date night. If you find yourself in Marathon, don't miss the chance to step inside this garden oasis. It's a place where time slows down and nature truly takes center stage.

I had a little time to kill while traveling from Big Bend National Park and happened to see this…read moreplace on Google maps. Decided to stop by, and very glad I did. This is a desert oasis that is exceptionally well maintained and cared for. Beautiful dark green grass, big shade trees, and wandering walkways invite you in to relax by a fountain and just enjoy nature. Lots of plants and birds. Dogs are welcome. There is even a little putting green if you have clubs with you and feel so inclined. I stopped in late morning on a Monday and there was only 3 other people I saw while there. Definitely worth a visit!

Beautiful lake. Five dollars to visit. Bring small bills so you can have the right amount to place…read morein an envelope. Not much for facilities here and I didn't check out the restrooms so cannot comment on them. It is very scenic and has a few picnic tables but is lacking in other amenities.

Lake Balmorhea the lake and not the park with the pool is a great place to bird for Clark's and…read moreWestern Grebes as well as other birds. I actually saw the Grebes "dancing" the first time I visited with a birding buddy a few years ago in August on our way back from a birding festival. Very scenic and peaceful and not like a tourist trap. We stopped by a few hours before sunset. It does cost $ 5 to visit (Cost last time I was there in Dec. 2023) We will stop by again this December on our way back from our visit to AZ. Very rural and pleasant. Driving around the lake and over the dam was a very scenic experience. The weather was pleasant and the sunset spectacular! I saw a couple of fishermen out on their boats fishing.

Davis Mountains State Park is a park that I've always wanted to come back to and I finally did…read moreafter 8 years. As one of two Texas state parks that provides mountain trail access, this place can offer some phenomenal views of nearby mountains both near and far. I came here for a two-night camp. I made all my reservations online and arrived before the office closed to check in. The campsite I reserved had both water and electric hookups, which I did occasionally use during my time here. There are many hiking trails to choose from, although some trail access was restricted due to recent flooding. But all the trails I hiked were well-maintained and clearly marked. My favorite trail, Skyline Drive Trail, took me up the side of the mountain via switchbacks up to the mountain ridge. The trail leads all the way to the famed CCC overlook that allowed me to see differently-shaped mountains in the distance. I thought it was cool that I could see the University of Texas McDonald's Observatory from the overlook, even though it requires a 13-mile drive to get there from the park. During my stay, I also had the opportunity to attend a ranger talk. The ranger came from the nearby Fort Davis National Historical Park with some relics of times past. The talk was informative and entertaining. I enjoyed the clean bathrooms near the campsite, though you'll have to bring your own shampoo and body soap to shower. The water provided at the campsite is potable and I thought it tasted better than the tap water I get at home! I thoroughly enjoyed my time here and would love a chance to come back in the future!

Stumbled upon this stunning state park during a short stay in Fort Davis. We did a scenic drive on…read morethe Skyline Trail, and did some short hikes to enjoy the absolutely stunning vistas o west Texas from various viewpoints. We also briefly visited the recently renovated Indian Lodge (open for breakfast and lunch), which we hope to stay at next time. This state park is a hidden gem and absolutely worth a visit!

Who knew Marfa, TX, had a dog park?…read more On 2.16.2025 my daughters and I came here with our Black Mouth Cur. We ate pizza at the picnic table while she got some much needed exercise trotting around and sniffing all the new smells. Cons - Lower fence than I would have liked to seen. - It's amazing that for a small town how fast folks travel up and down Oak St. I parked at Oak and Dean St. While we were of course careful crossing, several drivers were not expecting dogwalkers to be in the area even though it's fairly clear it's a park. - One of the trash cans was overflowing with the bag not properly affixed to the top. PROS + If you forget dog waste bags, there is a station. Please clean up after your dog. + Water station (bowl was there when we visited) + Benches scattered all around + Several shade trees + Small park (Travis E. Self park) for younger kiddos just across Russell St - a short walk away Thanks, City of Marfa!

This dog park has been a go-to in the past as I travel through Texas to get to Laredo. While the…read moreenclosed dog area seems goat-head reduced (so not 0) the approach to the gate through the park was covered in goat heads. I ended up having to carry my 40 lb wimpy dog back to the car because she wouldn't walk through again. On a positive note, improvements have occurred in the water station and the addition of more trees. No human bathroom in the park so make sure you go before taking the doggoes!

The Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center was a fantastic stop for my daughters, our dog, and me on…read more2.15.2025. I knew from scrutinizing their website that I would love this place. I love their video tour by David Politzer from 2022. In fact, the only things I didn't love were their map and outdoor displays that needed maintenance or repair. The map lacked key details and was a bit confusing. There were several uprooted signs, at least one overturned bench, and exterior paint wearing. Otherwise, it's a very cool place. Clean women's restrooms. Bottle refill station inside the visitor's center. In 2023, the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center celebrated its 50th year anniversary, so it definitely deserves constant maintenance. Open: Mon. - Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Closed on Sunday. Very nice lady at the front desk. She only charged me half price since we got there at 4 p.m. My kids and dog were free. Admission Fees ADULTS $6.50 CHILDREN 12 & UNDER FREE MEMBERS FREE SRSU STUDENTS $3.25 DOGS ARE WELCOME FREE My dog loved it here. A little rocky, but not many issues with stickers and weeds as long as you adhere to the trails. No dogs allowed in the Cactus Museum Collection. They're having their succulent sale on March 10, 2025 from 9 am - 5 pm. For more information, go to https://www.cdri.org/

I did not do any hiking here so I can't speak to the trails available. I arrived in the early…read moreafternoon and it was to hot for a long hike. The botanical gardens is very nice with a significant collection of native desert plants. All are very well labeled. Out back of the garden is a "Cactus Museum," a small greenhouse with a great collection of different Cactus. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. Admission is only $7. Definitely worth stopping by.

Nice little oasis in Fort Stockton. Doesn't look like much from the road, but once you get in…read moreyou'll notice a fairly large and well-maintained park. There are several pavilions, the smallest having one or two picnic tables and the largest having a large barbecue pit and enough room for 50 or so people. There's a walking trail around the perimeter with trees lining about 70 percent of the length. Birds are abundant and their songs fill the morning air, making your walk a little more enjoyable. There are several benches and tables to stop and rest along the path, as well as exercise stations to challenge you a little more if you like. There are also a couple of playgrounds, a basketball court, disc golf course, and plenty of room to just run around. If you're in town looking for a break from everyday life, stop by and check it out.

I was looking for a disc golf course or a soccer field, and this park had both. There's also a…read moretrail to walk/jog, basketball courts, and picnic areas. This is gonna make my stay here very enjoyable.