Sometimes You Just Need a Quiet Moment Away From the Road All stops recommended by Friends of the Texas Mountain Trail
Near Marathon
Post Park — Five miles south of Marathon lies a public park built in the 1930s on Pena Colorado Creek. During the 19th century, Comanches camped here on raids to Mexico. The US Army established Camp Pena Colorado at the watering hole in 1880. Today, this quiet spot far off the main road is a magnet for wildlife—including waterfowl, wild turkey, and javelina.
Near Fort Davis
Point of Rocks Rest Area — on Hwy 166, the “Scenic Loop” west of Fort Davis
A favorite spot for dawn or dusk, this road stop offers a quiet place to rest or scamper over boulders at the base of a mountain.
Lawrence E. Wood Picnic Area — on Hwy 118, a few miles west of McDonald Observatory
This pine, juniper and oak woodland is a quiet, shady getaway for picnicking, camping or birding. The Nature Conservancy's new Madera Trail, a 24 hour access hiking trail, begins here.
Marfa
Presidio County Courthouse — center of Marfa
Eighty-six steps take you to the top of Marfa’s beautiful courthouse and a 360 degree view of the town and surrounding countryside.
Near Valentine
Prada Marfa — a few miles north of Valentine on Hwy 90
An unlikely work of art—a non-functional Prada store—out on Texas ranchland.
Shafter
Travelers on Hwy 67 between Marfa and Presidio can turn off into the Shafter “Ghost Town” to see beautiful adobe structures. Follow the signs to the Cemetery and take a few minutes to visit the museum on the cemetery grounds and learn the history of this old mining town.
In and Near Van Horn
Scenic Overlook — 3 miles west of Van Horn, westbound direction I-10
This modest looking stop offers a mountain experience to anyone fit enough to climb a flight of stairs. Just a few short steps high above the freeway, visitors can enjoy an unspoiled mountain vista.
Van Horn Cemetery — NW corner of Van Horn, take 1st street (just north of the train tracks) west until the pavement ends. Turn north to dead-end at the cemetery entrance. Early morning visitors can hear birds and see jackrabbits in this beautiful example of a small-town border region cemetery. Families lovingly care for the plots with colorful plantings and decorations, many in the Hispanic tradition. Visitors can enjoy a quiet stroll around the cemetery as well as beautiful views of Van Horn’s Turtleback and Six Mile mountains.
In and Near El Paso
Scenic Drive—Drive Rim Road over the southern tip of the Franklin Mountains. This is the best view of the city accessible by car. You can see all of El Paso and Juarez. From downtown, take the Staton St. north and go right on Rim Road. The Rim Road neighborhood association just completed a beautiful new sidewalk so visitors can take a walk along one of El Paso’s most beautiful views. Follow Rim Road all the way around the mountain and take a driving tour of Manhattan Heights, one of El Paso’s most beautiful historic neighborhoods.
Chamizal National Monument — 800 San Marcial. Located near the Bridge of the Americas, the monument recognizes the 1963 amicable resolution of the dispute between the U.S. and Mexico over this section of borderland. Stroll through the 55-acre park, visit the monument's museum and Los Paisanos Gallery.
Nominate your favorite rest stop or submit a "My Favorite Place" blog entry through info@texasmountaintrail.org