iamimdoc

Going to a resort a bit south of Marfa In west Texas next month. Anyone been around that area and have suggestions for photo ops.

The McDonald observatory is closed.

Long hikes probably not a good idea due to heat

Ideally would like to not go more than 50 miles or so on a car trek

Thanks

riderxlx Loc: DFW area Texas

Check out the Marfa lights.
Bruce

khumiston

I don't know where Marfa is but extreme NW Texas is the Palo Duro Canyon. It is considered to be the 2nd largest Canyon in the US, but that size comparison is in width and length, it is not nearly as deep as the Grand Canyon. It is very scenic with exposed colored layers on the sides of the canyons and mesas.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

Why would you want to copy others - have you no mind of your own??

RoswellAlien

If you enjoy a lot of wide open spaces, that’s SW Texas. Look down and around you for the little things as well, especially morning and evening. STAY HYDRATED!! Please.
Enjoy.

RoswellAlien

RE Marfa Lights: Be on the lookout. Could be some of my buddies. They’re harmless, though. Really.

iamimdoc

I think
I do.

Not sure I am copying others as I have never seen what's there

Hope you have a better day.

iamimdoc

Thanks for suggestion but Marfa to Palo Duro in 421 miles - a bit outside by daytrip range. Maybe next trip

riderxlx Loc: DFW area Texas

Palo Duro canyon is in the upper west of texas in the panhandle.
Marfa is a really cool place. My family lived in Alpine for years and I used to go to Marfa a lot. Marfa has become a Artists mecca so there are out door displays and some galleries and such. A google search will help you. My brother, sister and I used to sit out at night and watch the Marfa lights. Maybe a bit tough to photograph but possible with a tripod and telephoto would be nice. If you are going to a resort, they should ample maps and info on site to see while there. Of course this is the door way to the Big Bend park. This is a vast area but beautiful. I have not been there since it got kinda of 'trendy', but still this will be a nice get-a-way for you. PLEASE be sure to let us know how it went and post some pictures.
God bless you and have a nice trip.
Bruce.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

Marfa is in an area of Texas where 50 miles is just a quick drive to the drug store for Neosporin and Band-Aids after you cut your finger. It also is between two pretty big virus hotspots in El Paso and Midland/Odessa.

Ordinarily, we'd direct you to Carlsbad Caverns or maybe Big Bend, but neither is open right now (and neither within 50 miles). (Big Bend may still be open for day use only.)

My suggestion is to plan to stay close to your resort. There are some cool, quirky things to see in Marfa, and whether you are interested in photographing it or not, the sky should be dark enough where you are or after a very short drive that it will knock your socks off. Just have someone with you...there can be critters out.

You might be able to find pronghorn antelope and other wildlife if you look for it. This is also the rainy season in that part of the country, so landscapes and plant life should be pretty photogenic. Again...be cognizant that snakes and other creatures are likely to be out and about during the same times that you choose.

Us Texans remain proud of our state. So make a friend at the resort and take time to visit. They will likely share several "secret" destinations with you.

zug55 Loc: Naivasha, Kenya, and Austin, Texas

Marfa and the Big Bend area are gorgeous. But going there in the summer heat definitely limits the activities you can undertake. I always travel in the area in winter. Plus some of the cool spots in the area are closed because of Covid-19.

In Marfa proper there is the Chinati Foundation--a modern art museum/installation that offers interesting photographic opportunities. According to their web site, some of the outdoor sculptures are accessible now. In Marfa, there is a beautiful court house and the historic Paisano Hotel. There are some art galleries--hopefully some of them are open. Somebody mentioned the Marfa lights a few miles outside of town--if you are lucky you will see them. I did--they are fascinating.

Fort Davis is an interesting spot, with a historic fort. A drive through the Davis mountains is definitely worthwhile, although McDonald's Observatory is closed. But the drive still is beautiful. Balmorhea State Park, a swimmable desert oasis, unfortunately is closed currently. You might enjoy a visit to Alpine.

50 miles does not get you very far in that part of the country. The drive from Presidio (Redford) to Lajitas along the Rio Grande is one of the most beautiful drives in the country. There are a number of lookout points to take pictures. Obviously, it is best during early morning and evening light. Stop in Terlingua--it is a ghost town but also has an artist community. There are plenty of beautiful drives in Big Bend National Park, although the park is currently closed. Check again when you get ready to travel.

Two tips: always carry plenty of water in the car, and of course if you hike. Also don't let your gas tank get below half full.

Enjoy your trip!

PoppieJ Loc: North Georgia

you can always try night photography

RoswellAlien

No light pollution!!

folkus

RWR -what a kind, supportive lout you are!!!

Robert1 Loc: Davie, FL

How pathetic. What is it that you are doing here?