Make Alpine your home base for the best of Texas’ Big Bend region

All the towns in the Big Bend region of Texas harbor a funky independent streak developed by living so far off the beaten path. But Alpine – with its vibrant downtown arts scene, wide-open spaces, friendly community and hip Western vibe – takes the cake.

Tucked away in the Chihuahuan Desert 200 miles southeast of El Paso, Alpine boasts a whopping 6,000 residents. That makes it by far the largest town in the area, earning it the unofficial title as the capital of Far West Texas. Located a half-hour’s drive from all the Big Bend hotspots – Marfa, Marathon, Fort Davis – it is a natural jumping-off spot for those wanting to explore the region.

However, with its sweeping views, rolling hills and relatively mild weather thanks to its 4,500 feet of elevation, you might stick around town longer than originally intended. Alpine itself is easy to love, with more than enough activities to keep you so busy apart from the 800,000-acre park to the south.

Outdoor adventures

Hiking to the top of Hancock Hill is a favorite among locals and visitors. The hiking trail starts from the parking lot at Sul Ross State University, and the top of the peak rewards you with a 360-degree view of Alpine and the valley between the Davis and Glass Mountains. Sunrise is the best time for a hike – not only do the sun’s golden rays light up the valley floor, the weather is still mild enough to comfortably enjoy the moderate climb.

While the view from the top is nice, the hike is most famous for the metal desk you will find near the top of the hill. In the early 1980s university students dragged the desk to the top of the hill to create an outdoor classroom. Every year since, travelers have hiked to the desk to write messages in the notebook stashed in its drawer.

History on display

While on the university campus, dive into the rich history of the Big Bend Region at the Museum of Big Bend. The museum details a human history starting with Native Americans who inhabited the area for thousands of years before Europeans arrived, then the impact of Spanish missionaries, the Mexican influences and finally the American pioneers as they moved westward during the expansion of the United States.

Inside you’ll find…