Eco-Ranch Sustainable Living Center

There's no getting away from the fact that this Texas site is off the beaten track. Most guests here will want to take the time to explore Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park, both of which are under an hour's drive away from base and have excellent opportunities for hiking, spotting wildlife and immersing yourself in the wilderness. You're also around two hours' drive from the McDonald Observatory for telescope tours, lectures about the solar system and interactive exhibits. On the way there (or back), make sure to stop off for a few hours at the Marfa Lights Viewing Area (an hour and 30 minutes) – there's no telling whether the mysterious illuminations often seen here are caused by ghosts, UFOs or something more mundane, so your best bet’s to come along and see for yourself… Eco-Ranch Sustainable Living Center is also about three miles from a local swimming hole off Terlingua Creek (ask your hosts for directions).