Chinati Hot Springs, Texas, United States

5EW_Nocona 5:00 PM Nov 7, 2014

Rustic, Secluded, Remote, (VERY) Quiet...If that's what you're looking for - here it is
Hot tub soaking is great....note the big pool/tub is closed in fall-winter. Other outside tub is ok for 6-8 people but not hot enough in the fall/winter for long stays. A room with its own tub is recommended...esp for couples.....very cozy. BRING everything you want to eat and drink....there is nothing for miles. Communal kitchen has stoves, refrigerators, ice, utensils, etc. Hike the hot springs river bed up and/or down...amazing geologic layering of concreted river bed rocks and gravel, clay, and what looks to be dust layers from ancient events. Lava rocks are plentiful, but are well rounded and traveled from point of origin, as are sedimentary rocks with colorful mixtures. Cool tabby cat while we were there had run of the place. Very friendly caretaker, and once you get set up you won't see much of her unless you seek her out. Very peaceful. Word of travel advice...DO NOT make the choice to take the Pinto Canyon country road out to FM 2810 (where there is pavement) and onto Marfa without consideration. It can be a perilous journey even with a high-clearance 4 wheel drive vehicle. It is beautifully scenic, but many low water crossings (can be difficult during/following a rain), narrow road, elevation changes from about 2300 foot above sea level to about 5600 foot...and you'll be hugging some of the mountain sides to stay on the road at parts. I'm sure no big deal for the ranching hands that work out there, but if you're not used to 4-wheeling rough country, better just take the long way back through Presidio. Know that if you have trouble...NO cell phone service, and very few other travelers to come along for a rescue - maybe none for days. When we made the trek, we finally got out of the Chinati mountains and came upon a US Express Trucker (Sean from Baltimore) stuck in the mud. His first time in Texas, trying to get from California to Laredo and said his GPS unit directed him down to Marfa and onto that road. Crazy. Not sure what that was about, but we gave him a ride back into Marfa....if he had had to walk, it could have truly been life threatening from dehydration. We also gave him a Texas map to supplement his GPS. Over the whole distance from the Springs to Marfa (~55 miles) we did not see one other person or operating vehicles....only a few ranch houses in the distance which may or may not have been occupied. Happy to have made the adventurous trip route once, but don't think I'd ever do it again.

5MargaretMaugenest 5:00 PM Nov 22, 2014

A Jewel
I can't believe Chinati Springs only has two reviews - I was there a few years ago and it was magical. Watching the sun setting while in the pool is unforgettable. The drive to the springs is beautiful, quiet, desert. I had a room, but was invited by a couple who were camping to share their dinner. Either way is a wonderful way to be in that spectacular setting. The managers were very sweet and helpful. I hope my life bringsme back there one days, some day.