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.

"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

Casa Estrella • Luxury Yurt — Close to the Sky

Climate controlled! What is a Yurt? Yurts originated in Mongolia. The Mongolian people were nomadic, and they took their homes (yurts) with them as they tended to, and traveled, with their livestock. Today yurts are built on a platform & consist of two thick layers of canvas with a layer of insulation in between, and most notably a domed skylight at their center. 5 mins to Alpine, 30 mins to Fort Davis, Marfa, and Marathon. Big Bend Park, Terlingua, & Lajitas are roughly 100 miles away.

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.

Cozy and comfy cottage near Balmorhea State Park

Just 2 miles off IH-10 and walking distance to town and amenities, this 360sf cottage has everything you need for a comfortable stay. It’s ideal for a visit to Balmorhea State Park, home of the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool, where people swim and scuba dive year-round in 74 degree water. Bird watching is popular at Sandia Wetlands and Balmorhea Lake. It’s a perfect place to start or end your visit to the Big Bend area, or as an overnight stop-over when traveling on IH-10.

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.

Art-Filled Marfa Adobe

Located at the western edge of Marfa, this cozy, unique adobe offers a true Marfa experience, and the best isolation and comfort for you. The house is air conditioned and heated, has wifi and a smart TV. There is one bedroom downstairs with a comfy queen sized bed and one loft bedroom upstairs with a queen sized bed and fun views. The bathroom with shower is downstairs. There are stairs going to the upstairs loft bedroom (see pics). (Marfa Hotel Tax ID #S44 - Registered)

New! Southwest Shipping Container-In Alpine

This stunning Container Home will not disappoint! With 1 bedroom and an inflatable floor mattress, it sleeps uptimes to 4 people. Features a super comfy Tuft and Needle queen mattress. The kitchen is outfitted in granite countertops. The rooftop deck is a great place to stargaze or enjoy a morning coffee. It boasts a full size, custom-tiled shower and spacious bathroom to complete this beautiful home. Located right outside of Alpine-2 minutes from downtown.

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.

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!

Tiny Getaway

You won’t forget your time in this romantic, memorable place. Private driveway and extremely quiet. Right in the middle of town, but you’ll never know it. This tiny house is down an alley on the backside of our property also used by the deer going through town, but don’t worry they’re more afraid of you than you are of them. The inside has a touch of old with comfort of new.