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

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.

Desert Sky – On 5 Acres with Marfa Lights Views

This unique Quonset Hut is located on 5 acres with incredible views of the Marfa lights, Chinati Peak and Davis Mountains - just minutes from Marfa's town center. Experience a rare desert oasis with modern amenities, incredible sunrise and sunset views and magnificent stargazing, while being close enough to enjoy everything Marfa has to offer. Perfect for couples, friends, or those looking to work remote! High speed WiFi, workspace, dog friendly, full kitchen, BBQ, lounge & dining area

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.

New! The Cowboy Boots-Shipping Container Home

This tiny house has all the amenities of an upscale hotel room yet with unique and exquisite design and decor. A queen size bed with a super-comfy Tuft & Needle mattress will help you fall asleep fast. A full size shower and bathroom is snuggled into the back of the unit and has endless hot water! For your morning coffee a Keurig and K-cups are provided along with a microwave for heating up your popcorn in the evening. Climb up to the rooftop deck for stargazing or your morning coffee.

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.

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.

Day Zero Casita

Though small, this Judd-inspired, above-ground concrete bunker comes with all of the essentials. Located just a few blocks from the main thoroughfare in town, you'll be close to shops, restaurants, galleries, and more. The space features a king-size bed, full bath with shower, tv, mini fridge, coffee maker, toaster, and mini split for heating and cooling. Affordable and convenient with all the right amenities - Day Zero Casita is perfect for a minimalist stay in Marfa.

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.