Van Horn Guidebook
Sightseeing
Hike to the Top! Guadalupe Peak is the highest peak in Texas. It’s only a one hour drive to the park headquarters and provides lots of fun in the sun for people of all ages and skill level. There are lots of historical sites and hikes for people of all abilities. Pack your own lunch and snacks! There is no restaurant!
52 locals recommend
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Hike to the Top! Guadalupe Peak is the highest peak in Texas. It’s only a one hour drive to the park headquarters and provides lots of fun in the sun for people of all ages and skill level. There are lots of historical sites and hikes for people of all abilities. Pack your own lunch and snacks! There is no restaurant!
I strongly recommend going on a guided rafting trip down the Rio Grande river with Far Flung Adventures. The view from down in the Canyons is AWEsome.
40 locals recommend
Big Bend Ranch State Park
21800 Farm to Market Road 170I strongly recommend going on a guided rafting trip down the Rio Grande river with Far Flung Adventures. The view from down in the Canyons is AWEsome.
Marfa is a hip, small town located 70 miles South of Van Horn. Marfa is definitely unique and can best be described as “Austin meets Rural West Texas.” Marfa attracts visitors from all walks of life, from the rich and famous to the average person looking for a relaxing weekend get-a-way. Enjoy good food and drinks at one of the eclectic restaurants, rent a bike and cycle around town, and visit any of the unique attractions in the area. Marfa is a fun day trip!
19 locals recommend
Marfa
Marfa is a hip, small town located 70 miles South of Van Horn. Marfa is definitely unique and can best be described as “Austin meets Rural West Texas.” Marfa attracts visitors from all walks of life, from the rich and famous to the average person looking for a relaxing weekend get-a-way. Enjoy good food and drinks at one of the eclectic restaurants, rent a bike and cycle around town, and visit any of the unique attractions in the area. Marfa is a fun day trip!
Take a scenic drive through the Davis Mountains and enjoy a day of hiking at the Davis Mountain State Park. Located very close to the town of Fort Davis (85 miles from Van Horn), this makes for a great day trip! Stop for an old fashioned milkshake and lunch or dinner at the Drug Store restaurant before heading back to Van Horn.
18 locals recommend
Davis Mountains State Park Headquarters
Texas 118Take a scenic drive through the Davis Mountains and enjoy a day of hiking at the Davis Mountain State Park. Located very close to the town of Fort Davis (85 miles from Van Horn), this makes for a great day trip! Stop for an old fashioned milkshake and lunch or dinner at the Drug Store restaurant before heading back to Van Horn.
Attend a Star Party or reserve your own opportunity to look through one of the mega telescopes! Whether you take a scenic drive to just look around, or plan your whole trip around a Star Party, you won’t be disappointed!
41 locals recommend
McDonald Observatory Visitors Center
3640 Dark Sky DrAttend a Star Party or reserve your own opportunity to look through one of the mega telescopes! Whether you take a scenic drive to just look around, or plan your whole trip around a Star Party, you won’t be disappointed!
There are no words to accurately describe a visit to the Carlsbad Caverns. It’s educational, beautiful, inspiring, and a great place to go to beat the heat of the West Texas summer! Arrive early and stay late to watch the Bat Flight at dusk. GREAT for families!
121 locals recommend
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
There are no words to accurately describe a visit to the Carlsbad Caverns. It’s educational, beautiful, inspiring, and a great place to go to beat the heat of the West Texas summer! Arrive early and stay late to watch the Bat Flight at dusk. GREAT for families!
Do you believe in Aliens? Check out these lights that continue to defy explanation by experts across many fields of research.
35 locals recommend
Marfa Lights Viewing Area
US 90Do you believe in Aliens? Check out these lights that continue to defy explanation by experts across many fields of research.
Prada Marfa
14880 US-90City advice
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Bring Your Own Transportation
Van Horn is a small town and there is no public transportation and no ride-share drivers. Plan to use your own vehicle for transportation. One restaurant is within walking distance from the property.
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Enjoy The Outdoors
Van Horn is located in the Chihuahuan dessert and has an excellent climate most of the year. Summers are hot and dry with cool evenings. The Fall and Spring is beautiful with mild temperatures, lots of sun, and highs that frequently stay in the 70s. Winters are mild and are still a great time to enjoy the outdoors!
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Where To Eat
Van Horn is located very close to the Mexican Border, and as a result, we enjoy the influence of true Mexican cuisine in local restaurants! Start out your day with a breakfast burrito from Gilbert’s Restaurant, enjoy lunch at Lizy’s Tortilleria (a local favorite), and round out the day with dinner at Mom’s Kitchen (closes at 8:00 pm).
If Mexican food isn't your thing, try lunch at Boots and Scoops which features daily specials & Texas' very own Henry's Homemade ice cream. El Capitan and Cattle Company each offer traditional American food, a full bar & specialty cocktails.
What to pack
Be Prepared
Texas weather is always unpredictable. Come prepared and bring a sweater or light jacket. Most of the year, the mornings start out cool, then the weather warms up significantly in the afternoon, and cools back off in the evening.
Getting around
Always Have A Full Tank
Make sure your gas tank is full when leaving Fort Stockton, El Paso, Carlsbad, or Pecos. There are long stretches of road between towns out here in West Texas, with no gas stations in between.