Marfa & Big Bend Weekend: Desert, Art & Stargazing




Itinerary
A weekend in West Texas means leaving the city behind and stepping into a landscape of wide-open spaces, long distances, and minimal surroundings. Our road trip starts in El Paso, where we get behind the wheel and head toward Marfa, driving through one of the most remote areas in the United States.
Along the way, we’ll stop at Prada Marfa, a unique installation in the middle of the desert that has become one of the area’s most iconic landmarks. From there, you immediately get a sense of the kind of place you’re entering. Marfa is a small town centered around contemporary art, with galleries and exhibition spaces scattered throughout. Over the weekend, we’ll visit some of these spots and get a feel for the town’s atmosphere, while also keeping an eye out for the mysterious Marfa Lights after sunset.
The next day, we’ll head to Big Bend National Park, one of the most remote areas in Texas, known for its vast desert landscapes and dramatic views. The focus here is on the scenery, with scenic stops and viewpoints along the way.
We’ll end the day in Terlingua, just outside the park, where after sunset we’ll look up for a stargazing session in one of the darkest skies in the United States.
The following morning, we’ll drive back to El Paso. If flights are later in the day, there will be time for a final walk around the city before heading to the airport.


On the road to Marfa
1 night: Marfa/Alpine
First miles in West Texas
Arrival in El Paso is set by 1:00 PM at the international airport, just in time to pick up the rental cars and hit the road right away.
We’ll start driving toward Marfa, crossing the wide-open landscapes of West Texas. Long straight roads and desert views set the tone from the very beginning.
Along the way, we’ll stop at Prada Marfa, one of the most iconic spots in the area. Why is there a Prada store in the middle of nowhere? The answer gives a pretty clear idea of the kind of place we’re heading into.
We’ll reach Marfa in the late afternoon, check in, and start exploring the town, where art spaces and installations quickly stand out.
After dinner, we’ll head to the Marfa Lights Viewing Area to try and spot the mysterious lights that have made this place famous. Are they really a paranormal phenomenon, as some say?

Art, Desert and Stargazing
1 night: Terlingua
Between art and nature
We’ll start the day exploring Marfa, letting ourselves get carried away by its unique atmosphere. Walking around, we’ll come across art galleries, installations, and spaces that define the identity of this place.
After lunch, we’ll hit the road again and head toward Big Bend National Park. The drive takes us deeper into West Texas, with landscapes becoming more and more remote. Once inside the park, we’ll explore it with scenic stops, viewpoints, and short walks, focusing on the vast desert surroundings.
Later in the day, we’ll leave the park and reach Terlingua, a former mining town where we’ll spend the night. Here, an incredible stargazing session awaits us, as the area is known for having some of the darkest skies in the United States. So keep your eyes open and get your wishes ready, shooting stars might be just around the corner!

Back to El Paso
Last miles through the desert
If you’re feeling particularly motivated, the day can start early with an optional sunrise in the desert. The light here is completely different in the early morning, and it’s a great way to experience the landscape one last time.
After check-out, we’ll hit the road back to El Paso. The drive takes us across the same wide-open landscapes, giving us a final look at West Texas.
We’ll arrive around early afternoon, return the rental cars, and get ready for departure. If your flights are later in the day, there may be some time for a quick walk around the city before heading to the airport.
What's included
2 nights in a shared room with private bathroom
- Car rental from Day 1 to Day 3
- Entrance to Big Bend National Park
Group Leader services
Move or modify your trip for free up to 31 days before departure
Medical and baggage insurance - (coverage limits by destination country/region - €10,000 Italy, €20,000 Europe, €30,000 World, €50,000 USA/Canada)
What's not included
- Food and beverages when not specified
- All the extras you'll be able to fit in your backpack
- Anything not mentioned in the "What's included" section
Optional activities
Please see below extra optional activities that you can experience during your trip. Your Group Leader will be happy to assist with organizing these activities for the group. Availability may vary depending on location and group preferences. Please note these activities are provided by third party suppliers and liability rests exclusively with these third party suppliers.
- Stargazing experience - approx. USD 25
- Entry ticket to The Chinati Foundation - approx. USD 15
- Entry ticket to Judd Foundation - approx. USD 30
Additional info
2 nights in a shared room with private bathroom
- Info on private roomsShow all details
Why WeRoad
Small groups, on average 11 people
Move or change your trip for free up to 31 days before departure
Book with $ 0. Pay the $ 100 deposit only once the trip is confirmed
The Group Leaders
Find your flight
For this trip, we recommend arriving and departing from these airports.
This is a WeRoadX
A trip designed and created entirely by an experienced WeRoad Travel Group Leader.
This is a trip designed and created entirely by an experienced WeRoad Travel Group Leader. They organise the whole trip: from defining the itinerary to selecting accommodation and on-site experiences. On the WeRoad website you can book the trip and manage it in MyWeRoad, just like any other WeRoad.










