Entire home

Spectacular Mountain Views.

Photo gallery for Spectacular Mountain Views.

sunrise at tarantula ranch
billy, one of our juvinel deliquents....i mean burros
southwest view from hot tub
bedroom
kitchen

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 81000 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Parking available
  • Pool
  • Kitchen
  • Pet-friendly
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
terlingua, TX
  • Panther Junction Visitor Center
    ‪93 min drive‬
  • Santa Elena Canyon
    ‪100 min drive‬
  • Big Bend National Park
    ‪106 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Double Beds

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Detached Unit

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Spectacular Mountain Views.


............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. BIG BEND has some of the darkest skies in the world. In the warm months it's nice to sit on the front porch and have coffee with Maggie a friendly burro who likes interacting with our guests, although you may have to share (she is the world's biggest beggar). Tarantula Ranch has two cabins. The four-room cabin can sleep six and the one room cabin sleeps two. If you are a group of one to six you can rent the four-room cabin. If you are one to two people you can rent the small cabin. You have to book them separately. If you are a group of eight you will have to book both cabins. Four room cabin property number is 380716 and small cabin is property number 1283391. Both cabins have real "on the grid electricity", hot showers, toilet, septic tanks that work, kitchens furnished with stove, refrigerator, hot plates, toaster, convection oven, coffee maker, microwave etc. At this time because of covid-19, linens and towels are not furnished. We have wifi and dish satellite tv with the movie channels, 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 which you can use for a small fee. Also, near the Terlingua Ranch pool is the Bad Rabbit Restaurant (also about ten minutes away) that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. In that same area there is a pay laundry. Personally, I wouldn't use it, I'd just bring a change of clothes for every day of my vacation. With both cabins we can sleep a party of eight. 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, kitchenette, refrigerator, indoor shower and toilet, wifi and satellite tv. You will have to contact me regarding the availability of the detached cabin.
Up on top of our western cliff we have a hot tub dug into the cliff and a deck that hangs out over that cliff for sun worshiping or just having a drink with sunset then listening for coyotes and finishing off the evening looking for shooting stars. About five minutes away I have a shooting range for target practiced or skeet only. THERE IS NO HUNTING!!! You are welcome to bring your guns and practice.





























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 Ghost Town 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). SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: DUE TO CORONA VIRUS-19 WE ARE SUSPENDING OUR SUBURBAN/JEEP TOURS FOR AWHILE. ALSO YOU WILL BE ASKED TO BRING YOUR OWN LINENS, PAPER PLATES, PLASTIC CUPS, FLATWARE ETC. SO AS TO NOT TO INFECT ANYONE WITH POORLY WASHED DISHES. I WILL GIVE YOU A COMPLETE LIST OF THINGS TO BRING WHEN I CALL YOU WITH DIRECTIONS. Dogs: are welcome!! I like dogs! Children are not allowed. You must be between the ages of 27 to 107 to come to Tarantula Ranch. Check in time is 4pm to 7pm or sunset whichever comes first. There is no outdoor fires allowed. We are a desert that is usually under a "burn ban".

Property manager

curt swafford

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Hot tub
Kitchen
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 27
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Adults only
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Events

No events allowed
Must be approved by owner.
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs and cats (limit 3 total)
Aggressive dogs will not be allowed.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
THE ABOVE RULES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED ONLY TO THE ABOVE RULES. OWNER RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE AND ENFORCE RULES AS THE NEED ARISES.
Check in: 4pm to 7pm or sunset, whichever comes first.
No outdoor fires! We are a desert, and we are usually under a "burn Ban".

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
Note from host: must be approved by owner.
Long-term renters welcome
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 first aid kit

About the area

Terlingua

Located in Terlingua, this cottage is in a rural area and 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. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
terlingua, TX

What's nearby

  • Many Stones - 47 min drive - 35.4 km
  • Panther Junction Visitor Center - 93 min drive - 79.6 km
  • Santa Elena Canyon - 100 min drive - 67.5 km
  • Chisos Basin Visitor Center - 100 min drive - 84.7 km
  • Big Bend National Park - 106 min drive - 42.8 km

Frequently asked questions

Does Spectacular Mountain Views. have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool.

Is Spectacular Mountain Views. pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 3 total).

What time is check-in at Spectacular Mountain Views.?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Spectacular Mountain Views.?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Spectacular Mountain Views. located?

Situated in the mountains, this cottage is within 32 miles (52 km) of Many Stones, Persimmon Gap Visitor Center and Big Bend Library. Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park are also within 32 miles (52 km).

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 117 out of 172 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 34 out of 172 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 8 out of 172 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 172 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 8 out of 172 reviews

7.8/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Check-in

9.4/10

Communication

9.0/10

Location

8.4/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Skylar C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place

Great place environment and host beautiful view and feels like home
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Hipposandhashbrowns S.

Liked: Communication, location

Rustic ranch retreat

Not for everyone but we enjoyed our stay on this private ranch and the host is worth getting to know.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

4/10 Poor

Rey H.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy

Misleading description of lodge

Lodge needs updating to include pictures, accurate information of rooms in lodge rented such as ours was not a two bath,3 bedroom home with the beds listed. The lodge was not very clean and we took pictures to shows this. The view was very beautiful, and the host was very nice
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

4/10 Poor

Leah E.

Liked: Location
Disliked: Check-in, listing accuracy

Difficult

The views were spectacular but the check-in process was not smooth. Difficult to communicate directly with the owner with my busy schedule before leaving for our trip. Also, bringing our own linens and dishware required an extra suitcase that we had to pay for with our flight. The equipment in the kitchen didn't work. Long dirt road. You had to navigate to get to property and your car was parked behind a gate that you had to walk to
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Majbritt Jæger J.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness

Panoramic view

Fantastic place if you want to get of the grid and see the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Amazing property with a little cabin. Remember to lock the doors or Maggie will take it as an invite to enter. Good idea to dowload an offline map as there is no signal in the area.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Erika O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Practically Perfect in Every Way

I should have booked us for 2+ nights! 1 night, 1 sunset and 1 sunrise was simply NOT enough at this property. Aside from the cottage being absolutely cute beyond expectation, the V I E W S were to die for. Stay up on the front porch to watch the sunset before heading into town to visit the starlight theater. It is worth every minute! And when you’re ready with coffee in hand, enjoy the sunrise in the hot tub. We faced away from the sunrise to see the hues on the mountains ahead of us change from a brown to deep orange to yellow and eventually Moises our way back down to the cabin. Your host will be more than accommodating and provide more than enough comedic relief to make you feel right at home. We’ll be returning, without a shadow of a doubt!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rachael M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A great escape

We stayed at Tarantula Ranch for an impromptu big bend adventure and we could not have been more pleased! Spectacular views, the darkest skies around, and all the comforts I was looking for in a big bend cabin stay. The location is close to Terlingua and Big Bend, but still offers the remote experience I was looking for. The owner, Curt, and his burro Maggie are the cherry on top of our amazing stay. I’m already planning my next trip! 10/10, highly recommend!.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Richard D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Stay, Great Location, Great Host

We will be back. It was the most relaxing with the Family, from the morning hikes, the beautiful lunch picnics, late afternoon shooting practice, to the sunsets in the hot tub and the milky way views at night. Everyhing was amazing. The kids even made friends with the assistant manager, Maggie the Donkey. Great memories. We are looking forward to our next stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Stay

Wonderful place to stay, with amazing views, gracious host, and the friendliest burro you'll ever meet!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nicole H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Incredible experience

Curt was an amazing host and his property made for an incredible experience! His views are definitely something to brag about. We couldn’t have asked for a better host who cares about his property. Definitely recommend coming here and loving on Maggie the burrow :-)
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Justin M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect for That Famous Night Sky

The night sky from here is amazing! I mean, it's great everywhere out here, but we have stayed in a lot of places out here and this is at the top of our list. As advertised, you do need to bring your own pillows and linens, but we do that anyway so it wasn't a big deal. Essentially, plan on camping with a bed and a shower. The place was great, and Curt was very helpful. His knowledge of the area will really help you maximize your visit. Also, Maggie is super friendly! We had a great time and will definitely be back to stay again!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Leigh C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful stay!

Our stay was wonderful. Curt was very knowledgeable about the area & helpful with tips and tricks for packing & directions! The property is beautiful, my husband and I walked a road up a ridge line. It was gorgeous. The cabin is rustic & perfect for those looking for a comfy cozy place to stay after a day of adventuring in Big Bend National Park. Can not recommend Tarantula Ranch enough. It will always have a special place in our hearts!
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Christa W.

family visit and Big Bend

My Husband, parents and our two small dogs had a wonderful time visiting Big Bend National Park, wild life, star gazing and learning more about geology through the scenery and Curt's knowledge from his tour. My dogs love the donkeys & horses on the property.

8/10 Good

Tracy Y.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beatiful views

Curt was an exceptional host and very friendly. He knew all about the area, gave us expert directions, and lots of tips. He even let us check in early. The scenic views are like no other if you're willing to go way off the beaten path and get out of your comfort zone. He even has a hot tub up the hill at his property which we enjoyed and a sweet donkey named Maggie. My only complaint were the bugs. The walls dont seem to be sealed good so we had many spiders, scorpions, ants, and other friends join us during our visit which totally freaked my daughters out!! Also, don't forget your sheets, paper towels, and toilet paper because none of that is included.
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

6/10 Okay

Sarah T.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location

Tarantula Ranch stay

The property is on a beautiful spot. Very hard to get to from the main road. Look out for Curt’s (owner) burro. He will damage your car and walk into your place. Good bed but the futons are very old and not very comfortable to sleep on. Good Wi-Fi and nice owner.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2023

6/10 Okay

Kimberly C., Splendora, Texas

Disliked: Listing accuracy

Need better description for potential guests

The description should say that your vehicle must have high clearance and be good for off-roading due to the private property road to get to the rental cabin is mostly large broken rocks and occasional boulder surfaces. Should also mention property has livestock that live at cabin rental site.
Stayed 6 nights in May 2022

8/10 Good

Jeri J.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The view is amazing

You can't beat the starry nights in Big Bend. The view from this property is amazing. We enjoyed the company of the burros. The property owner was friendly and pleasant. It was helpful to have WIFI, as one of our kids had to be present for online school. I do suggest storing your food properly, as there are critters in the dessert that make their way into the cabin.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2020

8/10 Good

Valerie V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very Rustic

The location was awesome! No one around us, but the property owner. You need to bring plates, silverware, seasonings and everything you plan on cooking with. He had a few pans and coffee mugs. There was a field mouse in the house. But that was to be expected, considering the age and location of the house. The kids had fun and that all that mattered. We would stay there again.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Gloria D.

Home Away From Home

Our daughter and her husband as well as my husband spent four nights in this quaint cottage with all the comforts of home. Curt was very engaging and kept us updated on things in the area. Due to the lack of light pollution, we had of the stars at night we were fortunate to witness the meteor shower. Our purpose for staying in the area was to visit Big Bend National Park which we did every day. And Curt also gave us our own private tour including petroglyphs. What an adventure with comforts of home. A must stay place.

4/10 Poor

Mark C.

4/3/19

View is spectacular, especially on a clear night. 2 mile dirt road is very bumpy. Burros are cute but can be annoying. House is functional but not especially comfortable. If you want isolation, this is your spot. Don’t expect convenience
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2019

2/10 Terrible

Cecilia S.

Disliked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy

Not what the pictures show.

The host was friendly- but the house was dirty. Stains on futons and recliner. Property shows hot tub and beautiful porch - which was not at the rental but was at the host’ house. A/c unit - molded and dirty. Bathroom sinks stained. The bedroom window had a refrigerator wire shelf as the screen. We stayed one night of our three night stay, got up the next morning, packed up and left. Super disappointing!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

2/10 Terrible

Raul G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication
Disliked: Location, listing accuracy

Beautiful but short of perfect

First, the host was as nice and accommodating as one could hope for. The views are breathtaking. Unfortunately, the entire area experienced a blackout during a storm so our stay had zero electricity and no water to shower from the desert heat the next morning. Not the host fault but extremely uncomfortable stay. With the storm also came no view of the stars, and an uncomfortable drive up hill to the house. The donkey was too funny and brought warm welcomed smiles as our night needed them. Very clean.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2022

6/10 Okay

Richard S., Rapid City

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness

Perception is key

We are not Texans so the 2 mile "lane" was interesting. Taking all linens, silverware, etc. was a bit of a pain. The night sky is amazing but having only a single chair that wasn't plastic seemed odd. Neither futon was in the upright position to use as anything other than a bed. It is 20 miles to the main park entrance outside Study Butte. I understand there is "rustic" and there is "rustic." The larger cabin needs some TLC and a deep cleaning.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2022

8/10 Good

Patrick E.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best view in Terlingua Ranch.

We really enjoyed our stay here! We were greeted by Maggie one time. She’s fun, and sweet. It really is the best view in Terlingua ranch. You’re basically camping in an older desert cabin with power, there are window A/C units, they manage to keep it fairly cool, and there are a lot of amenities, but bit of dust on those filters and they needed to be clean. If you don’t like bugs this place isn’t for you. I expected to see critters everywhere, and I did, they don’t bother me, it’s part of camping. I did get stung by a wasp on the porch. There’s a large nest on the side of the unit. And at night I heard scratching inside the roof probably a field mouse, we both slept fine. I saw a few past reviews on the driveway, I wouldn’t recommend a sedan, we were in a truck, but the driveway would be a bit rough for a small sedan, SUV/crossover would be better. Took about 10-15 min to get through the driveway in a truck, double that if you take a sedan, Curt said he takes his classic car up and down. I believe it, just would be very slow and you might scrape the bottom of your Sedan. The property is about 45 min from Big Bend park entrance. Thanks again for letting us stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stephen R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing Location

We traveled across country for an Army move and this was definitely the highlight of our trip. Curt was incredibly nice and the views were incredible. We watched the sunset from the hot tub and enjoyed our two best starry nights ever. Maggie the burro is incredibly sweet. The drive to Big Bend is 30-40 minutes. If you're city slickers (like us), remember that this is the boonies. The Wi-Fi works until it doesn't. Also, ask Curt for the alternate route to the property. Both of our vehicles bottomed out several times on the more direct route (we were packed heavy for our move). When Curt showed me the alternative route, there was no further issue. Curt is also wonderful to talk to--he couldn't be any kinder. Would highly recommend Curt, Maggie, and this VRBO!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

About the host

Hosted by curt swafford

Host profile image
I am a native Texan. I am a retired coach. On my ranch I live with one dog, one horse , one burro and one cat. All the animals at Tarantula Ranch at this time are rescues You will meet them all when you come to Tarantula Ranch and will learn each of their stories.

Why they chose this property

I need to make a Porsha payment!!

What makes this property unique

Breakfast with burros, hikes to great vistas right out the front door, Hot tub on west cliff, Observation deck that hangs off west cliff, great sunrises and sunsets, spectacular mountain views.

Languages:

English