Vacation rentals in McDonald Observatory

Paradise Mountain Villa

This hillside villa sits atop 36 acres of untouched land at 6,000-ft. elevation! Enjoy dark skies & enchanted vistas stretching over 100 miles with 4 real seasons of extraordinary weather. Herds of deer, flocks of turkey, & migrating birds roam freely throughout the landscape. A quick 30-minute drive to nearby Marfa and Alpine, this property is a true secluded paradise where year-round hiking adventures await! NOTE: High speed Starlink Satellite Internet installed and operational (It’s FAST!!!)

"The Treehouse" -A Room, a View & a Private Deck

On the side of Dolores Mountain overlooking town, "The Treehouse", as we call it, is a grown-up version of your favorite childhood hideout. At the top of the private staircase in the courtyard, you will find an unexpectedly modern and comfortable retreat, perfect for relaxing and stargazing. - Private Entrance with Rooftop Deck - 270 Degree Views of the Davis Mountains - Centrally located 1 mile from the town's center - 25 minutes to Marfa, Alpine and McDonald Observatory - DishTV and WIFI

Casa Estrella • Luxury Yurt — Close to the Sky

Climate controlled! What is a Yurt? Yurts originated in Mongolia. The Mongolian people were nomadic, and they took their homes (yurts) with them as they tended to, and traveled, with their livestock. Today yurts are built on a platform & consist of two thick layers of canvas with a layer of insulation in between, and most notably a domed skylight at their center. 5 mins to Alpine, 30 mins to Fort Davis, Marfa, and Marathon. Big Bend Park, Terlingua, & Lajitas are roughly 100 miles away.

Marfa Garden 1

Relax and enjoy this contemporary casita (1 of 2) in a quiet, private garden (1.25 acres) filled with native plants and walking trails. The 500 sq. ft. one room interior is beautifully furnished, well-appointed and comfortable. Large, covered porches provide the perfect setting to experience the garden and distant mountain views. The property and garden are featured in four books, Gardens of Texas, Marfa Modern, Under Western Skies, and Marfa Garden. (Registered 2025 City of Marfa #S95)

Sleeping Lion Casita with Sky Observation Deck

Nestled amidst the Chihuahuan Desert, the Sleeping Lion is a stylish casita that offers a serene retreat for couples or solo adventurers. With easy access to McDonald Observatory, Balmorhea State Park, and Marfa, our impeccably styled casita exudes a warm & inviting ambiance. Unwind on our patio, where you can soak up panoramic views of the majestic Sleeping Lion Mountain. Step inside to discover a cozy living area, small kitchen, and a plush bedroom. Embark on your Far West Texas journey.

The Rock House at High Frontier

"Rock House" overlooks the scenic Musquiz Canyon and the Davis Mountains. Serene and secluded, the home is surrounded by several acres of pristine land for exploring. It features four comfortable shaded porches from which you can take in the sunrise, unwind at sunset, and gaze at brilliant stars in the heart of the world's largest Dark Sky Preserve. For all its privacy, the Rock House is conveniently located minutes from downtown Fort Davis and less than 30 minutes from Marfa and Alpine.

The Canyon Casita

The Canyon Casita is located 10 miles northwest of downtown Alpine. The Casita offers a quiet and comfortable space to enjoy all that the high desert has to offer - immersive mountain views, dark skies, brilliant sunrises and sunsets, wildlife and the gentle sounds of nature. Birders welcome! We keep the feeders and water filled year round and enjoy a variety of native and migratory visitors. The Canyon Casita is centrally located to the vast offerings of the Trans-Pecos region.

Art-Filled Marfa Adobe

Located at the western edge of Marfa, this cozy, unique adobe offers a true Marfa experience, and the best isolation and comfort for you. The house is air conditioned and heated, has wifi and a smart TV. There is one bedroom downstairs with a comfy queen sized bed and one loft bedroom upstairs with a queen sized bed and fun views. The bathroom with shower is downstairs. There are stairs going to the upstairs loft bedroom (see pics). (Marfa Hotel Tax ID #S44 - Registered)

New! Southwest Shipping Container-In Alpine

This stunning Container Home will not disappoint! With 1 bedroom and an inflatable floor mattress, it sleeps uptimes to 4 people. Features a super comfy Tuft and Needle queen mattress. The kitchen is outfitted in granite countertops. The rooftop deck is a great place to stargaze or enjoy a morning coffee. It boasts a full size, custom-tiled shower and spacious bathroom to complete this beautiful home. Located right outside of Alpine-2 minutes from downtown.

The Last Resort, 79 Songbird

Fully renovated 1979 Songbird travel trailer in beautiful Fort Davis, Texas. Located in the center of town within walking distance to shops and restaurants; close to historic Fort Davis National Historic Site; 20 minutes to Marfa, Alpine, and the McDonald Observatory; 40 minutes to Balmorhea and Valentine; and an hour and a half away from Big Bend National Park. Enjoy our mild weather and night time stargazing from the Songbird's large deck.

The Last Resort, Sprinter

The Sprinter is a travel trailer in beautiful Fort Davis, Texas. Located in the center of town within walking distance to shops and restaurants; close to historic Fort Davis National Historic Site; 20 minutes to Marfa, Alpine, and the McDonald Observatory; 40 minutes to Balmorhea and Valentine; and an hour and a half away from Big Bend National Park. Enjoy our mild weather and night time stargazing from the Sprinter's large deck.

Casita on Arabella Mountain

Guest (studio) casita located on Arabella Mtn. in Limpia Crossing, 9 miles from Fort Davis and 8 miles from McDonald Observatory. Cools mornings, pleasant afternoons. The casita has everything you need to get away from it all. Sleep in or have early coffee and watch the wildlife. One can choose to have dinner in town or cook and have a quiet dinner in the casita. Star gazing is beautiful here in the Davis Mountains.