The most remote Oasis in Texas

The Tub

Campsite View

Alone in Paradise

It occurred to me on the crazy drive to Chinati Hot Springs that this has to be the most remote guest accommodations in Texas.  I think I was right and I will do it again as soon as I can get back to that beautiful quiet expanse of West Texas.  The hot springs have been soothing visitors for hundreds of years.  In modern times it has been the Kingston Hot Springs, Ruidosa Hot Springs and now Chinati Hot Springs.  The current name is the backdrop for the lodge and on the other side, the famous Mitchell flats where one goes to see the Marfa lights  

Having roamed around the region for many years I was amazed at what I have been missing.  It was Ed who was sitting on the porch of the Terlingua Trading Post who said it was a must see destination.  With firm advice from a beer swilling nearly local it was put on the agenda.  

Chinati has seven cabins that are well appointed and very clean.  Two of the separate cabins have their own hot tubs.  One with an inside tub and the other with an outside tub that has a huge view of the sky.  There are also two bathhouses that provide showers and private tubs to the other cabins.  There is nothing like some privacy on a cool desert night with a sky that is on fire with stars.  They also offer some primitive camping that is close to the cook cabin.  The cook cabin is a super cool place with all you would ever need to make a gourmet meal in the wilderness.  Two huge fridges eliminate the need for ice and there is every pot and pan ever made along with stoves and coffee.  It’s a cook as go type place so don’t forget the groceries. after a home cooked meal it’s time for a soak.  The community hot tub is under some trees at the base of the spings and while I don’t think the water is 109 as the brochure tells you, it’s a welcome and wonderful mineral bath under the broad Texas sky.  

The busy season is late September to April and the cabins fill up quick during those times.  They max at 20 people which is awesome for the quiet little place.  They also have a cold pool with a ridiculous view of the sunset if you there in the hot.  Rooms are from 90.00 to 137.00 and camping with the outside shower and tub rights are 20.00 a person.  To get there you have to work at it.  From Terlingua it’s about 110 miles on the river road FM 170.  If you come from the North and the Marfa direction you have a chance to take a FM 2810 through Pinto Canyon.  It’s about 53 miles and will take a couple of hours plus.  High Clearance and 4 WD is the way to go but we saw a few folks get through in a 1994 Yugo or something so it just depends on the road conditions.  It’s worth the time.  Bring some La Crema and a lawn chair so you can take a break.  Very sweet.   You can get there from Presidio it’s about 37 miles with about 7 of those on the dirt.  

Chinati Hot Springs will not disappoint you if love quiet and solitude.  “It’s hot water and quiet we sell”, so says the managers Dan and Diane.  Let me know what you think? 

Chinati Hot Springs
Box 67, Candelaria Route
Marfa, Texas  79843

(432) 229-4165

info@chinatihotsprings.net