Texas Mountain Trail

04/18/2026

Ahh so pretty!! 😍

Nice eye candy. My amigo Gene Hunter nailed this shot frrom a beach in Equador last evening.

04/16/2026

Spotlight: Marfa Lights Viewing Area ✨

Looking for a trail experience that’s a little… mysterious? 👀 Head out to the Marfa Lights Viewing Area in West Texas for a short, easy walk with a BIG reputation.

The “Marfa Lights” have been reported for over 100 years, glowing, floating orbs that dance across the desert at night. Some say it’s atmospheric reflections… others say UFOs, 👽 no one’s proven it for sure! The trail itself is short and accessible, making it perfect for all ages and a relaxing evening stroll. It’s one of the best places in Texas for stargazing thanks to minimal light pollution, so even if the lights don’t appear, the sky will put on a show. The viewing platforms make it easy to settle in and watch the horizon as the sun sets and the mystery begins.

Pro tip: Bring a chair, some snacks, and a little patience. The lights tend to show up after dark, if they decide to show up at all.

Have you ever seen the Marfa Lights? Tell us your experience below!

Credits📸:
https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/marfa-lights
https://visitmarfa.com/mystery
https://airial.travel/attractions/united-states/marfa/marfa-lights-viewing-area-2Mfjghpl
https://authentictexas.com/darksky/

04/14/2026

Spotlight: Tornillo Elementary School 🏫

Did you know that Tornillo Elementary School isn’t just a place for learning, it’s a piece of Texas history? Built all the way back in 1924, this beautiful campus was designed by the famous architectural firm Trost & Trost, known for shaping many iconic buildings across the Southwest.

• The original structure features classic early 20th-century brick design, giving it that timeless schoolhouse charm.
• The campus is known for its iconic bell out front, a symbol of tradition and community pride! 🔔
• Though it started as an elementary school, the historic building is still standing and in use today, now serving as part of the district’s administration, talk about lasting impact!

Before buildings like this existed, Tornillo students attended school in small adobe classrooms and farmhouses. By the 1920s, the community had grown enough to build permanent schools, making this campus a major milestone in local education. From its historic roots to its continued role in education, Tornillo Elementary represents growth, resilience, and community pride.

Drop a comment if you’ve walked these halls or have a favorite Tornillo memory!

Photo Credits📸:
https://kfoxtv.com/news/local/a-school-district-going-beyond-the-call-of-duty
https://www.yelp.com/biz/tornillo-independent-school-district-tornillo
https://www.homes.com/school/tornillo-tx/tornillo-elementary-school/46c2rxw9kx3k7/
https://trostsociety.org/buildings/tornillo-elementary-school/

04/10/2026

Spotlight ✨🌄

Looking for a West Texas adventure that delivers BIG views without a full-day trek? Let’s talk about the beautiful Madera Canyon Trail Parking area in Jeff Davis County, a hidden gem tucked into the rugged Davis Mountains!

Trail Highlights:
• ~2.1–2.4 mile loop, perfect for a quick but rewarding hike
• Moderate difficulty with gentle elevation gain (~250–275 ft)
• Typically takes about an hour to complete, ideal for sunrise or sunset adventures

This trail winds through a stunning pinyon oak-juniper woodland, a rare “sky island” ecosystem surrounded by desert. Keep an eye out for wildlife, seasonal wildflowers, and even a small pond depending on recent rains! Follow the path along a seasonal creek before climbing to a ridge where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the high desert and surrounding mountains. Benches and overlooks make it easy to pause and soak it all in.

The trail sits within the Davis Mountains Preserve, a protected area spanning tens of thousands of acres dedicated to conservation and wildlife habitat. Whether you’re chasing views, birdwatching, or just craving a peaceful escape, Madera Canyon Trail is a must add to your Texas hiking list. Tag your hiking buddy and start planning your next adventure!

Photo Credits📸:
https://texashighways.com/travel/getaways/take-3-history-packed-hikes-in-the-davis-mountains/
https://mindtrip.ai/attraction/fort-davis-texas/madera-canyon-trail-parking/at-WgiVGt9q

04/07/2026

Spotlight: The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park 🏨✨

Say hello to one of El Paso’s most iconic skyline stars, the Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park! Designed by the legendary architectural firm Trost & Trost, this 19 story Art Deco beauty has been turning heads since 1930, and it’s still one of the tallest and most recognizable buildings in the city today.

• It originally opened as one of Conrad Hilton’s first high-rise hotels, talk about historic beginnings!
• Built during the start of the Great Depression, construction kept going despite the economic crash.
• Hollywood royalty has stayed here, including Elizabeth Taylor, who once lived in the penthouse while filming Giant!
• The site’s history goes even deeper, it previously hosted the Sheldon Hotel, which welcomed figures tied to the Mexican Revolution.

Architecture Highlights:
• Stunning Art Deco + Pueblo Revival design
• Signature pyramidal tiled roof that crowns the building
• A structure that reshaped El Paso’s skyline when it debuted

After closing in 1991, the hotel underwent a massive restoration and reopened in 2020, blending historic charm with modern luxury.
Today, it’s not just a landmark, it’s a vibrant downtown destination with dining, rooftop views, and serious style.

The Plaza Hotel isn’t just a building, it’s a symbol of El Paso’s resilience, history, and revival. From revolution era stories to Hollywood glamour, its walls have seen it all. Next time you’re downtown, look up, you’re staring at a true Trost & Trost masterpiece.

Photo Credits📸:
https://www.texasmonthly.com/travel/el-paso-hotel-and-travel-guide/
https://www.plazahotelelpaso.com/
https://www.elpasotimes.com/story/entertainment/2024/09/23/plaza-hotel-pioneer-park-named-michelin-one-key-for-2024/75307075007/?gnt-cfr=1&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=true&gca-epti=z113634e006800v113634d--36--b--36--&gca-ft=258&gca-ds=sophi
https://www.archistoric.com/pages/hotels-the-plaza-pioneer-park-el-paso

04/02/2026

Happy ! 🥾

Today’s adventure takes us to the beautiful Indian Lodge State Park - Texas Parks and Wildlife Trail Loop, a hidden gem nestled in the Davis Mountains that perfectly blends scenic views, peaceful vibes, and a touch of West Texas magic.

This loop is just under 3 miles, making it a great option whether you’re looking for a quick nature escape or a relaxing afternoon hike. The trail winds through rugged desert landscape, dotted with juniper, oak, and even the occasional surprise wildflower bloom (especially in spring). Keep your eyes open, you might spot mule deer, javelinas, or a variety of birds along the way!

✨ Fun facts:
• The trail sits at an elevation of around 5,000 feet, so temperatures here are often cooler than the surrounding desert, a refreshing bonus!
• It connects to historic Indian Lodge, a charming adobe style structure built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
• The Davis Mountains are actually one of the highest mountain ranges in Texas, not something most people expect!

Whether you’re chasing sunset views, fresh mountain air, or just a peaceful walk surrounded by nature, the Indian Lodge Trail Loop delivers every time.

Have you hiked this trail before? Drop your favorite part below 👇

Photo Credits📸:
https://texashighways.com/travel/the-revamped-indian-lodge-is-as-magical-as-ever/
https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/indian-lodge

04/01/2026

How beautiful!! 😍

03/31/2026

: The Holland Hotel ✨

Step back in time at the iconic Holland Hotel, a true West Texas gem that’s been welcoming travelers for nearly a century.

Built in 1928 and designed by renowned architect Henry Trost, this Spanish Colonial Revival beauty was created during a booming era of ranching, rail travel, and mining in Alpine. The hotel sits just steps from the railroad tracks, because back in the day, trains were THE way to travel across West Texas! It wasn’t just a hotel, it was the social hub of Alpine, hosting gatherings, business deals, and community events for generations. The grand lobby, with its wooden beams, stucco walls, and vintage charm, was designed to feel like a “fairyland” of Spanish-inspired elegance. The original hotel dates back even earlier (1910s!), but the stunning building we know today is the Trost-designed expansion. After closing in the late 1960s, it was revived and restored, proving that great architecture (and great stories) never fade.

Today, the Holland Hotel still stands as the heart of downtown Alpine, where history, architecture, and West Texas hospitality meet. ❤️

If you’re heading to the Big Bend region, this is more than a stay, it’s an experience.

Photo Credits📸:
https://texashighways.com/travel/lodging/west-texas-willow-house-holland-hotel/
https://compassandtwine.com/holland-hotelalpine-tx/
https://www.thehollandhoteltexas.com/
https://downtowntx.org/alpine-texas/209-w-holland-ave-alpine-texas-79830
https://compassandtwine.com/holland-hotelalpine-tx/

03/28/2026

Update ✨🌙

Tonight’s Moon is in its waxing gibbous phase, growing brighter each night as it heads toward the full Moon. If you step outside after sunset, you’ll see it shining big and bold, lighting up the evening sky.

According to McDonald Observatory, here’s something extra cool from the cosmos: spring officially arrives tomorrow in the Northern Hemisphere! 🌸 The vernal equinox happens when the Sun crosses the celestial equator, moving from south to north.

What does that mean for us? Longer days, more sunlight, and a steady climb toward those warm spring and summer nights. Over the next three months, the Sun will keep drifting northward, giving us more daylight to enjoy, and more time for stargazing

So tonight, take a moment to enjoy that glowing Moon… and get ready to welcome spring! 🌿

Photo Credits📸:

03/26/2026

spotlight! 🌄

Ready for a desert adventure? Today we’re exploring the stunning Boquillas Canyon Trail in Big Bend National Park!

🥾 Trail Details:
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Distance: 1.4 miles round trip
• Start: End of Boquillas Canyon Spur Road

This short but unforgettable hike begins with a climb up to a breathtaking cliff overlooking the Rio Grande 🌊. At the top, you’ll find fascinating mortar holes left behind by ancient inhabitants, history carved right into the rock!

From there, descend to the river’s edge and wander into the canyon as the towering walls close in around you. It’s the perfect mix of scenic views, cultural history, and peaceful desert vibes 🌵

Who’s adding this trail to their must-hike list?

Photo Credits📸:
https://www.reddit.com/r/BigBendTX/comments/1ha0s1q/boquillas_canyon_last_week/
https://www.reddit.com/r/BigBendTX/comments/1r86nrm/wild_horses_in_boquillas_canyon/
https://www.nps.gov/rigr/planyourvisit/boq_cyn.htm

03/24/2026

: Sul Ross Library (1930) 📚

Did you know the stunning library at Sul Ross State University is a masterpiece by Trost & Trost?

Founded in 1917 (but not opened until 1920 due to World War I delays), Sul Ross quickly expanded under President Horace W. Morelock in the 1920s, and that growth brought some incredible architecture to campus.

Completed in July 1930, the university library is a striking blend of Neoclassical Revival with subtle Art Deco flair. Built by contractor Robert E. McKee, this 3-story, T-shaped structure commands attention with:
- A grand entrance framed by Ionic columns and pilasters
- A classic pediment, topped with a surprising stepped Art Deco detail (not in the original plans!)
- Bold red brick construction that still looks impressive nearly a century later

Even after a major 1967 interior remodel, this Trost & Trost design remains in outstanding condition, proof of both great design and craftsmanship.

A true West Texas architectural gem!

Photo Credits📸:
https://trostsociety.org/buildings/sul-ross-state-university-library/
https://bigbendtimes.com/2023/10/09/sul-ross-state-university-ranks-tenth-in-texas-in-u-s-news-world-reports-best-colleges/

03/21/2026

Spotlight: The Waxing Crescent Moon ✨🌙

Look up tonight and you might catch one of the most magical sights in the sky, the waxing crescent Moon! That delicate silver curve hanging just after sunset is the Moon’s way of saying: “I’m back, and I’m growing.”

🌒 What makes the waxing crescent so special?
- It’s the first visible phase after the New Moon, when the Moon reappears as a thin sliver in the western sky.
- The word “waxing” literally means growing, and each night, a little more of the Moon lights up as it heads toward full.
- That curved shape? It’s called a crescent, and it gradually expands from about 0% to nearly 50% illumination before reaching First Quarter.
- If you look closely, you might see a faint glow on the dark side, this is earthshine, sunlight reflected off Earth lighting up the Moon’s night side (sometimes called the Da Vinci glow).

The waxing crescent is best seen shortly after sunset in the western sky, often setting just a couple hours after the Sun. This phase is perfect for beginners, soft moonlight, darker skies, and sometimes even a bright neighbor like Venus hanging nearby. It’s a great time to grab binoculars or just step outside and enjoy the view.

Mark your calendars for the Dark Skies Festival at the Mcdonald Observatory happening April 13–19. Celebrate International Dark Sky Week under some of the darkest skies in McDonald Observatory and neighboring locations throughout Alpine, Fort Davis, Presidio, Terlingua, and more!

Whether you’re catching tonight’s crescent or planning a trip out to West Texas, this is your reminder to look up. The sky is always putting on a show, you just have to step outside to see it.

Photo Credits📸: https://www.flickr.com/photos/michael07/7626673144

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