I’ve always been drawn to the vast, rugged beauty of Texas’ Big Bend Country. There’s something captivating about its remote landscapes, where mountains meet the desert, and the horizons seem endless.
For those seeking solitude and a deep connection with nature, the secluded neighborhoods scattered throughout this region offer a unique escape. From sprawling ranches to hidden mountain retreats, these communities provide not just breathtaking views but also a tranquil way of life that’s increasingly rare.
Let me take you on a journey through 10 of the most secluded neighborhoods in Big Bend Country, places that have stolen my heart with their serenity and charm.
10. Marathon Basin Ranches
Settling in the Marathon Basin area has introduced me to vast ranches and open spaces that provide a quiet haven beneath expansive West Texas skies. The ranches here often span thousands of acres, giving residents unparalleled privacy and room to roam. The community is sparse, and the sense of solitude is profound.
I find peace in the silence of the desert, broken only by the calls of wildlife. With a small population scattered over a large area, it’s a place where you can truly get away from it all. The night skies here are some of the clearest I’ve ever seen, perfect for stargazing.
Where is Marathon Basin?
The Marathon Basin Ranches are located near the town of Marathon in Brewster County. The Basin is a geological formation that creates a unique landscape of flat plains surrounded by distant mountains. The geography is notable for its wide-open spaces and desert vegetation.
To get there, I take US Highway 90 east from Alpine to Marathon, then venture onto ranch roads that lead into the Basin. The journey takes you through classic West Texas scenery, setting the stage for the seclusion that awaits.
9. Lajitas Mesa Estates
Experiencing privacy at Lajitas Mesa Estates has been a highlight of my time in Big Bend Country. Set atop mesas overlooking dramatic canyons and the Rio Grande, this neighborhood offers spacious properties far from tourist areas.
The homes here are thoughtfully designed to blend with the landscape, providing a seamless connection with nature. With only a handful of residents, it’s a place where you can truly disconnect and find peace. I’ve spent countless nights gazing at the star-filled sky, unpolluted by city lights.
The approximate population is minimal, making it feel like a well-kept secret.
Where is Lajitas Mesa Estates?
Lajitas Mesa Estates is located near the small community of Lajitas in Brewster County, right along the Texas-Mexico border. The geography is stunning, with mesas offering panoramic views of both the United States and Mexico. The area is part of the Chihuahuan Desert, characterized by its unique flora and fauna.
To reach Lajitas Mesa Estates, I often drive along FM 170, also known as the River Road, which winds alongside the Rio Grande and offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in Texas.
8. Fort Davis Southlands
Exploring the Southlands near Fort Davis has revealed generous lot sizes and rolling hills that create a peaceful retreat away from the urban hustle. The community here values privacy and a connection to the natural world. I’ve enjoyed horseback riding through the hills and watching the local wildlife in their natural habitat.
The population is small, fostering a sense of camaraderie among residents who appreciate the quiet life. It’s a place where the pace slows down, and you can truly savor each moment.
Where is Fort Davis Southlands?
Situated just south of the town of Fort Davis in Jeff Davis County, the Southlands area is nestled in the heart of the Davis Mountains. The geography includes rolling hills, grasslands, and stunning mountain views.
Access is easy via State Highway 17, which I take from Fort Davis before turning onto county roads that lead deeper into the countryside. The proximity to the Fort Davis National Historic Site adds a layer of historical interest to the natural beauty.
7. Casa Piedra Community
Embracing the quiet life in Casa Piedra has been a refreshing experience. This unincorporated area features sprawling ranches and minimal development, perfect for privacy seekers like me. The landscape is characterized by open plains and distant mountains, offering a sense of endless space.
The population here is extremely low, allowing for uninterrupted vistas and a profound connection with nature. I’ve spent days exploring the land, finding peace in the simplicity of the desert environment.
Where is Casa Piedra?
Casa Piedra is located in Presidio County, southeast of Marfa and near the Rio Grande. The geography is predominantly flat desert plains with rugged mountain ranges on the horizon. To get there, I often drive south from Marfa on US Highway 67, then take FM 169 east towards the community.
The roads are remote, and services are few, so the journey requires preparation but rewards with true solitude.
6. Willow Mountain Estates
Discovering Willow Mountain Estates felt like uncovering a hidden gem. The large properties are tucked away in the foothills, providing serenity and picturesque landscapes that I find incredibly soothing. The homes are nestled among trees and rocky outcrops, giving a sense of seclusion even within the neighborhood.
The small population fosters a friendly community where neighbors respect each other’s privacy. I’ve enjoyed hiking the local trails and witnessing the abundant wildlife that shares this beautiful area.
Where is Willow Mountain Estates?
Willow Mountain Estates is located near the town of Fort Davis in Jeff Davis County. Positioned at the base of Willow Mountain, the geography offers a mix of wooded areas and rugged terrain. Access is typically via State Highway 17, with local roads leading into the estates.
The area’s elevation provides cooler temperatures and stunning views of the surrounding mountains, making the journey well worth it.
5. Big Bend Valley
Settling in Big Bend Valley has provided me with expansive lots and panoramic desert views that are simply breathtaking. This remote area is ideal for those desiring a tranquil environment away from crowds. The vast open spaces allow for uninterrupted views of sunrise and sunset, creating a daily spectacle.
The population is sparse, allowing for a level of peace and quiet that’s increasingly rare. I’ve found joy in the simplicity of life here, surrounded by the raw beauty of the desert.
Where is Big Bend Valley?
Big Bend Valley is situated north of Big Bend National Park in Brewster County. The geography is characterized by flat desert plains bordered by distant mountain ranges. To reach Big Bend Valley, I usually take State Highway 118 south from Alpine, then turn onto local roads that delve deeper into the valley.
The remote location means services are limited, but the trade-off is a profound sense of solitude and connection with nature.
4. Sierra Blanca Foothills
Embracing remote living in the Sierra Blanca Foothills has been one of my most cherished experiences. This area offers expansive land and rugged landscapes that provide unmatched seclusion and tranquility. The sparse population here means neighbors are miles apart, granting a peaceful solitude that’s hard to find elsewhere.
I love exploring the foothills, where each sunrise and sunset paints the sky with colors you have to see to believe. The local wildlife is abundant, and it’s not uncommon to spot deer or even elusive mountain lions on a quiet evening.
With a population of just a few hundred spread across vast distances, it’s a place where privacy is a way of life.
Where is Sierra Blanca?
Located in Hudspeth County, the Sierra Blanca Foothills lie near the small town of Sierra Blanca, east of El Paso. The geography here is captivating, with rolling hills giving way to the towering Sierra Blanca Mountain. The area is characterized by its rugged terrain and open skies, offering a true sense of remoteness.
To get there, I usually take Interstate 10 heading east from El Paso, then venture onto local roads that wind through the desert towards the foothills. The journey itself is a scenic drive that sets the tone for the tranquility that awaits.
3. Chihuahuan Desert Retreats near Study Butte
Finding peace in the remote properties surrounding Study Butte has been a delightful escape. Large plots of land here provide a quiet retreat amid the Chihuahuan Desert’s breathtaking terrain. The area is a gateway to Big Bend National Park, yet the properties offer a sense of seclusion that’s hard to match.
The small population adds to the tranquility, making it an ideal spot for those seeking solitude. I’ve enjoyed exploring the desert landscape, with its unique plants and occasional wildlife sightings.
Where is Study Butte?
Study Butte is located at the junction of State Highway 118 and FM 170 in Brewster County. The geography combines desert plains with nearby mountain ranges, offering diverse scenery. Access is straightforward via State Highway 118, south of Alpine.
The community serves as a threshold to adventure, with the quiet properties nearby providing a peaceful home base.
2. Davis Mountains Resort
Exploring Davis Mountains Resort has introduced me to a secluded residential area with spacious lots nestled in the scenic Davis Mountains. The natural vistas here are stunning, with rolling hills and forested areas providing a picturesque setting.
The population is small, fostering a community that values privacy and the beauty of its surroundings. I’ve enjoyed the cooler mountain air and the abundant opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation. Living here feels like a constant retreat into nature.
Where is Davis Mountains Resort?
Davis Mountains Resort is located in Jeff Davis County, northwest of Fort Davis. The geography is mountainous, with elevations providing sweeping views and a cooler climate. Access is via State Highway 118, turning onto local roads that ascend into the mountains.
The drive is both beautiful and tranquil, signaling the peaceful environment that defines the resort.
1. Terlingua Ranch
Discovering Terlingua Ranch has been a highlight of my Big Bend adventures. This sprawling community offers vast acreage properties amidst rugged desert landscapes, perfect for those seeking solitude far from urban centers. The ranch encompasses thousands of acres, giving residents space to breathe and explore.
The population is minimal, and the sense of community is built on a shared appreciation for the land. I’ve spent countless hours hiking, stargazing, and simply absorbing the profound silence that envelops the area.
Where is Terlingua Ranch?
Terlingua Ranch is located in Brewster County, northeast of Terlingua and Big Bend National Park. The geography is a mix of desert plains and rugged hills, offering varied terrain to explore. Access is via State Highway 118, turning east onto Terlingua Ranch Road.
The journey takes you deeper into the heart of Big Bend Country, where the distractions of modern life fade away, and nature takes center stage.
