Overview
Study Butte-Terlingua is a group of tiny communities in the Trans-Pecos region of Texas set against the desert and mountain scenery of Big Bend Country and home to ghost towns, remote getaways, and famous chili cook-offs. The boundary between Study Butte (STOO-dee BYOOT) and Terlingua blurs to such a degree that they are often treated as a single entity (though locals may have something to say about that).
1 things to do · 12 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 11 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Study Butte-Terlingua
Big Bend Expeditions
Touring Big Bend National Park and the surrounding areas in 4X4 SUV's. Also, offer hiking tours within the National Park and on a private ranch.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Nov–Mar. Summer highs reach about 104°F; winter lows dip to about 36°F. Very hot (Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jul and Sep. (climate data from nearby Big Bend National Park)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- MAF Midland International Air and Space Port, Midland — 198 mi away. Directions
- ELP El Paso International Airport, El Paso — 240 mi away (major hub). Directions
Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $75–$199 a night (typical $127), from 22 listed prices.
- Typical meal: about $8 per person at listed restaurants.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$100, mid-range ~$180, comfortable ~$310.
Options are grouped as Terlingua Ghost Town in the Sleep guide ↓.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get around
No public transportation serves this remote area of the state, so you'll need to provide your own. An automobile is your best bet, though bicycles are becoming increasingly popular. If you own a horse, the backcountry here makes for beautiful, if rugged, terrain.
Do
Do Big Bend Expeditions
Touring Big Bend National Park and the surrounding areas in 4X4 SUV's. Also, offer hiking tours within the National Park and on a private ranch.
Eat
Eat Terlingua Springs Market and Coffee House
Natural food store and coffee bar
Terlingua Ghost Town
Eat Ghost Town Cafe
No 'non-smoking' section.
Drink
Beer, cocktails, and an impressive variety of tequila and other Mexican liquors are served up at La Kiva.
Sleep
Stay Big Bend Resort (Big Bend Motor Inn / The Mission Lodge)
The dated motel rooms are basic at best but serviceable, though 2-room apartment- or house-style accommodations with kitchens are also available. The Mission Lodge across the street is under the same management (but boasts a slightly more rustic exterior). An RV park ($21-$29/night) and campground ($15/night) are also on the premises; discounts are offered for long-term stays. There's also a cafe serving Tex-Mex and a convenience store on site. No late check-ins allowed after 10PM.
Stay Longhorn Ranch Motel and RV park
Stay Wild Horse Station
Stay Lajitas Golf Resort & Spa
Rooms vary in size, decor and price from simple hotel rooms with "Cowboy Bordello" style rooms in the Badlands Hotel part of the resort, to one-of-a-kind suites, luxurious condos, and even 1,2, or 3 bedroom houses. Resort amenities include horseback riding, an amazing golf course, ATV/jeep/river tours, a Spa, two pools, two restaurants, and the infamous Thirsty Goat Saloon.
Terlingua Ghost Town
Nearby
My experience
Write about your trip here. Notes save automatically in this browser as you type; back them up from My journal.