Vacation rentals in McDonald Observatory

Paradise Mountain Villa

This hillside villa sits atop 36 acres of untouched land at 6,000-ft. elevation! Enjoy dark skies & enchanted vistas stretching over 100 miles with 4 real seasons of extraordinary weather. Herds of deer, flocks of turkey, & migrating birds roam freely throughout the landscape. A quick 30-minute drive to nearby Marfa and Alpine, this property is a true secluded paradise where year-round hiking adventures await! NOTE: High speed Starlink Satellite Internet installed and operational (It’s FAST!!!)

"RRR" Cowboy Lodge Chihuahuan Desert Ranch Stay

Cholla Ranch Camp, where horses still roam free, is a small section of an 1100 acre working ranch dedicated to hosting guests. Located in the breathtaking Chihuahuan Desert but just minutes from the small West Texas town of Alpine. The RRR has great views of Twin Peak Mountains during the day and wonderful stargazing at night. The RRR is furnished with MCM pieces of walnut and rich textures. Well appointed interior will allow you to relax into the evening while still being connected to nature.

New! Starry Night Shipping Container Home

Welcome to our charming shipping container home, a cozy retreat nestled in the heart of nature. This unique abode offers a blend of modern comfort and charm, perfect for those seeking a relaxing getaway. Located an hour from Big Bend National Park and minutes away from Alpine offers travelers easy access to both the park and town. You will be sure to get a phenomenal nights sleep on the super comfy memory foam bed. Wake up feeling refreshed and step up to the top deck for your morning coffee.

"The Treehouse" -A Room, a View & a Private Deck

On the side of Dolores Mountain overlooking town, "The Treehouse", as we call it, is a grown-up version of your favorite childhood hideout. At the top of the private staircase in the courtyard, you will find an unexpectedly modern and comfortable retreat, perfect for relaxing and stargazing. - Private Entrance with Rooftop Deck - 270 Degree Views of the Davis Mountains - Centrally located 1 mile from the town's center - 25 minutes to Marfa, Alpine and McDonald Observatory - DishTV and WIFI

Sleeping Lion Casita with Sky Observation Deck

Nestled amidst the Chihuahuan Desert, the Sleeping Lion is a stylish casita that offers a serene retreat for couples or solo adventurers. With easy access to McDonald Observatory, Balmorhea State Park, and Marfa, our impeccably styled casita exudes a warm & inviting ambiance. Unwind on our patio, where you can soak up panoramic views of the majestic Sleeping Lion Mountain. Step inside to discover a cozy living area, small kitchen, and a plush bedroom. Embark on your Far West Texas journey.

Desert Sky – On 5 Acres with Marfa Lights Views

This unique Quonset Hut is located on 5 acres with incredible views of the Marfa lights, Chinati Peak and Davis Mountains - just minutes from Marfa's town center. Experience a rare desert oasis with modern amenities, incredible sunrise and sunset views and magnificent stargazing, while being close enough to enjoy everything Marfa has to offer. Perfect for couples, friends, or those looking to work remote! High speed WiFi, workspace, dog friendly, full kitchen, BBQ, lounge & dining area

Small House • Desert Retreat — Close to Heaven

West Texas Ranch meets Designer Style! Near town, 30 minutes from Fort Davis, Marfa, and Marathon. The Big Bend National Park, Terlingua, and Lajitas are roughly 100 miles away. Relax on the expansive front porch and enjoy the wide-open spaces and skies brimming with stars, and wake up to a sunrise with an uninterrupted view of Hancock Hill. Grill and chill! Watch the abundant wildlife such as javelina, mule deer, and fox. Enjoy the gateway to the Big Bend while staying comfortably.

The Canyon Casita

The Canyon Casita is located 10 miles northwest of downtown Alpine. The Casita offers a quiet and comfortable space to enjoy all that the high desert has to offer - immersive mountain views, dark skies, brilliant sunrises and sunsets, wildlife and the gentle sounds of nature. Birders welcome! We keep the feeders and water filled year round and enjoy a variety of native and migratory visitors. The Canyon Casita is centrally located to the vast offerings of the Trans-Pecos region.

The Green Box

Enjoy this 360 sq ft casita with a covered patio, fully fenced private yard, & comfortable inside quarters. The casita features a kitchenette with an electric stove top, microwave, coffee maker, and mini fridge, as well as internet, smart TV w/ Roku, mini-spit AC & heating unit, Cal King bed with a foam mattress, & a bathroom with a shower. Located within walking distance to SRSU, restaurants, shops and more. Keyless entry. Pet friendly - $20 flat fee per pet (max 2 pets).

Casita on Arabella Mountain

Guest (studio) casita located on Arabella Mtn. in Limpia Crossing, 9 miles from Fort Davis and 8 miles from McDonald Observatory. Cools mornings, pleasant afternoons. The casita has everything you need to get away from it all. Sleep in or have early coffee and watch the wildlife. One can choose to have dinner in town or cook and have a quiet dinner in the casita. Star gazing is beautiful here in the Davis Mountains.

Industrial-Chic Home w/ Hot Tub - Relax & Escape

Welcome to Casa Acero, your modern and rustic industrial “steel house” in Alpine. This cozy and comfortable home blends unique style with luxurious appointments, including restful beds, a supple leather couch, a smart TV, and high-speed 300 mb/s broadband WiFi. And that's just what's inside the house! Outside are even more amenities that will add to the enjoyment of your visit to far West Texas.

Square Roots Marfa

Just a short, three mile drive from Marfa proper, Square Roots is a perfect balance between minimalist comfort and desert charm. Set back on a five acre property, the 1-bedroom, 1-bath concrete house is surrounded by quintessential West Texas desert views. Enjoy peace, tranquility, nature, and serene views of the Davis Mountains with easy access to everything Marfa has to offer!