This vacation home places you 21.9 mi (35.2 km) from Persimmon Gap Visitor Center and 23.2 mi (37.4 km) from Big Bend National Park. The vacation home includes a kitchen, a balcony, and a refrigerator.
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Cactus Corazón: Comfortable, Spacious & Secluded
Summary: Cactus Corazón: Relax in comfort in a secluded and spacious three-bedroom home on Terlingua Ranch. • Three Bedrooms and Two Full Baths • Large Kitchen, Dining, Living Room • Secluded Location for Privacy on 40 Acres • Expansive Mountain Views • Central Heat & Air, Washer & Dryer
The Space: Located in the scenic Cedar Springs region of Terlingua Ranch, Cactus Corazón is a 40-acre private homestead with a spacious three-bedroom, two bathroom manufactured home. The home is well appointed with three new queen-sized beds and two sofa beds. It sleeps eight comfortably. The large living room, dining room, and kitchen area is open and ideal for spending time together.
Cactus Corazón, formerly known as Timeless Ranch, is remote enough for absolute privacy, but still with access to Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Ranch State Park, the Rio Grande River, Terlingua, and the Terlingua Ghost Town. Activities on the property include hiking, birding, watching wildlife, stargazing, photography, and bike-riding.
Come on out to Cactus Corazón. Lose track of time, shed the stresses and worries of daily life, and reconnect with nature, family, and friends. The property and the region offer endless opportunities for activities or the tranquility to enjoy doing nothing at all.
The Neighborhood: TERLINGUA RANCH: Located between Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park and including much of the town of Terlingua, Terlingua Ranch is a private subdivision of over 190,000 acres, divided into 9,500 tracts owned by about 5,000 individuals and crisscrossed by 1,100 miles of dirt and rock roads. Tracts range from five acres to several hundred acres. It is some of the most rugged and scenic land in Texas.
Back in the 1960’s, the Ghost Town and much of what later became “Terlingua Ranch” was owned by racing legend and car designer extraordinaire, Carol Shelby and some of his friends. The decided to promote the area by holding a chili cook-off in the then abandoned Ghost Town. That little stunt of a cook-off grew into CASI (Chili Appreciation Society International) which now hosts nearly 500 chili cook-offs around the nation and internationally, all leading up the championship cook-off every year in Terlingua. Shelby and friends later subdivided the Ranch and started selling it off to hunters and rugged naturalists. Over the decades, the area was reborn and an eclectic community of nature lovers, artists, musicians, adventurers, and folks just wanting to escape from “civilization” has grown and started to resettle this rough country.
People have come and gone. New buildings have risen while others have fallen, Dreams have been realized and others crushed. Through it all, the land remains. The harsh desert and vast openness encourages positive development and slowly swallows up and recovers from past abuses. The old cinnabar mine sites and ranching outposts persist as relics and ghost towns, some redeveloped, some carefully preserved, and others dissolving back into the desert. Abandoned dreams eventually become points of interests for those of us that stumble upon them decades later. Terlingua Ranch is a bizarre mix of old and new, good and bad, growth and decline, all completely unregulated. Modern homes with high values and stunning designs stand beside dilapidated do-it-yourself mistakes and abandoned ruins of the 1800’s and early 1900’s.
The landscape is even more varied than the people and the structures. Rugged mountains, deep canyons, wild arroyos, dry and wet creeks, peaceful valleys, breathtaking badlands, moonscape like mud flats, the remains of ancient volcanoes, and fossilized ancient seabeds. All of it nurturing a vast array of plant life and wildlife. Around every corner and over every hill lies new and unexpected surprises.
The Ranch is now home to a few hundred hardy souls. It is also dotted with a diverse array of vacation rental lodging options and campsites. Like the diverse land, they range in quality, style, value, and price. A few are amazing dream destinations. Some are good places to sleep. Others are the stuff of nightmares. (We don’t manage any in the nightmare category.)
Big Bend Vacation Rentals started out in 2007 and initially managed three of the first four vacation rentals in the Terlingua and Terlingua Ranch area. We now manage dozens out of a couple of hundred options. We represent dozens of property owners and have hosted tens of thousands of guests. You can trust us as managers, and you can rely on the properties that we manage. We have become very selective about the properties and the property owners that we add to our portfolio. Visit our website at www.BigBendVacations.com.
Getting Around: Cactus Corazon is approximately a 45 minute drive to the west entrance of the Big Bend National Park.
Interaction with Guests: We manage several properties and live few miles away. We are available by phone, text, email, or messages through Airbnb. We are typically only on site for cleaning or maintenance issues.
The vacation home is air-conditioned and features a kitchen, 2 bathrooms, and a balcony, and there's space to spread out with 3 bedrooms. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a coffee maker, and an ironing board.
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
General
Garden
Unit size: 1,600 square feet
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 21
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Rules
• Children allowed
• No pets
• No Events or Parties Allowed
Pets
This property doesn't allow pets
Children and extra beds
Children allowed: ages 0-17
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Check-in: 4:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 21
We should mention
Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit.
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
9.8/10
Cleanliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 63 out of 71 reviews
10 - Excellent
63
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 71 reviews
8 - Good
6
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 71 reviews
6 - Okay
2
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 71 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 71 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Nathan W.
Oct 17, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Incredible location with great sky deck for night watching stars pictures cant justify how incredible the night sky is here so dark and quiet. Super fast internet if you need it. Fun disc golf the kids loved. Cozy house with firm, comfy queen beds. Great outdoor seating areas and fire pit. Fun games and puzzles if the sky is a little cloudy. Clean house plenty of towles and bedding.
Nathan W.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
10/10 Excellent
Katelynn E.
Aug 10, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
We were very impressed with this property. Everything that we needed (including toilet paper, paper towels, linen, cooking utensils, and so much more) was provided. The views were also amazing!
Katelynn E.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Ruth I.
Jun 26, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Wonder time making memories
The property is great, very spacious and the beds were comfortable. The facility was clean, overall it was a great stay. The kitchen was well stocked, and had everything we needed. Outside/yard activities were great for our 5 and 8 year old. We got to make s’mores and woke up one night at 3am and got go up the container and were able to see the Milky Way! It was such a great experience. We got to hear the coyotes howling at night, that was a very cool experience. We were a short 45-min-drive away from big bend, the drive into the property was easy to find and had no issues with our jeep wrangler and Nisan kick. We brought all our supplies from Walmart in Del Rio, but found a small convenient store in Terlingua “cottonwood” between the home and big bend that was fully stocked with anything and everything you could possibly imagine from contact solution to electrolytes (for a higher than usual price) but if need be, it’s a great location to find stuff that you might have forgotten. Overall we had a great experience, we had no issues with communication with the host, they provided excellent service, I would def recommend it.
Ruth I.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Scott S.
Jun 12, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Scott S.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Francisco G.
Apr 29, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Francisco G.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Clark S., Plano
Apr 27, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Cactus Corazón is a Gem
We selected this property for a family get away as it was centrally located to the places and events we wanted to experience. It also provided space, comfort, seclusion and privacy. The observation deck on top of the shipping container was a big hit and excellent way to observe the stars at night while being off the desert floor. The home was very comfortable with all the amenities. We would highly recommend this property for all it has to offer.
Clark S.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Paul H.
Apr 24, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Excellent home base for exploring Big Bend National Park
The host describes Cactus Corazon as "comfortable, spacious, and secluded". It is so all of those. Our group of six spent six nights there and we enjoyed every aspect of the property - the drive in on paved and unpaved roads (the seclusion part); the roominess and excellent condition of the interior (the comfortable and spacious parts). And we enjoyed the outdoor spaces - the deck for sunsets, the surrounding desert yard for dark sky time and nighttime searches for reptiles and other creatures, the sunrises as we left each morning for Big Bend National Park (which is spectacular in so many ways). The Alon convenience store was a daily convenient stop for gas and ice and the Cottonwood grocery store (both in Study Butte/Terlingua) was a frequent stop for supplies. We could be anywhere in the park - Santa Elena canyon to Chisos Basin to Boquillas canyon - in under two hours. And Daryl and Janet were great to work with throughout the booking process and during and after our stay. If we are ever back in the area, and we really hope we are, we'll be hoping to stay again at Cactus Corazon.
Paul H.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Erik S.
Oct 29, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect rest stop
Great place to recover after hiking for several days in Big Bend National Park.
Erik S.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Judith R.
May 2, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Backyard of Big Bend National Park
We had a lovely stay at Cactus Corazon. We could take the back roads into the park (We have a 4x4), which is one reason we chose this home. It is a very remote location, so takes some time to get to the main road. We had beautiful views of the mountains and we chose this location because we love remoteness. The house had everything we needed and the hosts were very responsive when something had to be attended to. They also promptly answered all of our questions about the area.
Judith R.
Stayed 12 nights in Apr 2024
10/10 Excellent
Mary H.
Mar 16, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Spring Break 2024
How does perfect sound? This property is perfect for larger groups and families. The house is so spacious, great kitchen, comfy beds and we loved the location. Close enough to the park, Terlingua, and Alpine. The kids had a blast playing outside. Plenty of board games, books and activities for everyone. Absolutely loved the solitude. Star gazing was the absolute best. Thank you so much for sharing this amazing property.
Mary H.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2024
10/10 Excellent
Matthew C., San Antonio, TX, USA
Dec 20, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Prime Accommodation
Cactus Corazon is just as great as it seems in the listing. I have stayed here multiple times and will undoubtedly stay here again. The house is wonderfully appointed, and everything is nice, clean, and in working condition. It has everything you need for your getaway and has very isolated feel without being too far or difficult to get to. To me, I consider this a prime location for the area. As mentioned before, I will almost certainly stay here again and definitely highly recommend a tua Corazon.
Also, as usual, Daryl and Janet are highly responsive and wonderful to work with. They make the check in and driving instructions a breeze and their responsiveness gives confidence that you will enjoy your stay.
Matthew C.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2023
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveler
Oct 23, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Fall Break Getaway
Overall, we had a fantastic stay at this property. From the youngest in our group at age 7 to the oldest at 50, we all enjoyed exploring the property, watching extraordinary ever changing skys, roasting marshmallows and listening to the sounds or lack of sounds... and the house was pristine... everything we needed was there. Hopefully at some point, there will be a more permanent road to get there, as the dirt/ grated rock was difficult on the minivan. But it was worthwhile. Thank you for an unforgettable experience.
Verified traveler
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
10/10 Excellent
Bette R.
Sep 16, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Terlingua Tranquility
The house has everything you need. except cell phone coverage. We really enjoyed time together off-grid. Time to reconnect. We play frisbee golf, watched sunrise and sunset. We spent a lot of time looking at the stars from the sky deck. We hope to return.
Bette R.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023
10/10 Excellent
Max M.
Sep 11, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Serene and peaceful
My partner and I stayed here for a weekend and were blown away by our time. It was a beautiful home with an incredible 360 degree view. The many accommodations really set this stay apart. The host was very responsive and instructions were clear. Highly recommend and hope to stay here again soon.
Max M.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023
10/10 Excellent
Kay B.
Jun 16, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Gem
This place was so remote. It was quite the adventure driving there, but it just added to the experience in my opinion. My daughters and I really enjoyed the property. We saw deer from the skydeck, so that was a highlight. The skydeck was literally magical at night. The sunsets we witnessed were gorgeous. And the star gazing was unmatched. My girls and I were in awe. We would definitely visit again. Perfect Big Bend vacation spot.
Kay B.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
10/10 Excellent
Nicole K.
Apr 10, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing remote location perfect for a getawayeand extremely clean
Perfect
Nicole K.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023
10/10 Excellent
Zach S.
Apr 6, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Quiet and comfortable
Perfect place to get away from everything. House was clean and in great shape. A very comfortable and relaxing property.
Zach S.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023
10/10 Excellent
Colleen T.
Mar 19, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
The stars at night... are big and bright!
Our family of four (2 parents/2 kids -13 yo and 11 yo) very much enjoyed our stay at Cactus Corazón. It was just what we hoped it would be and Daryl and Janet were wonderful hosts.
The home was well stocked with kitchen items, nicely labeled cabinets and there were waters left in the fridge for us. There was also a telescope and binoculars to use. We had brought our own but having the extra made our night viewing more fun.
All the rooms were perfect for our stay and having the two full bathrooms was very useful as was the washer dryer so we could clean up after our Big Bend visit.
The driving instructions that the hosts provided were very help as our GPS wasn't able to find the address when it was entered using the street and home number. Since we arrived way after sunset, we used the provided map coordinates in our GPS to guide us. Strongly suggest that you determine if your GPS is able to do this, especially if you are arriving with low to no daylight. We were using our Bronco for the trip and had no issues on the maintained dirt roads.
We were able to enjoy beautiful sunrises from the front little porch and lucked into clear nights for seeing stars each night we were staying. While viewing the stars from the elevated deck in the back yard, we did hear some coyotes (?) howling which just added to our adventure. Be sure to bring a pen-light flashlight, or use the one on your phone, to navigate the backyard walk to the deck - the area is dark making the star viewing amazing.
During our trek back to the home after a day at Big Bend, we were fortunate enough to see a deer in the front yard. We also saw wild javelinas as we were leaving the home on our final morning.
We were very glad we selected to stay here and would definitely like to return.
Colleen T.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023
8/10 Good
Erica G.
Mar 19, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Great stay
Property is very spacious and clean. Management was very responsive to emails and calls. The deck is an absolute plus! Great for stargazing! Overall, we would recommend staying here.
Erica G.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2023
10/10 Excellent
Dowe G., AUSTIN TEXAS
Mar 6, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Big Bend hiking
The property was exactly as described. Daryl was a great host and responded quickly to our questions. If you want beautiful scenery, serenity and remoteness this is a perfect choice
Dowe G.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023
10/10 Excellent
Donna M.
Feb 27, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Terrific place to stay.
We had a great time. The property has an awesome view, it is very spacious and comfortable. Inside has wifi, clean sheets and towels, washer and dryer, board games, all the kitchen gear you need and plenty of water for registered guests. Outside has a storage container rooftop star gazing area, covered area with grill and picnic table, fire ring and plenty of chairs. It is a bit off the beaten path, but it's a peaceful place to kick back and relax if that is what you're looking for. I highly recommend this property for anyone wanting to stay in the area.
Donna M.
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2023
10/10 Excellent
David D.
Feb 10, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Nice Get-Away!!
We had a Wonderful time! Beautiful Property! Location is Great!!
David D.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2023
10/10 Excellent
Sondra H., Fort Worth TX
Feb 6, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful dessert property.
Beautiful dessert property. It is off the beaten path which we loved, but not too far out of town or Big Bend National Park. High Profile vehicle a must.
Sondra H.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023
10/10 Excellent
Ian M.
Jan 7, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Great spot for peace and quiet!
This is a great place if you want some peace and quiet! The outside deck to see the stars is great! And the peace and silence is unlike anything we have experienced!
The owners are great - quick to respond, house was clean, with tons of kitchen gear - just bring some food and you are set! And directions to the house were spot on!
If visiting Big Bend it’s about a one hour drive door to door and well worth it! We were mainly at Chisos basin and had tons of great hiking. In full transparency, the drive is pretty easy - the last 4.5 miles is on a dirt road so be ready for some bumps. Highly suggest a truck for the drive. Once you get to the house you will love the view and silence!
Overall great place!
Ian M.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2023
10/10 Excellent
Joshua K., Copley, Ohio
Oct 12, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
10/10
Overall an excellent experience and a perfect property to stay at.