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Most folks know about the Big Bend area of Texas, either because of the gigantic National Park, and the equally big State Park, or because of it’s use as the setting for “Giant”, the film starring Rock Hudson, Elizabeth Taylor, and James Dean. Dean died during filming, but Giant earned Dean his second Oscar Nomination and also contributed to the world’s assumptions of Texas and how we Texans should be. But there is so much more to this area than the usual haunts, film sets, and the I-10 corridor. Today we’re going to take the old trail through Big Bend Country, today we’re gonna ride on Alt 90 through some beautiful empty sections filled with gorgeous scenery, ghost towns, and history.
Today we’ll start on Route 90 from I-10 in Van Horn. 90 head south initially and goes through pecan orchards and semi-ghost towns left mostly abandoned with the decline of the railroads as an employment source. You’ll pass through “towns” like Valentine, you’ll pass the fake Prada Store, and finally you’ll arrive in Marfa which we’ve discussed at length in previous blogs. After Marfa, 90 will pass the Marfa Lights Viewing Area before winding it’s way through the mesas en route to Alpine, TX which has also been dealt with at length in previous blogs. 90 continues on to the east and south before passing through the picturesque town of Marathon.
Marathon, TX is a neat little west Texas town of about 500 souls. It also has been used as a filming location for the Kevin Costner movie Fandango as well as Paris, TX which starred Harry Dean Stanton. There is also the luxurious Gage Hotel in town. Built in the 1920’s the Gage is an oasis of comfort surrounded by rugged country. Don’t forget to fuel up!
The next town to the east of Marathon is Sanderson. Sanderson is another small west Texas town of less than 400 folks, as well as being a former hub of the railroad. Be sure to fuel up in Sanderson because it’s a long way to Del Rio!
Remember, before you hit the road on a long trip through the empty quarters, be sure to visit us at PPL Motorhomes to stock up on all the necessities!