My remote off-the-grid dome is on 20 acres. It's about a 15-mile drive through the backcountry. The drive is rough & does require a high clearance 4x4/AWD vehicle. My property is the perfect spot for the self-sufficient adventure traveler. The dome is one of the most remote stays in Big Bend making this a unique opportunity to get away from the average tourist spot. The stars at night alone are worth the drive. All guests must be 25 and over.
The dome does not have electricity or running water. It does have solar-powered lights and non-portable non-heated water for showering and cleaning.
There are trail cameras on the road leading to the dome. I have a security camera facing the door/driveway. And there is one trail camera facing the fire pit. There are no cameras in the dome or bathroom area.
About the dome:
The dome windows are made of strong vinyl and because of this, the views will not be crystal clear like they would be with glass.
Toilet, Shower & Kitchen Sink:
The dome has a bathroom with a composting toilet a shower with an off-grid shower system, and a water tank with non-potable water for showering and washing. The bathroom has a sink and a five-gallon bucket fitted with a nozzle for washing plates and/or hands. The water will NOT be heated. You can also pay per shower at Big Bend Motor Inn or BJ RV Park.
Cooking:
The dome has a kitchenette with a two-burner propane stove for cooking. I ask that guests bring a 20lb propane tank as backup for use in case the one at the dome is empty or you can exchange mine at the Cottonwood General store for a full one. The dome also has some basic cookware, silverware, plates, and cups. There are also condiments, oils, and spices. The dome also is a stovetop coffee maker and kettle.
Cooling and Heating:
The dome is well insulated. The dome does not have a traditional heating system or a/c system since it's off the grid. I have 2 portable gas propane Mr. Heaters. The heaters only run on a 20-pound propane tank. Please bring propane if you plan on using it. For the spring and warmer months the dome does not have A/C so please bring solar-powered fans in case it gets too stuffy for you. The wood stove inside is locked up and not for guest
Sleeping:
The dome has one queen-sized bed with a memory foam mattress. Given the remoteness of the location and the need to conserve water, I do not provide any bedding, so please bring your pillow, blanket, and linens, or use a sleeping bag.
Picnic Area:
I have a covered picnic area and park-style grill; you will need to bring your own charcoal and fire starter (sometimes guests will leave unused charcoal). Make sure to put the embers out after using the grill. The outside fire pit is currently open for guest usage due to the extreme winds. There are also a couple of lawn chairs for stargazing.
Trash:
All trash is packed in and packed out; please help preserve this pristine desert environment by taking your trash all the way home where landfills are better set up for high volumes of trash.
Check Out:
I do not charge a cleaning fee since the is an extremely remote property, and I appreciate all guests pitching in. Please make sure to read the cleaning list before checking out. Given the remoteness of the location, our guests' cooperation in helping keep the space clean is necessary for ensuring the next guest arrives in a clean space. I provide all cleaning supplies and a checklist of basic cleaning tasks; I visit the property regularly to take care of the heavy cleaning.
Cell Service:
TMobile has the most consistent service at the dome. ATT and Verizon are spotty to non-existent.
I provided the following:
-Toilet paper
-Paper Towels
-Shampoo
-Conditioner
-Body Wash
-Dish soap
-Hand soap
-Kitchen Essentials.
The dome is not located near any modern conveniences like gas stations, restaurants, and convenience or grocery stores; all these stops you will have to plan before turning off the highway to go to our property.
What you will need to bring:
*Emergency water and food in case you get stuck or have a mechanical issue anywhere in the region during your stay. The national and state parks are also extremely remote so having extra water and some food is an important safety measure.
*Pillow(s)
*Blanket/Linens or sleeping bag(s)
*Towels
*Cooler
*External Battery/w Phone charger
*Potable water for drinking and cooking
*Charcoal/fire starter/ lighter if you plan on grilling
*20lb propane tank as a backup for stove and/or Mr. Heater Buddy
*Solar/battery powered fan(s) (during the spring/warmer months)
The thing to remember is the dome is in a remote location within an already remote location.
Contact me if there is any doubt about the vehicle you plan on using; this experience is for guest who are confident about their vehicle's off-road capabilities and are seeking the backcountry to use their vehicle's capabilities.
Driving/ Terrain:
If you are looking for a spot that is 5-10 drive to the park this is not the property for you. My property is beautiful with breathtaking views and an excellent chance to use your off-road capable vehicle, experience the brightest stars you've ever seen, and enjoy pristine unspoiled desert landscapes, but the dome is extremely remote within an already very remote region, and you must traverse 15 miles of backcountry roads that are NOT all weather and in the event of rain can be very difficult to pass even with 4WD. There is no rain the majority of the year, but it does happen, especially June-Sept and early October. I have had guests who couldn't make it out to the dome due to the road conditions and even had instances where the guests had to stay a couple of extra nights until the roads were passable due to the weather. I do not recommend driving at night because there are several landmarks you need to be able to see.
More about the Area:
My Dome is nestled deep in the Solitario region that sits right between Big Bend National Park and State Park, 15 miles north of Terlingua Ghost Town as soon as you turn off the highway the route is very rough and rocky dirt roads and takes about 45 minutes to complete. You will navigate through creek crossings and go up and down steep hills. I do include turn-by-turn directions with illustrations plus the coordinates that will take you directly to the dome, but the road conditions can be unpredictable, especially during the summer when the monsoon season occurs. Rains can make the dirt roads extremely slick and even wash out the road at creek crossings. You will need a 4x4 high clearance or AWD vehicle.
My property offers a unique experience with a full view of the mountains and the canyon and creek at the base of the mountain. My property offers peace, tranquility, privacy, freedom, adventure, breathtaking mountain views, zero noise or light pollution, and some nice comforts that will give you memories that will last a lifetime, but the dome is extremely remote so please read all the information about my property thoroughly before booking. This experience is also a huge confidence booster for those looking to start exploring very remote regions and will prepare you for future travels to some of the most remote areas of the country.
Guest Access:
Guests have access to the entire property. The only restricted area is the trailer I use to store tools. Our property is 20 acres and guests can walk around the entire property. Please be careful not to walk around the roads or my neighbor's property. Not all ranch residents are welcoming of tourists.
This property is a part of my home. Thank you for helping me keep the dome and area trash and litter-free.
*Guest need to have a high clearance 4WD or AWD vehicle.
*All guests need to be 25 and over. I reserve the right to ask for ID verification. No children or infants.
*The dome has a strict limit of 2 people. No parties. I have this policy to avoid putting a strain on the compost toilet and rain collection. Any water the dome does have is either rain catchment or must be hauled to the dome. I reserve the right to collect an extra guest fee ($150 per person per night).
*Please no fires anywhere on the property especially the fire pit. The wind is too strong at the dome for fires. The wood fire stove inside of the dome is locked and not for guest usage at this time. I do reserve the right to charge a fee if used.
*Please no smoking inside of the dome. I understand people smoke whatever, but I ask you to be respectful of my home and smoke outside. Please do not throw your litter on the ground. Remember to throw out anything before going back through border control. There are several stops along the way that provide trash cans. I do reserve a right to collect a fee if there is smoke or trash left behind ($250).
*No pets or animals allowed. Note that pets are not allowed anywhere outside of where your car can go in the park so can be a major limiting factor for exploring. Also, Pets/ADA/ES Animals can never be left alone. They must always accompany their handler. I do reserve the right to collect an animal fee if you bring any animals ($250).
*Terlingua Ranch is a private community, and the roads are not public. Please be respectful of the community as many residents are not as welcoming to tourists.
*Big Bend and the surrounding area are a part of the Dark Sky Community because this area gets amazing nighttime sky views. Please be mindful of your light pollution.
*I do not allow hunting or the collection of artifacts, rocks, plants, or animals. That same restriction also applies to local parks, public spaces, and private lands.
*I do not allow hunting, target shooting, or any firearms use.
*I do not allow mountain bikes ATVs, UTVs, Dirt Bikes, or other Off-Road Recreation.
*I have a strict cancellation policy. I do recommend travel insurance. I do not accept reservation changes unless it's to extend your trip.
Please reach out if you have any questions.
