If wide horizons, quiet roads, and cinematic landscapes stir something in your soul, a scenic desert drive to Marfa is your kind of road trip. This artsy outpost in far West Texas isn’t just a destination—it’s the reward at the end of a journey defined by stillness and beauty. Driving through the Chihuahuan Desert toward Marfa means more than just reaching a town—it means traveling through silence, space, and a kind of peace that’s hard to find anywhere else.
Whether you’re coming from El Paso, Big Bend, or San Antonio, every route into Marfa offers its own brand of meditative scenery and desert magic.
Why Scenic Drives to Marfa Are So Special
The road to Marfa is part of the experience. You’re surrounded by desert grasslands, distant mountains, empty highways, and skies so big they feel eternal. There are few billboards, no traffic, and no rush—just open space and time to breathe. For solo travelers, couples, and photographers, this is West Texas at its most poetic.
On these drives, you’ll pass wildflowers in spring, monsoon skies in summer, golden grass in fall, and pink-drenched sunsets year-round.
Best Scenic Routes to Reach Marfa
1. US-90 from Alpine to Marfa
This 26-mile stretch is one of the most beloved routes into Marfa. You’ll glide through gently rolling hills and open plains with the Davis Mountains in the distance. It’s a short but beautiful drive, especially near sunset.
Route: Alpine → Marfa via US-90
Distance: 26 miles (about 30 minutes)
Famous For: Open skies, desert hills, and distant mountain views
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Stop at the roadside vista just before entering Marfa for a panoramic shot of the town’s approach.
2. Pinto Canyon Road (FM 2810)
This rugged backroad delivers some of the most dramatic, remote scenery in West Texas. You’ll travel from Marfa through desert ranchlands and into the rocky hills of Pinto Canyon. It’s perfect for those who want solitude and a deep connection to the land.
Route: Marfa → Pinto Canyon (and optionally onward to Ruidosa)
Distance: 50+ miles round trip
Famous For: Dramatic desert views, isolation, and peacefulness
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: High-clearance vehicles are recommended beyond the first 15 miles. Download maps in advance—there’s no service.
3. US-67 from Presidio to Marfa
Following the Rio Grande and rising into the high plains, this scenic drive brings desert cliffs, river valleys, and cinematic landscapes. It’s a more dramatic entrance to Marfa from the south, especially during golden hour.
Route: Presidio → Marfa via US-67
Distance: 60 miles (about 1 hour)
Famous For: Borderland scenery, desert switchbacks, and big views
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Combine this with a stop at Fort Leaton or Big Bend Ranch State Park for a full-day drive.
4. TX-17 from Fort Davis to Marfa
This winding mountain road starts in Fort Davis and descends through high-desert landscape, offering mountain views and scenic overlooks. It’s one of the most peaceful and photogenic routes in the region.
Route: Fort Davis → Marfa via TX-17
Distance: 21 miles (about 25 minutes)
Famous For: Mountain views, wide shoulders, and changing elevations
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Stop at Wild Rose Pass for a quiet roadside break and amazing photo opportunities.
5. Scenic Loop Drive around Marfa
Looking for a short yet beautiful drive during your stay? Create your own loop by combining US-90, TX-17, and FM 2810. It’s a tranquil half-day route with options for picnicking, photography, or just mindful cruising.
Route: Marfa → Alpine → Fort Davis → Marfa
Distance: 80+ miles round trip
Famous For: Desert solitude, Davis Mountains, and empty roads
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Great for sunset drives—watch the sky transform as you complete the loop.
6. FM 170: River Road near Big Bend
Though not in Marfa itself, FM 170 (also called River Road) is worth mentioning for those extending their road trip. Running from Lajitas to Presidio, it’s one of the most scenic drives in all of Texas, hugging the Rio Grande with cliffs on one side and river views on the other.
Route: Lajitas → Presidio → (connect to Marfa via US-67)
Distance: 50 miles (1.5+ hours with stops)
Famous For: Curves, cliffs, river valleys, and photo stops galore
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Drive it west to east in the morning for better light and less glare.
Scenic Stops and Hidden Gems Along the Way
1. Marfa Lights Viewing Area
Even if you’re just passing through, this roadside pull-off is a serene place to stop, stretch, and maybe catch the famous Marfa Lights.
Address: US-67, 9 miles east of Marfa
Hours: Open 24/7
Cost: Free
Famous For: Mystery orbs and peaceful desert skies
For More Info: Visit Website
2. Wild Rose Pass
Located on TX-17, this scenic mountain pass offers wide shoulders for stopping and taking photos or enjoying a quiet moment in nature.
Address: TX-17 between Fort Davis and Marfa
Hours: Daylight hours
Cost: Free
Famous For: Natural rock formations and desert flora
For More Info: Visit Website
3. Prada Marfa
Art meets isolation in this desert-surrounded faux Prada store. It’s Instagram-famous, and surprisingly emotional when viewed in person.
Address: US-90, Valentine, TX
Hours: 24/7 (outdoor)
Cost: Free
Famous For: Minimalist commentary and iconic photos
For More Info: Visit Website
Packing Tips for Scenic Drives to Marfa
Full gas tank (some stretches have no stations)
Download offline maps or bring a paper atlas
Sunglasses and SPF for bright driving
Cooler with drinks and snacks
Phone/camera with extra storage
Comfortable shoes and a wide-brimmed hat for roadside walks
Blanket or chairs for sunset stops
Playlist or podcasts (radio is limited)
Local Tips and Seasonal Advice
Best times to drive: Spring and Fall for milder temperatures
Avoid summer afternoons—highs can exceed 100°F
Keep an eye on gas levels; refuel in Alpine or Fort Davis
Morning drives = calm light and fewer cars
Sunset between 6:30–8:30pm depending on season—plan your stops accordingly
Bring water and a paper map; cell service is unreliable on backroads
Conclusion: Let the Road Do the Talking
Sometimes, the most peaceful road trips are the simplest—where the landscape speaks louder than words, and the road ahead becomes your meditation. Driving to Marfa is about more than reaching a destination. It’s about feeling every mile, soaking up the silence, and letting the desert reset your spirit.
So whether you’re coming for the art, the quiet, or the stars, start your journey with an open mind and an open road. Marfa will meet you with arms as wide as the Texas sky.
