Getting Here

Getting here requires driving at some point, and that's all part of the adventure. Use Google Maps as it is more accurate than Apple Maps, and download directions before you depart as service can be spotty. Make sure you have enough water and a full-sized spare tire, and fill up your gas regularly along the way!

From El Paso, Midland, and Dallas: If you are driving from the El Paso Airport, we recommend driving through Valentine and Marfa. If you are driving from the Midland/Odessa Airport, we recommend driving through Fort Davis and Marfa. Explore attractions like the Davis Mountains State Park, McDonald Observatory, Prada Marfa, the Chianti Foundation, and more.

From Houston, Austin, or San Antonio: Take Old Hwy 90 to enjoy the Texas landscape and historic towns. Explore attractions like the Amistad National Recreation Area, Seminole Canyon State Park, Pecos River High Bridge, and the Gage Hotel & Gardens. If you drive I-10 instead, stop in Fredericksburg, an old German town known for its wineries.

Vehicles & Roads: Since there are many unpaved roads in the area, 4WD or AWD vehicles are typically recommended to maximize your experience, but are not required, and sports cars are highly discouraged. There are 2.8 miles of unpaved roads to get to Camp Elena. Although rain is rare in the Chihuahuan Desert, please drive with caution when the unpaved roads are wet, and typically it's best to wait for them to dry.

Groceries & Supplies: About 8 miles down the road, right before you enter into Big Bend National Park, Cottonwood General Store offers a great selection of food and other supplies. If you need a specific meat or produce for a planned recipe, we recommend stopping at the larger grocers in Alpine or Presidio on your drive into Terlingua.

The closest commercial airports are within a 4 to 7.5 hour drive of the area and have rental car providers. We highly recommend booking a rental car in advance.

• Midland/Odessa Airport (MAF) - 250 miles (4 hrs) to Terlingua
• El Paso Airport (ELP) - 300 miles (4 hr 53 min) to Terlingua
• San Antonio Airport (SAT) - 459 miles (6 hr 56 min) to Terlingua
• Austin Airport (AUS) - 490 miles (7 hr 41 min) to Terlingua

There are various other rental car options in the area with limited supply, including Alpine Auto Rental.

If you are looking for a more leisurely ride into town, we recommend riding the Amtrak Train into Alpine and renting a car from there to drive to Terlingua, as Alpine Auto Rental delivers to the station. The remaining drive to Camp Elena/Terlingua from Alpine is 85 miles, or 1 hr 25 min. Amtrack has stations throughout the US and has options for private sleeping cabins and onboard dining. See Amtrak's website for a full list of routes and stations.

• San Antonio - 7 hr 43 min to Alpine
• Houston - 15 hr 33 min to Alpine
• Austin - 15 hr 58 min to Alpine
• Dallas - 22 hr 28 min to Alpine