If you’re anything like me, sometimes you just crave a place where the world slows down and the horizon stretches out endlessly. Southwest Texas is home to some of the most secluded towns I’ve ever visited, each offering a unique escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
From ghost towns steeped in history to quiet communities nestled along the Rio Grande, these ten towns offer a chance to unplug and immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the desert. Let me take you on a journey through these hidden gems where solitude and serenity await.
10. Fort Davis – High Desert Hideaway
Fort Davis, with a population of around 1,200, is a charming unincorporated community nestled in the Davis Mountains. I love visiting the Fort Davis National Historic Site, where the old frontier fort brings history to life.
The area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking trails in the Davis Mountains State Park and some of the best stargazing at the McDonald Observatory. The local economy thrives on tourism, ranching, and a small but vibrant artisan community.
What makes Fort Davis particularly secluded is its high elevation and remote location, far from major cities, providing a peaceful retreat surrounded by rugged natural beauty. The quiet streets and expansive landscapes make it feel like a world away from modern life’s rush.
Where is Fort Davis?
Fort Davis is located in Jeff Davis County in Southwest Texas, approximately 200 miles southeast of El Paso. Its seclusion comes from being nestled in the heart of the Davis Mountains, the highest mountain range in Texas, which naturally isolates it from larger urban areas.
To get there, I usually drive along the scenic Texas Highway 17 or 118, enjoying the breathtaking views as the elevation rises. The journey itself feels like a step back in time, with wide-open roads and vast stretches of untouched land leading to this high desert hideaway.
9. Sheffield – Where the Desert Meets the Sky
Sheffield is a tiny unincorporated area with a population of around 600 people, offering a serene escape where the desert truly meets the sky. Whenever I’m craving solitude, I find solace in the quiet beauty of Sheffield’s wide-open spaces.
Outdoor activities like birdwatching, hiking, and exploring the nearby Pecos River are some of my favorite pastimes here. The local economy is primarily based on ranching and a touch of oil industry presence.
What makes Sheffield so secluded is its remote location amid vast desert landscapes, with minimal development and few visitors passing through. It’s the perfect spot for anyone seeking to disconnect and immerse themselves in nature’s grandeur.
Where is Sheffield?
Sheffield is situated in Pecos County in Southwest Texas, along U.S. Highway 290, about 75 miles east of Fort Stockton. Its seclusion is heightened by the miles of desert that surround it, far from any major city or bustling highway.
To get there, I take the quiet stretches of Highway 290, enjoying the solitude of the journey itself. The remoteness of Sheffield, coupled with its expansive skies and endless horizons, makes it feel like a hidden sanctuary away from the pace of modern life.
8. Redford – Silence Along the Rio Grande
Redford is a tiny, unincorporated community with a population hovering around 90 residents. Whenever I visit, I enjoy the profound silence and the sense of peace that comes from being along the Rio Grande.
The main activities here revolve around nature—birdwatching, hiking along the riverbanks, and soaking in the vastness of the landscape. There’s little in the way of industry, aside from small-scale farming and ranching.
Redford’s seclusion is due to its remote location and minimal development, making it an ideal spot for those looking to disconnect entirely. It’s one of those rare places where you can truly escape the noise and distractions of everyday life.
Where is Redford?
Nestled in Presidio County in Southwest Texas, Redford sits along Farm Road 170, not far from the Mexican border. Its isolation is accentuated by the rugged terrain of the Chihuahuan Desert and the winding Rio Grande that borders it.
Getting there involves traversing long stretches of quiet roads, often without encountering another vehicle for miles.
I usually take FM 170, also known as the River Road, which offers stunning views but requires careful navigation through the remote desert landscape. The journey to Redford is a pilgrimage into tranquility, set apart from the bustle of city life.
7. Pumpville – Hidden Gems of Val Verde County
Pumpville is an unincorporated area with an estimated population of fewer than 30 people, offering an extreme level of seclusion that I find both humbling and invigorating. There’s not much in terms of attractions, but the simplicity of life here is the draw.
Exploring the expansive desert plains and enjoying the clear night skies are among my favorite activities. The area has a history tied to the railroad and ranching, though today, it’s primarily quiet and sparsely populated.
Pumpville’s isolation is due to its remote location and the vast stretches of rugged terrain that surround it, making it a perfect getaway for solitude seekers.
Where is Pumpville?
Located in Val Verde County, Southwest Texas, Pumpville is roughly 70 miles west of Del Rio. Its seclusion comes from being deep within the desert, far from major highways and urban centers.
To reach Pumpville, I navigate a series of county roads, often unpaved and winding through the desert landscape. The remoteness of the area is palpable, with miles of open land in every direction.
This hidden gem is truly off the beaten path, ideal for those willing to venture into the heart of the Southwest Texas wilderness.
6. Study Butte – Gateway to Big Bend Seclusion
Study Butte, with a population of about 250, is a quiet community that serves as one of the gateways to Big Bend National Park. I always enjoy stopping here to stock up on supplies before venturing into the park.
Activities include visiting the local galleries, exploring nearby desert trails, and enjoying the tranquility of the surroundings. The economy is primarily driven by tourism related to the park and some mining operations.
Study Butte’s seclusion is enhanced by its sparse population and the vast, open landscapes that envelop it, offering a peaceful respite for travelers like me.
Where is Study Butte?
Situated in Brewster County, Study Butte lies along Highway 118, just minutes from the entrance to Big Bend National Park. Its secluded nature stems from the remote desert environment and the significant distance from larger towns or cities.
Getting there involves a long but scenic drive through Southwest Texas, often with minimal traffic and endless views of the desert and mountains. The location makes it an ideal base for exploring the park while enjoying a quiet, small-town atmosphere.
5. Dryden – Desert Solitude Off the Beaten Path
Dryden is an unincorporated community with a population of less than 15 people, epitomizing desert solitude. Whenever I pass through, I’m struck by the vast open spaces and the quiet that envelops the area.
Activities are minimal, mainly exploring the surrounding desert and enjoying the unparalleled night skies. Historically, Dryden was a stop along the railroad, but today, it’s a virtually forgotten dot on the map.
Its seclusion is due to the remote location along U.S. Highway 90 and the lack of development, making it a haven for anyone seeking complete tranquility.
Where is Dryden?
Dryden is located in Terrell County, along U.S. Highway 90, about halfway between Del Rio and Alpine. Its isolation comes from the expansive desert that surrounds it and the scarcity of nearby towns.
To get there, I drive long stretches of open highway, often without seeing another car for miles. The journey highlights the vastness of Southwest Texas and leads to a place where you can truly feel away from it all.
4. Langtry – Judge Roy Bean’s Legacy Lives On
Langtry, with a population of around 30, is a tiny town perched above the Pecos River, steeped in Old West history. I enjoy visiting the Judge Roy Bean Visitor Center, which commemorates the “Law West of the Pecos.”
There isn’t much in the way of industry today, aside from tourism centered around its colorful past. Langtry’s seclusion is rooted in its remote desert location and the quiet that comes from being far off the main travel routes.
It’s a place where history and solitude blend seamlessly, offering a unique experience.
Where is Langtry?
Located in Val Verde County, Langtry sits along U.S. Highway 90 near the Texas-Mexico border. Its seclusion is amplified by the stark desert surroundings and the vast distances between it and larger towns.
To reach Langtry, I travel along Highway 90, crossing rugged landscapes and the impressive Pecos High Bridge. The town’s remote setting atop the cliffs makes it feel like a hidden relic of the past, far from the distractions of modern life.
3. Shafter – Silver Mines and Silent Streets
Shafter is an unincorporated community with a population of about 11 people, nestled in the Presidio County mountains. I find its history as a silver mining town fascinating, with remnants of old mines and structures still visible.
While there’s not much to do in terms of modern entertainment, exploring the historic sites and enjoying the mountain scenery are highlights for me. The main industry once revolved around silver mining, but today it’s largely abandoned.
Shafter’s seclusion is due to its remote location and the quiet that permeates the area, making it a peaceful retreat into the past.
Where is Shafter?
Shafter is located along U.S. Highway 67, about 18 miles north of Presidio. Its isolation comes from the surrounding Chinati Mountains and the sparse population in the region. Getting there involves a scenic drive through mountainous terrain, with few signs of civilization along the way.
The tranquil setting and the sense of history make Shafter a unique destination for those seeking solitude and a glimpse into Texas’s mining heritage.
2. Lajitas – Oasis by the Rio Grande
Lajitas is a small resort community with a population of around 75, set along the banks of the Rio Grande. I enjoy the blend of luxury and rugged nature here, especially the Lajitas Golf Resort, which offers a surprising oasis in the desert.
Activities include golfing, horseback riding, zip-lining, and exploring the nearby Big Bend area. The economy revolves around tourism, catering to visitors seeking adventure and relaxation.
Lajitas’s seclusion is due to its remote location and the surrounding rugged canyons, providing a serene escape from the hustle of everyday life.
Where is Lajitas?
Located in Brewster County, Lajitas sits between Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park, right along FM 170. The town’s remoteness is accentuated by the surrounding desert mountains and its proximity to the Rio Grande.
To get there, I take the scenic River Road (FM 170), which winds along the Rio Grande and offers breathtaking views. The journey itself sets the tone for the secluded and tranquil experience that awaits in Lajitas.
1. Terlingua – The Ghost Town of the Chihuahuan Desert
Terlingua is an unincorporated ghost town with a population of about 58 people, surrounded by the vast landscapes of the Chihuahuan Desert. I find its blend of history and natural beauty captivating.
The town offers unique attractions like the Terlingua Ghost Town ruins, eclectic art installations, and the famous annual Chili Cook-off. The main industries include tourism and some mining remnants.
Terlingua’s seclusion comes from its remote desert setting, minimal development, and the sense of stepping into a different era. It’s a place where I feel completely detached from the outside world, immersed in the stark beauty of the desert.
Where is Terlingua?
Terlingua is located in Brewster County, near the Mexican border, close to the entrance of Big Bend National Park. Its isolation is heightened by the expansive desert that envelops it and the lack of major roads or nearby cities.
To reach Terlingua, I usually drive along Highway 118 from Alpine or Highway 170 from Presidio, both routes offering miles of open landscape. The journey through the desert enhances the feeling of seclusion, making Terlingua a perfect destination for those seeking an off-the-grid experience.
