21 photos that will have you packing for a West Texas road trip, pronto

Spectacular vistas where the Chihuahuan Desert meets the Davis Mountains in West Texas. | Photo by Compass + Twine

Prada Marfa, an art installation about a 30-minute drive outside Marfa, Texas | Photo by Compass + Twine

Sunset in Alpine. The West Texas town dates back to 1882, when a group of pioneering railroad workers and their families set up a campsite of tents that was close enough to both the railway line and a continuous water source, known today as Kokernot Springs. | Photo by Compass + Twine

Housed in a cool, retro-style Airstream trailer off Alpine’s main drag, Gypsy Rebel Boutique sells cute, Southwestern-inspired women’s clothing and accessories. | Photo by Compass + Twine

Spanning from Mexico to the American Southwest, the Chihuahuan Desert is one of the most biologically diverse deserts in the world and the largest in North America. | Photo by Compass + Twine

Grab a delicious hotdog for lunch at the Cow Dog in downtown Alpine. | Photo by Compass + Twine

Alpine has embraced its burgeoning art scene, with colorful murals popping up all over town on old, blank facades. | Photo by Compass + Twine

Twilight and pinks skies above Alpine’s beloved Maverick Inn. | Photo by Compass + Twine

Plush white bedding and rustic decor comprise each of the guest rooms at the Maverick Inn. The hotel serves as the perfect home base for exploring the area and Big Bend National Park. | Photo by Compass + Twine

The drive into Big Bend National Park, heading south on Highway 385 from the town of Marathon, is stunning—unbelievable beauty everywhere you look. | Photo by Compass + Twine

Looking down on Big Bend National Park’s Grapevine Trail, a 1.25-mile hike around boulders and through the rocky Chihuahuan Desert. | Photo by Compass + Twine

Balanced Rock: An incredible rock formation at the end of Grapevine Trail in Big Bend National Park. | Photo by Compass + Twine

An up close look at Balanced Rock and the layers of Earth comprising this unique formation. | Photo by Compass + Twine

The abandoned Hot Springs General Store, near the Rio Grande river in Big Bend National Park. | Photo by Compass + Twine

The historic Hot Springs in Big Bend National Park: Sitting along the rushing Rio Grande river, staring over at Mexico, the spring sizzles like a proper hot tub. | Photo by Compass + Twine

The town of Marathon, Texas may be small (population 430) but at least they have a Target! This is one of many fun and quirky art installations in the area. | Photo by Compass + Twine

Evening light alongside the railroad track that runs parallel to Highway 90 between Alpine and Marfa. | Photo by Compass + Twine

A tangerine sunrise over the sprawling Texas plains. | Photo by Compass + Twine

If it’s good enough for Beyoncé, it’s good enough for us! Follow in the footsteps of Queen Bee and swing by the Food Shark truck in Marfa for some tasty Middle Eastern cuisine. | Photo by Compass + Twine

Sculpture garden at the Chinati Foundation: The contemporary art museum in Marfa is filled with pieces by the museum’s founder, Donald Judd. Outside in the field, the sculptures are all made from concrete; inside, the pieces are made from aluminum.

Barbed wire catches the last few rays of sunlight along the border of a West Texas ranch. | Photo by Compass + Twine