Nearby Attractions
Explore Far West Texas
Shafter places you in the heart of one of Texas's most remarkable landscapes, with historic towns, mountain ranges, desert country, and the Rio Grande all within reach. Use Shafter as your destination or as a basecamp for exploring the many distinctive places that make far West Texas worth the journey.
Distances Out Here
A Region Worth Exploring
01
Big Bend National Park
More than 800,000 acres of Chihuahuan Desert, mountain ranges, and Rio Grande country make Big Bend one of the defining landscapes of Texas. Explore scenic drives, mountain trails, desert vistas, and the river corridor before returning to Shafter for the evening.
About 2 hours
02
Marfa
Known around the world for its contemporary art, distinctive architecture, and creative spirit, Marfa offers galleries, restaurants, shops, and a calendar of events that draws visitors from far beyond West Texas. Plan a day around an exhibition, festival, or simply an afternoon exploring the town.
About 1 hour north
03
Terlingua and Study Butte
Located on the western approach to Big Bend, Terlingua and Study Butte offer a glimpse into the region's mining and ranching heritage alongside access to the surrounding desert landscape.
About 2 hours
04
Fort Davis and the Davis Mountains
Discover one of the best-preserved frontier military posts in the American Southwest, then continue into the Davis Mountains for noticeably cooler elevations, scenic roads, hiking, and expansive views across the surrounding country.
About 1 hour 45 minutes
05
McDonald Observatory
High in the Davis Mountains, McDonald Observatory offers an extraordinary window into some of the darkest skies in the continental United States. Attend a scheduled Star Party or explore the observatory's public programs and exhibits.
About 2 hours
06
Chinati Foundation
Founded by artist Donald Judd, the Chinati Foundation preserves large-scale, site-specific works within the landscape and former military buildings of Marfa. Its installations offer a distinctive encounter between art, architecture, and the high desert.
About 1 hour north, in Marfa
07
Cibolo Creek Ranch
Just down the road from Shafter, Cibolo Creek Ranch is a historic West Texas property known for its distinctive forts, expansive landscape, and deep connection to the region's history. Its rugged setting and historic character offer another perspective on the remarkable country surrounding Shafter.
About 15 minutes
Make the Drive Worth It.
Most guests build a week around the region rather than a night around the town.
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