IF YOU ARE A SINGLE TRAVELER OR COUPLE I HAVE LODGING AVAILABLE IN THE SMALL CABIN. IT HAS A QUEEN BED,SATELLITE TV,HOT SHOWER, PRIVATE INDOOR TOILET AND KITCHEN JUST TO NAME A FEW AMENENITES. ............Spectacular mountain views and great sunsets Tarantula Ranch is located over a hill about two miles from the nearest paved road." Experience life at the end of the road" inside a 320 acre compound. Tarantula Ranch sharpens your senses,the wildlife,the views,the smells,peace and quiet and of course the stars. TARANTULA RANCH has some of the darkest skies in the world. In the warm months its nice to sit on the front porch and have coffee with Billy and Maggie two friendly burros who like interacting with our guests,although you may have to share (they are the worlds biggest beggars). Tarantula Ranch has two cabins.The four room cabin can sleep six and the one room cabin sleeps two( although i did have a family of two adults and three children stay there a few times for a week). Both cabins have real "on the grid electricity",hot showers, toilet,septic tanks that work,kitchens furnished with stove,refrigerator,hot plates,convection oven, coffee maker,microwave etc.All linens and towels are furnished.We also have wifi and direct satellite tv with hbo and showtime,propane gas heaters for winter and refrigerated air conditioning for summer. We are about ten minutes from one of the prettiest swimming pools in Brewster county, Texas. With both cabins we can sleep a party of eight(although i have had ten there a few times but someone will have to sleep on a blow-up mattress or sleeping bag on the floor.) If you are only one person traveling alone or a couple and the large cabin is rented by someone else you can rent the detached cabin as a separate party. The detached cabin has a queen size bed,kitchen,indoor shower and toilet and satellite tv. You will have to contact me regarding the availability of the detached cabin. In addition to property here at the compound Tarantula Ranch llc also has other properties in the area. One in particular is at a lower elevation (warmer) for our winter time sunworshipers. It's common to have 75 to 80 degree days there in the winter. That property also has pictographs both Indian and Spanish. I have a jeep and a 4 wheel drive suburban that i can take people on a tour to my various properties to see how people have lived in the Big Bend from 8000 years to present with a little geology thrown in. You can sign up for that when you make reservations.If you are a golfer, as a member of The Lajatas Country Club, i can save you 20% off your green fee. At the end of a day of playing in the big bend it's nice to kick back with a drink in our hot tub that sits on a cliff facing west, listening for coyotes and looking for shooting stars. We also have an observation deck that hangs out over that same western cliff that the hot tub is on. The big bend has some of the darkest skies in the world. Here at Tarantula Ranch you are an easy drive( by west Texas standards) to all the tourist attractions in the area,the national park, the state park,river rafting outfitters,horseback riding,jeep tours and the Terlingua ghosttown where good food, good drinks,good music and good times are alive and well.
Keywords: remote,spectacular vistas,friendly burros and horse will interact with you,wide open spaces, great sunrises and sunsets.Also since we have real electricity we can offer all the electric appliances you need to make your stay comfortable, refrigerated air conditioning,kitchen appliances,satellite television.You will NOT have to walk across a parking lot or drive miles to use the restroom and shower.We have indoor plumbing!!!~ Also we have no traffic since we are more than two miles away from the nearest paved road AND inside a compound. Oh and you don't have to sleep on the ground in a tent (unless you want to). Some people have asked me to send them a photo of the interior of the small cabin. I can't. I'm not that good with computers so it will be awhile before i spend a day on hold with vrbo trying to get assistance on how to send a photo. I will try and give you a mental picture..... The small cabin has just recently been remodeled so there shouldn't be any roofs that fall in on you or a floor that caves in around your knee. Now, having said that, try and picture a box from the inside ..... four walls,one floor, one ceiling. Now picture a queen size bed inside the box (your eyes are getting heavy...) you are laying on the bed going slowly to sleep..... NOW this what it's like to stay in a room whether its the Hyatt on Wacker Street & Michigan Ave. in downtown Chicago or in the mountain wilderness of the Big Bend. They both keep the rain off and the coyotes out (as long as you keep the door closed). Look forward to meeting you, curt NOTE: DUE TO CORONA VIRUS-19 WE WILL BE SUSPENDING OUR JEEP/SUBURBAN TOURS AND GOLF DISCOUNTS.WE WILL BE ASKING YOU YOU TO SUPPLY YOUR OWN LINENS PAPER PLATES, PLASTIC CUPS, FLATWARE ETC. I WILL BE GIVING YOU A COMPLETE LIST WHEN I CALL YOU TO GIVE YOU DIRECTIONS.
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This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock
About the area
Terlingua
Located in Terlingua, this cabin is in the mountains. Many Stones is a local attraction and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Persimmon Gap Visitor Center and Big Bend National Park.
Does Spectacular Mountain Views. (Small Cabin) have a pool?
Yes, this property has a pool.
How much does it cost to stay at Spectacular Mountain Views. (Small Cabin)?
As of 22 Oct 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Spectacular Mountain Views. (Small Cabin) on 16 Nov 2026 start from £149, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
Is Spectacular Mountain Views. (Small Cabin) pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows pets (limit 3 total).
What time is check-in at Spectacular Mountain Views. (Small Cabin)?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Spectacular Mountain Views. (Small Cabin)?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Spectacular Mountain Views. (Small Cabin) located?
Situated in the mountains, this cabin is within 32 miles (52 km) of Many Stones, Persimmon Gap Visitor Center and Big Bend Library. Big Bend National Park and Starlight Theatre are also within 32 miles (52 km).
Reviews
8.6
Excellent
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Beautiful views of the Terlingua landscape and dark skies. Kind and helpful host, friendly burro wandering property. Small, rustic outbuilding accommodation. Shower could be better. Overall good stay for the cost.
Curt is a great host! Very helpful and nice gentleman. We really enjoyed being greeted by Miss Maggie the donkey! Incredible views and comfortable rooms make for a great stay. We will definitely be back!
Mr Swaffords Tarrantula ranch was great. Mr Swafford was a great host. The sunset views are amazing. My wife and I enjoyed maggie the donkey and eileen the mustang.
Don't forget to get your 4-wheel drive. The location on top of a mountain makes it worth it. Though I didn't get to stay at Curt's place due to water leakage, I loved the warmth and friendliness of him. I would have loved to stay at the cabin and enjoy the view.
This small cabin was a great place to see the stars at night, to visit Terlingua, and Big Bend. The owner answered all questions and gave an easy detail how to get there. Curt was friendly and I enjoyed my time there. If I return in fall will try and reserve here again.
For someone who truly wants to get away, especially with pets, this is the place to go. Curt was very friendly and honesy about the accommodations. He loves animals and was very kind to my dog. Maggie the burro was also a very charming and curious host, stopping by our cabin on a few occasions to visit.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023
Verified review
6/10 Okay
Curt B.
24 Apr 2024
Disliked: Listing accuracy
Texas
Rugged but acceptable. Donkey was a pain in the ass!
It was exactly as we had expected to be. We were prepared for the off-roading as that's part of our expedition. The drive to the property is off-road, so be prepared to take your SUV. We loved it, it was perfect for my husband and I. The animals added an extra sweet treat to the experience. You'll want to wake up to the view, it is all worth it.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Mar 2020
I just wanted to clarify that there is a road up to my ranch it's just rocks and dirt. An- Marie and Walter are adventurers and they had the vehicle to prove it but you can make it here in your Honda. One of my vehicles is a vintage 1990 Cadillac Allante convertible sports car and it makes it just fine. An-Marie and Walter are the type of people we like to see coming to the Big Bend, They get it! You know the appreciation of the views and respecting the land and the animals. Any host would be lucky to have them as guests. I'll look forward to their return.
The small cabin was just right for my wife and I and our 2 chihuahuas. We went with this property because of the private shower and restroom and sat tv because we can’t sleep without a tv. Lol. The place is remote and up on a mountain with great views and sun sets and Kurt the host is a friendly and fun guy to talk to.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2023
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Jenn S.
10 Jul 2018
Loved it so much, we can't wait to go back!
The cabin itself had everything we needed and was very comfortable and accommodating for me and my 12 y/o granddaughter. The views are absolutely spectacular and we really appreciated the quiet, simple, rustic charm of the cabin and the ranch. We watched the sun set behind the mountains from the bed! Curt, the host, is a truly wonderful human being. He is very warm and kind and incredibly knowledgeable about the area. My granddaughter LOVED all of his animals and he stopped by every day so she could help him feed the horse and burros. We had a little car trouble when we got there which cost us some time for our adventures and he offered to let us stay an additional night so we could have more time which he did not have to do and was extremely generous! We absolutely loved our time at Tarantula Ranch!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Mar 2020
It was a real pleasure having Jenn and Kennedy here. It's always encouraging to me when young people come here and love the animals more than their cell phone. I have a feeling that Kennedy is missing Tarantula Ranch tonight more than she missed the mall while she was here. Am I right? Thanks for making my week! Curt
Has been over 2 weeks and still have not received my Damage deposit back Will never do Home away again
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Mar 2020
To Donald and/or any potential guest, the property owner/host does not collect or have the ability to collect or refund a damage deposit yet i am being penalized on this site for something i have no control over. I called vrbo/homeaway and they say a traveler review can not be removed. The only option the host has is to write a response. Now in the interest of full disclosure and fairness to vrbo/homeaway I called vrbo and was told Donald was sent his refund within seven days of check out.The only power a property owner has in the matter of refunding a damage deposit is to inform vrbo of damage to their property and therefore keeping the guests deposit to help pay for damages. I have been in this business for over eight and one-half years and i have never had a guest lose their damage deposit. I've been blessed with really nice guests. Thank you
It's advertised as rustic and it is. Bring your own everything but the bed the kitchen the dining table and chairs and the bathroom. We were pleasantly surprised by the hot water, plenty and hot! Bring linens towels drinking water and food (there's no restaurants within a hundred miles!) The bed was surprisingly really comfortable, we were expecting something a little more primitive but it was great. There's a burro, Maggie, that loves apples carrots crackers and chips! The kids in the other cabin loved her. She likes to be nosy. We loved her too. It's at the end of a dirt road so be prepared to do a little driving. We have a 2021 Cadillac which was fine. The sunsets and nights and sunrises are simply amazing. The air is so crisp and fresh it made me dizzy!
This is my kind of place. It's straightforward. It's beautiful...and it had Maggie who's a doll. I've only great things to say about Tarantula Ranch. I love the distance from things, I love the vistas...I love the region. I'll always come back.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022
Verified review
6/10 Okay
wyndel p.
26 Apr 2022
Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness
Very rustic and down to earth!rth
Very rustic and down to earth!
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2022
Verified review
6/10 Okay
Colleen H.
6 Apr 2022
Liked: Communication, location
Disliked: Check-in, listing accuracy
Views worth the stay
I wish there would have been more photos of the home and casita, likely we would not have stayed since we had 6 adults traveling together. Due to lack of cell coverage it was difficult getting hold of the owner to allow us access to the property, perhaps giving us a gate code prior to arrival would have made it easier. The Mule!!! omg, She was something else. In the morning when the sun came up and we could see where we were it cancelled out many of the issues we had. The view is spectacular.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 25 May 2022
This guest never stayed on property# 1283391 as she stated. Also I do not own a mule. It is because of people like this that I don't randomly give out a code to just anyone. What I do is give VERY DETAILED directions over the phone weeks or days before check in along with a list of 23 items to bring that hopefully makes your stay more comfortable. Then I have the guests call me either from Alpine, Texas and tell me what time they leave (one-hour and fifteen minutes away) or Terlingua, Texas (45 minutes away) and I personally Meet them at the front gate, THEN I give them the combination to the lock, show them how things work and check them in. I am a very "hands on" host. All guests are told by me that there is limited cell service here in the Big Bend, very few gas stations and we don't recommend using a GPS.
Loved the view. Small cabin is one room plus bathroom. The road is rough so it takes about 20 minutes to go the 2.5 miles but it was worth it for tge view. Maggie the donkey is a trip!
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2022
Verified review
2/10 Terrible
Dr. Sowmya S.
9 Mar 2022
Liked: Check-in
Disliked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy
The pictures were misleading
The cabin was hard to find, but the host was extremely helpful in trying to find the property for us which we appreciate. But the cabin had no linens and was dusty, no mats on the floor. The floor was just a sorry excuse of a floor with a creaky bathroom. It just seemed like the host didn't care what the cabin looked like because it was in a place where you couldn't find many places to stay and we couldn't go anywhere in the night. We left after one night stay and didn't stay the 2 nights even though we paid for it as we couldn't stand the place. It is not a place we will return to and wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Mar 2022
They told me the reason the cabin was hard for them to find was they left my VERY DETAILED directions at home. "The doctor" forgot to bring the directions with them on their trip. Also she complained that there were no linens in the cabin. She is correct. It is listed on my web site that because of covid-19 I am having my guests bring their own sheets, pillows, blankets to slow the spread of covid -19. In addition to the linens information on the internet "the doctor" was given a list of 23 items to bring to make their stay more comfortable and sheets are on that list as well. "The doctor" says it was dusty and had no mats on the floor. There probably is dust in all of the cabins here in the Big Bend Of Texas. This is a desert and in my particular case it is also a ranch and I leave the windows open between guests to air it out. I can't tell you how many laughs my colleagues and I have had when a tourist complains about dust, the sun, the unpaved roads and the heat. TRY AND READ MY LIPS....... YOU ARE COMING TO "THE CHIHUHUAN DESERT WILDERNESS BACKCOUNTRY" SO YES THERE IS GOING TO BE DUST. "The doctor" states there were no mats on the floor she was correct again. Only a third world country would cover a floor with a mat. I noticed she wasn't telling the whole truth in this instance, you see even though I don't have a "mat" for you to stand on, I do have a $200.00 hand woven Southwestern rug on that floor and five hand woven wallhangings on the walls. The "doctor" said we had a creaky bathroom, you probably didn't know but alot of the vacation rentals have no indoor plumbing. They advertise saying "just a short four mile drive to a bathroom and shower". "The doctor" said the host(me) didn't care what the cabin looked like. I care about my cabins and so do 98% of my guests just look at the honest reviews. When I started my business in September of 2011, I was cabin number 9 on VRBO. Now there are probably 500 to 1000 vacation rentals in the area so there are plenty of rentals as long as you book in advance. People like my place because it is a remote ranch with no neighbors, no traffic, great star gazing, spectacular mountain views, a deck that hangs out over our west cliff, a hot tub, wifi, satellite tv with movies, a/c, heat, indoor plumbing and as of this writing it is the least expensive in the area. "The doctor" says she "couldn't go anywhere in the night". I don't see why not, unless you are afraid of the dark.
The cabin was great, the drive to it from the main highway is not difficult but is beautiful. Close enough to the National park to be a very reasonable drive (by west Texas standards). Curt’s property feels extremely remote, and is great for quiet introspection or peaceful resets at the end of a long day of hiking. AC and heater worked great to keep temp regulated in cabin. You will likely use both during your stay( it is the desert, after all).
The small cabin is no frills, and I think of it as an adventure cabin. Shelter from weather and critters, plus a few amenities you really wouldn’t expect to find this far out like real plumbing and electricity. This ain’t a hotel in the middle of the city, so keep your expectations reasonable. Some other reviewers have clearly not ever been away from New York City. Curt’s place was exactly what we expected plus a whole heap of natural beauty. We saw kangaroo mice, roadrunners, wild boar, huge whitetail deer, and owls, but no snakes. I plan to stay at Curt’s again. We also got a glimpse at his large cabin which has substantially more space and a more relaxed vibe than the small cabin we stayed in. If I ever go out with a big group I would definitely consider staying in the large cabin or renting both. Thank you Curt, until we meet again!
Tarantula Ranch is one of the most beautiful places in the Big Bend area. It has an amazing view of the mountains. Curt was a gracious host with PERFECT directions to get to his ranch. He is very funny. Very nice rustic cabins. I took advantage of renting both cabins for my birthday. Curt does tell you ahead of time what to bring with you i.e. your own beddings, towels, utensils, etc (Covid) but the cabins (both) are equipped with refrigerators, oven/toaster oven on the smaller cabin, AC, heart etc. Curt even invited us to the deck that sits on top of the mountain to witness one heck of a sunset. It is called “God’s Country,” for just that reason, its spectacular views. Curt was especially nice to my dog Peppa-Pig, which I did appreciate that very much. I highly recommend Tarantula Ranch to everyone. I WILL BE BACK to visit and stay there, that’s for sure! Thank you, Curt and God bless.
Gracie V—Austin, TX
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021
Verified review
4/10 Poor
Carm J.
10 Oct 2021
Liked: Check-in, location
Disliked: Cleanliness
Spectacular view, filthy cabin
Everything was as stated-barely. I live on a dirt road and traveled on several during my stay in west Texas but none were as ill-maintained as this rutted track. We used low gear and four wheel drive and wished we had higher clearance. The queen bed is a mattress on a metal frame that was stained. Glad we brought our own bedding. The kitchen faucet was duct taped. The listing says it is newly renovated however there were water stains above the bed that had started to mold. The paint on the plywood floor was worn off in many spots and the screens were broken or ill fitting. We woke up to literally hundreds of moths in the bathroom. Most amenities were as listed, but there was no washer, dryer, stove, iron nor hair dryer as listed under amenities in the listing. The hot tub was wonderful but it is at the main house up a steep hill on the rutted road from the cabin. Frying pans were available- we assume for the hot plate, but no dish soap to clean with after. There were piles of dead bugs inside each light fixture and heavy dust everywhere- I am not sure what the cleaning fee was used for, especially with bring in our own linens and dinnerware. If possible on VRBO I would supply pictures of all of this to prove I am not exaggerating. We looked for another place, willing to pay for this and somewhere clean, however everything between there and Big Bend was sold out. On a positive final note, the sunsets were spectacular.
My husband and I stayed the weekend at Curts small cabin, we had an amazing time. Curt was so friendly and gave us tons of information about what we could do in the area. It's a nice scenic drive from the property into Big Bend National Park. The cabin was clean and well kept and there were a couple donkeys, dogs and a horse to keep us company. We will definitely be booking there again, 12/10!