Vacation rentals in McDonald Observatory

Paradise Mountain Villa

This hillside villa sits atop 36 acres of untouched land at 6,000-ft. elevation! Enjoy dark skies & enchanted vistas stretching over 100 miles with 4 real seasons of extraordinary weather. Herds of deer, flocks of turkey, & migrating birds roam freely throughout the landscape. A quick 30-minute drive to nearby Marfa and Alpine, this property is a true secluded paradise where year-round hiking adventures await! NOTE: High speed Starlink Satellite Internet installed and operational (It’s FAST!!!)

"The Treehouse" -A Room, a View & a Private Deck

On the side of Dolores Mountain overlooking town, "The Treehouse", as we call it, is a grown-up version of your favorite childhood hideout. At the top of the private staircase in the courtyard, you will find an unexpectedly modern and comfortable retreat, perfect for relaxing and stargazing. - Private Entrance with Rooftop Deck - 270 Degree Views of the Davis Mountains - Centrally located 1 mile from the town's center - 25 minutes to Marfa, Alpine and McDonald Observatory - DishTV and WIFI

Marfa Garden 1

Relax and enjoy this contemporary casita (1 of 2) in a quiet, private garden (1.25 acres) filled with native plants and walking trails. The 500 sq. ft. one room interior is beautifully furnished, well-appointed and comfortable. Large, covered porches provide the perfect setting to experience the garden and distant mountain views. The property and garden are featured in four books, Gardens of Texas, Marfa Modern, Under Western Skies, and Marfa Garden. (Registered 2025 City of Marfa #S95)

Sleeping Lion Casita with Sky Observation Deck

Nestled amidst the Chihuahuan Desert, the Sleeping Lion is a stylish casita that offers a serene retreat for couples or solo adventurers. With easy access to McDonald Observatory, Balmorhea State Park, and Marfa, our impeccably styled casita exudes a warm & inviting ambiance. Unwind on our patio, where you can soak up panoramic views of the majestic Sleeping Lion Mountain. Step inside to discover a cozy living area, small kitchen, and a plush bedroom. Embark on your Far West Texas journey.

Small House • Desert Retreat — Close to Heaven

West Texas Ranch meets Designer Style! Near town, 30 minutes from Fort Davis, Marfa, and Marathon. The Big Bend National Park, Terlingua, and Lajitas are roughly 100 miles away. Relax on the expansive front porch and enjoy the wide-open spaces and skies brimming with stars, and wake up to a sunrise with an uninterrupted view of Hancock Hill. Grill and chill! Watch the abundant wildlife such as javelina, mule deer, and fox. Enjoy the gateway to the Big Bend while staying comfortably.

Cozy and comfy cottage near Balmorhea State Park

Just 2 miles off IH-10 and walking distance to town and amenities, this 360sf cottage has everything you need for a comfortable stay. It’s ideal for a visit to Balmorhea State Park, home of the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool, where people swim and scuba dive year-round in 74 degree water. Bird watching is popular at Sandia Wetlands and Balmorhea Lake. It’s a perfect place to start or end your visit to the Big Bend area, or as an overnight stop-over when traveling on IH-10.

Texas Roadhouse Mountain Lodge

We sit on Dolores Mountain overlooking the Chihuahuan desert. U must like a little dust, stars and dirt roads to like The Roadhouse .There’s no other place quite like it that looks over the desert and to the mountains beyond. We are in the country and on a dirt road yet only 1 mile from the beautiful downtown Fort Davis, The Fort and restaurants. Please look at the astrophotography pictures taken from our property. It is the bottom cabin as our personal cabin is the top cabin.

The Canyon Casita

The Canyon Casita is located 10 miles northwest of downtown Alpine. The Casita offers a quiet and comfortable space to enjoy all that the high desert has to offer - immersive mountain views, dark skies, brilliant sunrises and sunsets, wildlife and the gentle sounds of nature. Birders welcome! We keep the feeders and water filled year round and enjoy a variety of native and migratory visitors. The Canyon Casita is centrally located to the vast offerings of the Trans-Pecos region.

New! Southwest Shipping Container-In Alpine

This stunning Container Home will not disappoint! With 1 bedroom and an inflatable floor mattress, it sleeps uptimes to 4 people. Features a super comfy Tuft and Needle queen mattress. The kitchen is outfitted in granite countertops. The rooftop deck is a great place to stargaze or enjoy a morning coffee. It boasts a full size, custom-tiled shower and spacious bathroom to complete this beautiful home. Located right outside of Alpine-2 minutes from downtown.

The Last Resort, 79 Songbird

Fully renovated 1979 Songbird travel trailer in beautiful Fort Davis, Texas. Located in the center of town within walking distance to shops and restaurants; close to historic Fort Davis National Historic Site; 20 minutes to Marfa, Alpine, and the McDonald Observatory; 40 minutes to Balmorhea and Valentine; and an hour and a half away from Big Bend National Park. Enjoy our mild weather and night time stargazing from the Songbird's large deck.

The Last Resort, Sprinter

The Sprinter is a travel trailer in beautiful Fort Davis, Texas. Located in the center of town within walking distance to shops and restaurants; close to historic Fort Davis National Historic Site; 20 minutes to Marfa, Alpine, and the McDonald Observatory; 40 minutes to Balmorhea and Valentine; and an hour and a half away from Big Bend National Park. Enjoy our mild weather and night time stargazing from the Sprinter's large deck.

Casita on Arabella Mountain

Guest (studio) casita located on Arabella Mtn. in Limpia Crossing, 9 miles from Fort Davis and 8 miles from McDonald Observatory. Cools mornings, pleasant afternoons. The casita has everything you need to get away from it all. Sleep in or have early coffee and watch the wildlife. One can choose to have dinner in town or cook and have a quiet dinner in the casita. Star gazing is beautiful here in the Davis Mountains.