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!!!)

"RRR" Cowboy Lodge Chihuahuan Desert Ranch Stay

Cholla Ranch Camp, where horses still roam free, is a small section of an 1100 acre working ranch dedicated to hosting guests. Located in the breathtaking Chihuahuan Desert but just minutes from the small West Texas town of Alpine. The RRR has great views of Twin Peak Mountains during the day and wonderful stargazing at night. The RRR is furnished with MCM pieces of walnut and rich textures. Well appointed interior will allow you to relax into the evening while still being connected to nature.

New! Cowgirl Shipping Container Home

Welcome to our charming shipping container home, a cozy retreat nestled in the heart of nature. This unique abode offers a blend of modern comfort and charm, perfect for those seeking a relaxing getaway. Located an hour from Big Bend National Park and minutes away from Alpine offers travelers easy access to both the park and town. You will be sure to get a phenomenal nights sleep on the super comfy memory foam bed. Wake up feeling refreshed and step up to the top deck for your morning coffee.

"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 2

Relax and enjoy this contemporary casita (2 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.

The Rock House at High Frontier

"Rock House" overlooks the scenic Musquiz Canyon and the Davis Mountains. Serene and secluded, the home is surrounded by several acres of pristine land for exploring. It features four comfortable shaded porches from which you can take in the sunrise, unwind at sunset, and gaze at brilliant stars in the heart of the world's largest Dark Sky Preserve. For all its privacy, the Rock House is conveniently located minutes from downtown Fort Davis and less than 30 minutes from Marfa and Alpine.

Casa Pequeña • Desert Retreat — Cerca del Cielo

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.

Art-Filled Marfa Adobe

Located at the western edge of Marfa, this cozy, unique adobe offers a true Marfa experience, and the best isolation and comfort for you. The house is air conditioned and heated, has wifi and a smart TV. There is one bedroom downstairs with a comfy queen sized bed and one loft bedroom upstairs with a queen sized bed and fun views. The bathroom with shower is downstairs. There are stairs going to the upstairs loft bedroom (see pics). (Marfa Hotel Tax ID #S44 - Registered)

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.

Davis Mountains Hideaway-Cactus Flower Cabin

Deep in the Davis Mountains, our Cactus Flower Cabin sits on 18 secluded acres, just 18 miles from downtown Fort Davis. Breathe in the crisp mountain air and let your worries fade. Enjoy hummingbirds, wild donkeys, javelina and McDonald Observatory views from the porch. At night, gaze up at the Milky Way and soak in the quiet beauty that makes this cabin a soul-refreshing escape.

Square Roots Marfa

Just a short, three mile drive from Marfa proper, Square Roots is a perfect balance between minimalist comfort and desert charm. Set back on a five acre property, the 1-bedroom, 1-bath concrete house is surrounded by quintessential West Texas desert views. Enjoy peace, tranquility, nature, and serene views of the Davis Mountains with easy access to everything Marfa has to offer!