West Texas Region
RETURN TO GOSH2022
Chynna Clugston Flores
Fort Lancaster
HISTORY | West Texas
Fort Lancaster stands as a monument to several 1850s-era posts that played a role in America’s westward expansion. The fort provided escorts for wagon trains, mail carriers and settlers as they traveled from San Antonio toward California. At one point, the fort hosted military camels! Today, the ruins of several buildings, including a hospital, bakery, blacksmith shop and sutler’s store, give a glimpse of Texas frontier life.
Snap a selfie in front of the recently renovated visitors center.
Chynna Clugston Flores
Barton warnock visitor center
PARKS | West Texas
The Barton Warnock Visitor Center near Lajitas serves as the eastern entrance for Big Bend Ranch State Park. Its renovated interpretive center, “Una Tierra – One Land,” is the result of an international effort between national and state park experts in Texas and the Mexican states of Chihuahua and Coahuila. The center presents a historical, natural and archeological profile of the Big Bend region in both English and Spanish.
Snap a selfie outside the visitors center.
Chynna Clugston Flores
Balmorhea State Park
SPLASH | West Texas
After being closed for renovations over the past few years, Balmorhea is back! Swim with the fishes in the crystal-clear water of the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool.
Snap a selfie poolside, or have a friend take a picture of you in the water.
Chynna Clugston Flores
Davis Mountains State Park
WILD TEXAS | West Texas
A total of 365 bird species (one for each day of the year!) are known to occur in Jeff Davis County, and Davis Mountains State Park is a great place to see many of them. Part of the Far West Texas Wildlife Trail, the park has been designated as a globally important bird area by the American Bird Conservancy. The state park helps protect avian flyways and habitat for the Montezuma quail, cactus wren, canyon towhee and many other species.
Snap a selfie inside the “best little bird blind in Texas,” which offers an enclosed viewing station, a shielded outside patio and feeding and watering stations.
Chynna Clugston Flores
Paisano Pete
QUIRKY | West Texas
Standing 11 feet tall and 22 feet long, Paisano Pete is one roadrunner sure to scare off even the wiliest of coyotes. The statue, which serves as the mascot (and most photographed resident) of the town of Fort Stockton, has welcomed visitors since 1980.
Snap a selfie with Paisano Pete. For best access, park at the visitors center across the street.
Chynna Clugston Flores
A Tribute to Texas Musicians mural
MUSIC | West Texas
For the West Texas leg of your journey, we recommend a playlist with the eclectic mix of Texas performers found on Artwalk Alpine’s latest mural project. Located on the north side of the Printco building at Fifth Street and Murphy Avenue, the mural celebrates the music of Texas with a Sgt. Pepper-style painting spotlighting more than 40 Texas musicians.
Snap a selfie in front of the mural.
Ranch candy Sweets
GOOD EATS | West Texas
If you’ve got an eye for modern art and a taste for old-time sweets, Ranch Candy in downtown Marfa may be your new favorite store. The shop offers all kinds of handmade local art alongside retro candy-store classics.
Snap a selfie snacking on some candy outside the store’s main window.