Mountains, desert, and dark skies
Big Bend & Far West Texas
Far West Texas and the Big Bend country — desert mountains, the darkest night skies in the state, vast distances, and tiny county seats.
9 counties · 85 local notes
Cities & towns
Counties
A taste of the notes
Brewster County · Property tax
Texas homestead exemption cuts your school tax bill
If you own and live in your home in Brewster County, a homestead exemption removes $140,000 from the appraised value before your school district taxes are figured.
Brewster County · Water / Drought
Drought is a recurring reality in Brewster County
Brewster County's dry climate means drought is a constant concern. It affects livestock, well water, and fire risk across this rural county.
Culberson County · Local History
Van Horn: how Culberson County's seat got its name
Culberson County was carved out of El Paso County in 1911, and its seat Van Horn traces its name to a Civil War-era Army officer stationed at a desert water source.
El Paso County · Short-Term Rentals
El Paso Has Rules on Short-Term Rentals and Backyard Events
The City of El Paso restricts renting out residential pools and backyards for events, and has rules that may affect Airbnb-style hosting.
El Paso County · Fishing Rules
El Paso County Has Restrictions on Live Bait for Fishing
Only certain fish species can be used as live or dead bait in El Paso County. TPWD sets these rules to protect local waters from invasive species.
El Paso County · County History
El Paso's County Seat Moved Four Times Before Landing in El Paso City
El Paso County was created in 1850. Its county seat bounced between San Elizario and Ysleta before El Paso city took over for good in 1883.
El Paso County · Archaeological Site
The Rock Art at Hueco Tanks Is Protected Under State and Tribal Stewardship
Hueco Tanks holds thousands of pictographs — ancient painted images — created by multiple cultures over thousands of years, and strict rules protect them.
Hudspeth County · Historic Building
The county courthouse is built from adobe
The Hudspeth County Courthouse in Sierra Blanca, built in 1919, is made of adobe and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Jeff Davis County · State Park
Davis Mountains State Park offers hiking, camping, and stargazing
Davis Mountains State Park sits at high elevation in Fort Davis and offers outdoor activities year-round, including a historic lodge and some of the darkest night skies in Texas.
Pecos County · State Park
Big Bend Ranch State Park: What to Know Before You Go
Big Bend Ranch State Park sits along the Rio Grande near Pecos County and offers rugged hiking, paddling, and stargazing with very few services.
Presidio County · Roads
Getting Around Presidio County: US 67 and Remote Roads
US 67 is the main highway through Presidio County, and many back roads flood or wash out during storms.
Reeves County · Hunting Regulations
Pronghorn hunting in Reeves County requires a special permit
Pronghorn antelope can be hunted in Reeves County, but only with a permit issued through Texas Parks and Wildlife — not a standard hunting license.
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