Terlingua, Texas
Summary:
Big Bend Observatory: Private Observatory, Observation Deck, and Cedar Cabin Offers Celestial Views.
• Become our next Visiting Astronomer
• Roll Top Observatory w/ 6" Lens Scope
• Elevated Observation Sky Deck
• Open Kitchen, Dining, Living Room
• Just Minutes from Terlingua and BBNP
The Space:
Become our next Visiting Astronomer and enjoy a stellar vacation!
The Big Bend Observatory is the only vacation rental in the Terlingua area with a private observatory and an elevated Sky Deck. Just north of Terlingua and across from Willow Mountain, Big Bend Observatory offers a newly-built cedar cabin that sleeps up to four. Enjoy exclusive use of our elevated Sky Deck with giant binoculars, and our private observatory with a telescope and roll-off roof. The observatory and telescope are designed for easy use with simple instructions.
By day, enjoy scenic mountain vistas and wildlife viewing from the elevated Sky Deck, using our giant binoculars, your own equipment, or your natural vision. By night, be amazed by celestial views using our private observatory, your own telescope, or your unaided eyes. Our dark skies are unparalleled. The Big Bend Region is internationally acclaimed for having the darkest night skies and best astronomical views in the continental US.
Whether you are a professional astronomer, hobbyist with your own telescope, or someone that has never viewed the Milky Way, you will be inspired and astonished by the celestial views from Big Bend Observatory.
The private observatory has a roll-off roof with a fold-down southern wall for unparalleled sky views. If you are planning to attach a DSLR camera, you will need to purchase a T-ring specific to your camera model. These are typically available from any full-service photography store or website for less than twenty dollars. A 1.25 inch eyepiece adapter is available on-site which will screw into your T-ring and allow prime focus imaging.
The SkyDeck is located between the observatory and the cabin. It has a 7'x7' deck, 11' above ground level. It is equipped with a mounting point for the supplied pair of giant 11X80 Celestron astronomical binoculars. Outdoor AC power outlets are available at the observatory, on the Sky Deck, and outside the cabin itself. A professional tripod is available for steady unguided astrophotography. Guests are encouraged to bring their own telescopes and/or binoculars to take full advantage of the dark sky site.
Located just over two miles north of Terlingua and less than a half mile off Highway 118, Big Bend Observatory has easy access to Terlingua, Big Bend National Park, Terlingua Ghost Town, Big Bend Ranch State Park, the Rio Grande River, a variety of restaurants and bars, adventure outfitters, and all the local tourist venues. Enjoy everything Terlingua and the Big Bend has to offer, plus your own private cabin and observatory.
The vacation rental home at Big Bend Observatory is a newly built cedar cabin with an open floor plan. A small kitchen and dining area is open to the living room and sleeping area. The living room has a comfortable sofa and a desk with a computer that is available for guest use. The sleeping area has full-size bunk beds. There is a single bathroom with a flushing toilet, sink and vanity, and shower. The cabin is air-conditioned and heated for your comfort. A spacious covered porch provides shaded views to the west.
Once you visit here once, you will be eager to return again and again as a Visiting Astronomer. Big Bend Observatory will be your home away from home in the Big Bend and your own private window on the universe.
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.
Like staying in an RV except with no wheels and more room and comfort. There is another property 100 ft away that was occupied for some of our stay, but we didn't see them, only their car. Otherwise, there's not much else in sight. The front porch faces due west and we enjoyed drinks and snacks while watching the sunsets. The bed and seating is comfortable. There were no measuring cups or spoons in the kitchen if you need them. They did have 2 counter stools in the kitchen that were very convenient. The driveway is very muddy after a rain and has some short steep hills.
A great location to stay while visiting BBNP! This cabin has all the necessities and was a breeze to get to. The observatory was an excellent bonus! We will check this one out again if available when we visit the area again.
Really enjoyed out time at the cabin!
Perfect place for serenity and stars Feels like the 1800’s or maybe Mars Host provides all you need Makes it so you won’t want to leave
Gorgeous vistas, nicely sited and well-appointed cabin with fantastic sky viewing. Good proximity to Terlingua, Lajitas, Presidio, Big Bend, Mexico and more!
Very nice, had everything we needed...great views
Wonderful property at an excellent location!
We had a great stay far enough way from everything but close enough to still be convenient. Cabin worked great for a small family.
A stay in this cabin is a unique experience given the location and star gazing amenities.
The place was beautiful and well equipped. The owners were nice and gave active communication and an easy way to talk to them if needed. Highly recommend staying here and would do it again!
The property was as promised, beautiful view of the night sky. Beautiful terrain. I was disappointed in the cleaning. We moved the rugs and there were cobwebs and trash under them. We cleaned dead bugs and flies off the window sills, and we bought a candle and febreeze to take the smell from the cabin. An insect strip near the door would help as the door has cracks that small bugs fly in. If we had been warned about the bugs we could have bought insect repellents. The scorpion in the sink wasn’t as alarming as all the dead bugs on the window sills
The bunkbeds shook dramatically when you climbed into the top bunk, but they were sturdy. The owners left us binoculars and scopes for our use, this was very generous. It was only 6 miles from the entrance two big bend national park, and it was equally as close to the state park. It was as close as you can get without staying within the park.
Your dates are Available!
Total
Includes taxes and fees