Vast deserts. Silent trails. Wind-carved canyons. If this sounds like your ideal escape, a road trip for hiking and exploration near Marfa is your next great outdoor adventure. This West Texas region is a rugged and raw playground for explorers looking to disconnect from city life and reconnect with land, sky, and self.
Surrounded by some of Texas’ most remote landscapes, Marfa offers a gateway to scenic hiking trails, volcanic peaks, and hidden gems that reward those willing to wander.
Why Marfa Is Ideal for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Marfa isn’t just for artists and stargazers—it’s a prime launch point for outdoor lovers. The Chihuahuan Desert stretches in every direction, leading to remote canyons, lava fields, and panoramic ridgelines. You can hike a desert trail in the morning, photograph wildlife by noon, and chase a painted sunset by evening. From beginner-friendly walks to challenging backcountry hikes, the landscapes around Marfa are rich with natural beauty and solitude.
Best Hiking and Outdoor Adventure Spots Near Marfa
1. Davis Mountains State Park
One of the most accessible outdoor escapes from Marfa, this park offers miles of scenic trails, mountain views, and birdwatching opportunities. Hike to a summit, explore cactus-covered valleys, or drive the Skyline Drive for breathtaking overlooks.
Address: TX-118 N, Fort Davis, TX (25 miles from Marfa)
Hours: Daily: 8am–10pm
Approx Cost: $6 per adult
Famous For: Mountain hikes, scenic drives, and desert wildlife
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: The Skyline Drive Trail is perfect for sunset. Bring layers—it gets chilly at elevation.
2. Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center
Ideal for families and casual hikers, this nature preserve offers botanical gardens, a canyon trail, and interpretive signs about the region’s unique ecology. It’s a great intro to desert hiking without the commitment of remote terrain.
Address: 43869 TX-118, Fort Davis, TX
Hours: Mon–Sat: 9am–5pm
Approx Cost: $6
Famous For: Botanical trails and informative desert ecology exhibits
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Hike the Modesta Canyon Trail early in the day—shade is limited and temps rise quickly.
3. Big Bend Ranch State Park (East Entrance)
For serious adventurers, Big Bend Ranch offers some of the most dramatic terrain in Texas. The East Contrabando trail system near Lajitas is a 2-hour drive from Marfa but offers slot canyons, hoodoos, and challenging hikes with few people around.
Address: FM 170, near Lajitas, TX
Hours: Daily: Sunrise to sunset
Approx Cost: $5 per person
Famous For: Rugged desert backcountry and solitude
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Always check-in at the visitor kiosk and bring extra water—this is a true wilderness.
4. Fort Leaton State Historic Site
This preserved adobe fort is more cultural than strenuous, but it offers open walking areas, interpretive trails, and a peaceful introduction to West Texas frontier life along the Rio Grande.
Address: 13 miles southeast of Presidio on FM 170
Hours: Daily: 8am–4:30pm
Approx Cost: $5
Famous For: Historical architecture and scenic desert backdrop
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Combine this stop with a hike or drive along FM 170 (River Road) for an epic outdoor day.
5. Pinto Canyon Road Exploration
Pinto Canyon Road isn’t an official hiking trail—but it’s an adventure. This rugged backroad offers walking access to pristine desert terrain, volcanic rock formations, and 360° views of West Texas wilderness.
Address: FM 2810 west of Marfa
Hours: Daylight only
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Remote driving, roadside hiking, and total solitude
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Be prepared for no facilities. Carry a GPS, map, and tell someone your plans.
6. Scenic Loop Trail (Marfa–Alpine–Fort Davis)
Make your own road trip loop with plenty of pulloffs for short walks, mountain overlooks, and spontaneous trail exploration. This is more about relaxed discovery than intense hiking, ideal for photography and wildlife spotting.
Address: Start in Marfa → Alpine → Fort Davis → Marfa
Hours: Daylight
Approx Cost: Free (except park entrance fees)
Famous For: Versatility, landscape variety, and road-trip appeal
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Pack a picnic and stop wherever the scenery calls. You’re in no rush out here.
7. Madera Canyon Trail (Nature Conservancy Preserve)
A lesser-known but rewarding trail, Madera Canyon is shaded, cool, and full of birdsong. It’s part of the Davis Mountains Preserve and feels like an alpine surprise in the desert.
Address: 25 miles northwest of Fort Davis on TX-118
Hours: Open select weekends or by special event
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Juniper-pine forest hiking and rare wildlife
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Check The Nature Conservancy website for access dates—they’re limited but worth the effort.
Food Stops to Fuel Your Adventures
1. Marfa Burrito
Home-cooked burritos wrapped by local legend Ramona. Perfect to grab early in the morning and pack for a trail lunch.
Address: 104 E Waco St, Marfa, TX
Hours: Mon–Sat: 6am–2pm
Approx Cost: $5–$10
Famous For: Big burritos and authentic local hospitality
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Bring cash and order extra—you’ll burn those calories on the trail.
2. Do Your Thing Coffee
Start your hike day with caffeine and carbs. This Marfa gem offers artisan espresso and toast creations in a peaceful, artsy setting.
Address: 201 E Dallas St, Marfa, TX
Hours: Daily: 7:30am–2pm
Approx Cost: $5–$15
Famous For: Avocado toast and house-made syrups
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Grab an iced coffee for the road and a banana for the trail.
3. Para Llevar
After a full day on the trail, return to town for wood-fired pizza and house-baked goods. Their garden patio is ideal for relaxing your legs and sharing your day’s stories.
Address: 310 S Spring St, Marfa, TX
Hours: Thu–Sun: 12pm–8pm
Approx Cost: $10–$20
Famous For: Pizza, natural wines, and chill outdoor vibes
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Perfect post-hike comfort food. Try their focaccia sandwiches for a hearty bite.
Accommodations for Outdoor Adventurers
1. El Cosmico
This iconic glamping destination offers yurts, trailers, and tent sites with fire pits and outdoor showers. Perfect for soaking in the open sky after a day on the trail.
Address: 802 S Highland Ave, Marfa, TX
Hours: Check-in: 3pm
Approx Cost: $100–$250
Famous For: Boho vibes and desert hospitality
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Stay in a safari tent for more airflow and direct stargazing from your bed.
2. Riata Inn Marfa
Clean, budget-friendly, and located just outside of town, Riata Inn is a great basecamp for multiple day hikes and road trips.
Address: 1500 US-90, Marfa, TX
Hours: 24/7
Approx Cost: $80–$120
Famous For: Value and comfort for hikers and road trippers
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Ask for a west-facing room for a sunset view over the open land.
3. Tumble In Marfa RV & Tent Campground
For the DIY adventurer, this quiet campground offers basic amenities just minutes from Marfa. Ideal for early risers and night-sky watchers.
Address: 1338 US-90, Marfa, TX
Hours: 24/7
Approx Cost: $20–$40
Famous For: Peace, simplicity, and stars
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Bring your own firewood and water, and check out by 11am to hit the trails early.
Packing Tips for Hiking Near Marfa
Refillable water bottles or hydration bladder
Wide-brim hat and polarized sunglasses
Trail snacks: jerky, granola, oranges
Sunscreen and lip balm
Hiking shoes or boots with ankle support
Daypack with room for layers
Printed map or GPS (some areas lack signal)
Flashlight or headlamp
Binoculars and camera for desert wildlife
Local Tips and Seasonal Advice
Spring and fall are best for hiking—mild weather and blooming desert
Start early—West Texas sun can be intense by 10am
Desert hiking = bring double the water you think you’ll need
Check for rattlesnakes and watch your step on rocky trails
Dress in layers—mornings are cool, afternoons can be hot
Avoid hiking after heavy rains—trails can be slick or flooded
Some areas require check-ins or permits—always follow park guidelines
Conclusion: Let the Desert Lead You
Marfa isn’t just a cultural destination—it’s a gateway to raw, wild, and beautiful Texas terrain. Whether you’re trekking through canyons, tracing ancient trails, or simply sitting on a boulder watching the sun melt behind distant hills, a hiking and exploration road trip near Marfa reconnects you to the Earth in the most grounded, honest way.
So pack your boots, fill up your tank, and follow the dust road ahead—adventure is waiting just beyond the horizon.
