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!

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.

After being in the Jeep for too long, I realized my kids could use some body movement…read more We went to Coffield Park twice on 2.16.2025. It's in the northwestern part of Marfa, TX. Knocked off a star because... - the parking kind of sucks - tons of stickers in the grass near the picnic tables - ongoing construction between the playground and basketball court - no restrooms that we saw (maybe that's the construction) Dogs were allowed as far as I can tell. They aren't at other parks in Marfa. Amenities: + baseball (youth) field + basketball ball court + dark-skies-friendly stadium lighting + picnic tables + shaded playground + softball (youth) field + relatively large wooden half-pipe ramp (a bit worn)

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!

This is a beautiful sunrise hike (which is when I did it). It's a fairly quick hike in my book;…read moretook me about an hour and a half to get to the top? It's not too steep but there are a decent number of switch backs. The view was lovely; not as lovely as Emory peak in my opinion but I really enjoyed even the views along the way, especially at the saddle right as the sun was coming up - the colors of the sunrise were absolutely incredible. Overall if you're short on time and can't do south rim for eg, this is a lovely shorter alternative.

Great hike! The views are unbelievable. It'll take about 3 hours or so but it's not too steep or…read moredifficult. Well worth checking out!

My husband and I made a trip out to Big Bend National Park before the Texas summer heat.....but it…read morewas unfortunately unseasonably hot this year. The dessert was beautiful and the park as a whole was very well taken care of! Old Mine Trail: Since we went around "Spring Break", the parking lot was very busy and spaces were limited. I would recommend downloading the "All Trails" app to gauge how busy the trails are. By 7:30, all the spots in the small parking lot were already taken. The trail itself was very well managed. Although the parking lot was busy, the trail was not bad! We were pretty spaced out between hikers! Take lots of water and snacks! The views up top are spectacular. Star Gazing: We were at Sotol Vista (for panoramic stars). The stars were especially beautiful inside the park because there was no light pollution (aside from the headlights from passing cars down below us).

I once hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and spent a few nights camping down there. While…read moredown there, an elderly man easily every bit of 70 years old asked me if it was my 1st time down at the bottom. I told him that it was and asked him if it was his 1st time. He chuckled and said, "No this is my Sanctuary". After my 3rd visit to Big Bend in 12 years, I think Big Bend may be my sanctuary. Big Bend is in the middle of nowhere. You do not just stumble upon Big Bend; it is a planned destination. You won't find a Gatlinburg like town next to it or an exit sign off the interstate saying 8 miles from here. It's miles from anything. The type of place you don't pass a gas station, and you carry a case of water in the vehicle. We have hiked various trails before and canoed Santa Elena Canyon, but I will focus on the trails we hiked this visit. Note: I have only done day hiking here, so no Insite in this review about backpacking although I would love to at some point. We started off at the visitor's center at Panther Junction as everyone should do in my opinion. Rangers can give you up to the minute updates like telling us the Hot Springs road was still closed because of a flood this past July (2025). She said we could still hike it but it would add an additional 4 miles (2 each way) to our trip. Good Insite. Our 1st hike was a short one in Boquillas Canyon. It was a short 1.4-mile round trip up a small cliff and back down to the Rio Grande river. It was an extremely easy hike that anyone who can walk can do. we then did a forementioned Hot Springs hike. This is a very cool spot with old, abandoned buildings from a time when the area was a resort. There is still a hot spring alongside the river that had people soaking as we walked past. The only downfall of the area was it still hadn't been repaired since the flood, so picnic tables were under sand, and I don't want to tell you what the bathroom looked like. The next day we did the Window Trail and it's a 5.6 miles hike right in the middle of the Chisos Basin. This one was I guess I would call moderate, but I am also an overweight old fart. It's really not bad except if it's hot out because you will be in the direct sun and the small number of switchbacks on your return trip. Other than that, the views are gorgeous. Just don't slide off the rocks at the "window", it's a long way down. The last hike we did was the Grapevine Hill's Trail aka The Balanced Rock. This one is a little more challenging to get to as you have to drive miles down a dirt road that is a little rocky. You don't need a 4-wheel drive, just don't be a speed demon. The hike itself is short, 2.2 miles each way and 95 percent of it is easy. The last little bit is a rock scramble up to see the balanced rock. It is worth it. Amazing views. We had the whole area to ourselves for most of the hike but saw lots of people on the way back so go early. Big Bend is amazing but requires some planning. Don't wing it. Bring lots of water and be smart. Cell service is limited but a lot better than 13 years ago.

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.

Big Bend Ranch State Park tends to get overlooked when compared to its big brother Big Bend…read moreNational Park. I myself was guilty of this (and still am to some extent) on my 1st 2 visits to the region. On this 3rd visit, I made it a point to spend a day in the State Park. However, I only explored the river road section from Lajitas to Presidio. I didn't go deeper into the more mountainy region of the park. Here are some of the points I explored. Barton Warnock Visitor's Center- This is where you pay your fee to enter the park, if you aren't stopping to see things then you don't have to pay. It's only like 5.00 per person so don't be a cheapskate. There is a gift shop to get your refrigerator magnet or t-shirt plus a little garden area and small museum about the region. Contraband Movie set- This is about 45 minutes down the scenic river road from Barton Warnock VC. Beware of free-range cattle! It's just a little place to stretch your legs and check out a few buildings used for filming a few B-movies. Plus, there is a few picnic tables if you want to eat by the river. Closed Canyon Trail- 15-20 minutes from Contraband Movie Set. This was the highlight of the day for me. It's only like a 2-mile round trip hike over mostly flat ground through a gorgeous canyon. The canyon is much much cooler (temperature not hipness) than outside the canyon. There is a little (really little) rock scramble to get over before there is a sign that just says, "The end". Hoodoos Trail- This is only about 5-10 mins from Closed Canyon, so we did it on the way back from Presidio. The Hoodoos is said to be a 1.1-mile roundtrip trail but it's all open so there is not a real defined trail that I could see. So you can just walk around the cool looking rock formations and Rio Grande river and take in the nature. There is also a drive-up overlook if you don't want to walk Fort Leaton State Historic Site- 30 mins from Hoodoos. Cool historic fort that wasn't for military use. It was just a family who wanted a spot along the route to El Paso to sell goods and protect his family. Cool place to walk around and take pictures and learn about the region in a different time. Highly recommend the ride from Lajitas to Presidio. Plenty of points of interest along the route and places to grab a bite once in Presidio. Next time I will make may way more into the interior of the park.

Big Bend Ranch State Park is rugged, remote, and absolutely stunning. With dramatic canyons, vast…read moredesert landscapes, and abundant wildlife, it offers a true backcountry adventure. Less crowded than the national park, it's perfect for hikers, photographers, and solitude seekers. Be prepared this is wild Texas at its finest.

This stretch of green is a welcome reprieve after a long drive through the bleak Chihuahua Desert…read more The town of Pecos doesn't offer much, but I was thankful for the opportunity to stroll through this park before driving another 9 hours. There are a few shade trees. Picnic tables are spread throughout the park. There are a few cute structures like the miniature Alamo that is fun for the kiddos and just as entertaining for adults to look at. Important note, this park is NOT dog friendly. It's a city park with lovely grass, but dogs are not allowed. There are small signs posted as you transition from the car park area into the park. I completely missed seeing the sign. A man in a truck pulled up blocking my car from departing while I loaded up my uncle's dog and water bowl. It made me extremely nervous since I didn't know the man or his intentions. He said he worked with the Park Service, but he wasn't wearing a uniform or driving a truck with insignia...no surprise in a small town. I was still aghast that this man felt the need to block me in as I was clearly in the process of packing up and leaving when he approached my vehicle. He asked if I was from around here while I was standing right next to the Arizona plates on my mom's SUV. I was tired and weary after a week and a half of being on my feet packing from sun up to sun down and then driving 7 hours from AZ to NM the day before. I didn't notice the sign stating that dogs weren't allowed. I apologized and continued to pack up quickly hoping the stranger didn't have plans to harm me, especially since I was a female traveling alone and there was no one else around. Apparently he just wanted to make a point about "no dogs in the park" even though I was obviously leaving. Nice little oasis of green grass with trees and picnic tables, but not dog-friendly. Apparently there is a dog park nearby, so keep driving if you have a four-leg friend with you.