This is a nice welcome center with a great view of the Mississippi River. There is tourist information and free coffee inside. A short walk leads to a cannon and some historical markers.
Really clear blue water. It is hard to believe it is really that deep. It was a little cool for swimming but we will plan a trip to come back here.
Nice hotel in Alpine. The first night we stayed in an apartment-like building close to the main hotel property. We came in late and the restaurant stayed open for us. The next night we stayed in a suite room. It was really nice. Great service and friendly folks.
The trip out there is worth if for the view of the stars. Once you get over that, you can start staring at the horizon. At first you think, those are just headlights. Then one goes higher than the other, and splits. I left shaking my head. Truly a mystery.
I know that vandals have struck again, and TexDOT had to determine if it was a billboard for Prada but this is still something worth seeing. If you are driving from Marfa, it seems like it takes forever. However, there is a Tethered Aerostat Radar System about halfway. It will give you something to talk about for a few miles.
We only ate lunch at the lodge but the view from the restaurant is worth taking a look.
Great hike that was perfect for my 7 year old. There is even a good bit of rock climbing at the end. The scenery is amazing! The road is somewhat rough leading up to the trailhead.
We really like places where you can pull right in front of your room and unload the bags. This one fit the bill. It wasn't fancy but the bed was comfortable and the price wasn't bad. Wifi was a little sketchy but all communications seem to be in this area. The hotel doesn't serve a breakfast but the market next door has pastries and breakfast sandwiches.
In true road trip fashion, we had to stop for a group photo. What we will do with that photo is anyone's guess. Great stop to break the trip up.
This fort had several buildings on the grounds. A few of them were open with displays including a telephone exhibit. We did not have long to stay but it was enjoyable to walk the grounds and imagine what it would be like moving across the frontier.