Summary: Casa Mariposa: Live Like a Local at this Restored Rock Ruin in the Historic Terlingua Ghost Town. • Restored Ruin with Spacious Outdoor Living • This is Our Quintessential Ghost Town Rental • Located in the Historic Ghost Town • Kitchen, Bedroom and Cozy Room • Full Indoor Bathroom
The Space: Casa Mariposa is tucked away on the Ghost Town hillside, surrounded by history. You will be a short trail walk away from all the Ghost Town has to offer: restaurants, art, shopping, and entertainment. This historic miners’ rock house has all the charm Ghost Town living has to offer. Conveniently located between the iconic Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park, Texas’s largest state park.
Spend some time in this restored limestone ruin from the historic Terlingua mining days. Using the original footprint, the house was partly remade in the 1970s. The owners completed an additional restoration in the 1990s and have continued refurbishments recently.
Casa Mariposa is equipped with a full kitchen, two bedrooms, and a full bathroom. The outdoor living space is spacious and tranquil. It is perfect for your morning coffee, outdoor dining, relaxing in the shade, admiring Terlingua’s incredible sunrises and sunsets, and star gazing. Relax with a campfire, and soak in the desert peace.
The 475 square foot interior has a full kitchen, 2 bedrooms, and a full bathroom. You will spend much of your time enjoying the breezy shade of the outdoor living area. There is a brand new indoor bathroom with hot water, shower, sink, and flushing toilet. Outside, there is also a semi-enclosed bath house has a shower and sink and a quaint outhouse with Chisos Mountain views.
The Master Bedroom - You’ll find a comfortable queen size bed and plenty of space for all your belongings. Large windows open out to the patio. Peruse the little collection of books of local interest. The master bedroom has its own entrance and shares a very thick rock wall with the kitchen and the Cozy Room.
It should be noted that there is not a connecting door between the main bedroom and the rest of the house. Guests need to going outside, on the covered patio, to move from one side of the house to the other.
The Cozy Bedroom - This simple hideaway behind the kitchen is my favorite room in the house, but it is tiny. The full-size futon just fits in the space. There is beautiful ceiling of vigas and sotol, a saltillo tile floor, and a little nicho for your knick-knacks. It maintains the tiny windows that were part of the original design of the miners’ home.
Kitchen - The kitchen features handmade cabinets and a handmade table along with stove, fridge, microwave, toaster, and coffee pot. Cookware, spices, etc. are available if you’re in the mood to make your own meals.
Please note: Part of Terlingua Ghost Town’s fun is a bit of funk. It is rugged and remote country. While most guests prefer the new indoor bathroom, some adventurous travelers prefer to use the original semi-enclose bathhouse or the outhouse. Because we are located on the hillside, there are multiple levels. Be prepared to walk up and down short steps and dirt trails. There’s also a trail through the ruins to the famous Terlingua Porch.
Terlingua is in the Chihuahuan Desert in a remote and rural area. There are no streetlights, and the road to the house is about a half mile of unpaved road. Please drive slowly.
Please, do not climb on any of the ruins or remove any artifacts. It is a fragile area.
Interaction with Guests: We manage several properties and live a few miles away. We are available by phone, text, email, or messages through Airbnb. We are typically only on site for cleaning or maintenance issues.
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• Children allowed
• No pets
• No Events or Parties Allowed
Important information
You need to know
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
About the area
Terlingua
Located in Terlingua, this holiday home is in a rural area and in the mountains. Homer Wilson Ranch is a local landmark, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park.
Big Bend Ranch State Park - 12 min drive - 20.9 km
Chisos Mountains - 56 min drive - 63.1 km
Restaurants
Chili Pepper Cafe - 9 min drive
Venga - 13 min walk
Starlight Theater - 7 min walk
El Gordo’s Grill - 10 min drive
High Sierra Bar & Grill - 14 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is Casa Mariposa: Restored Rock Ruin in Ghost Town pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Casa Mariposa: Restored Rock Ruin in Ghost Town?
As of 11 Apr, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Casa Mariposa: Restored Rock Ruin in Ghost Town on 23 May, 2026 start from S$241, 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.
How much is parking at Casa Mariposa: Restored Rock Ruin in Ghost Town?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Casa Mariposa: Restored Rock Ruin in Ghost Town?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Casa Mariposa: Restored Rock Ruin in Ghost Town?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Casa Mariposa: Restored Rock Ruin in Ghost Town located?
Situated in the mountains, this holiday home is 0.4 mi (0.6 km) from Starlight Theatre and within 9 miles (15 km) of Big Bend Library and Many Stones. Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park are also within 12 miles (20 km).
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
This is our second time at Casa Mariposa. The place is Terlingua funky and eclectic. But also very comfotable, clean, upgraded with everything you need. And the views from sitting on the patio are beautiful looking into the mountains.
Conveniently located near the ghost town of Terlingua which is much more lively than the name implies. Access to Big Bend NP hiking trails and Rio Grande within 35-45 minutes. Appreciated the ability to cook meals at the house and having a hot shower to rinse the days hiking dust off. The highlight was the dark night skies and the ability to see so many stars and the Milky Way. Will stay again when we visit the area.
Casa Mariposa was the perfect base for a Spring Break trip for my sons and me. Close to the park, and several great places to eat closeby. Highly recommend!
Aaron T.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
john
31 Dec, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Interesting place that is exceptionally clean and comfortable. Great location with easy access to everything Terlingua has to offer.
Unique and perfect accommodations for hiking & jeeping
Very different and unique - gives you a feel of the outdoors with comfort and convenience of modern living. We used this place as a basecamp for our daily adventures and would recommend for individuals. Also has a pet roadrunner whom just hung around us a lot….
Casa Mariposa was a perfect place for us to stay while we explored Big Bend National Park and the surrounding area. Quiet, spectacular sunrise views and a great mix of comfortable accommodations in a natural setting. Can’t say enough about how special our experience was at this unique place to stay.
Lisa M.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Apr, 2020
Thank you so much. It makes our day to read about the wonderful experience of our guests. We hope you will have the opportunity to return.
Great location for visiting the park. House is unique while still having all the amenities. I like the big porch and fenced in yard. House was comfy and everything worked well. Kids were happy with the internet
Had a great few days in Terlingua visiting family nearby. The Casa was so really nicely updated, comfortable, great beds, quite, beautiful view of Big Bend in the distance. The Casa is close by food and shops. Although as guest said the bathroom is in one area and the kitchen the other it worked perfectly for us. I will be back.
This was a cute house with nice views and privacy. Walking distance to restaurants and shops. About 10 minutes to Big Bend National park and 20 to Big Bend Ranch State Park. House was clean and we had 0issuesnno issues while therr.