Inside the caves and domes of Texas' most stunning destination resort

The CHRON - A shooting star streaks across the Milky Way's luminous arm, its brilliant trail dissolving into the velvet darkness that blankets West Texas. Out here, 300 miles from Houston's glowing sprawl, the night sky reveals itself with scattered diamonds on black silk, and you can actually hear the silence.

This is the magic that convinced former airline pilot Brent Pickette of Houston and his Miami-born designer partner Carmen Vilchez to transform 1,000 acres of rugged desert terrain into The Summit at Big Bend, one of Texas's most unique luxury glamping destinations.

Planning Your Visit

The Summit at Big Bend sits at 2500 N. Lone Star Mine Rd. in Terlingua, roughly nine hours from Houston via Interstate 10 west through San Antonio and Junction, then south on Highway 385 through Marathon. The final stretch involves winding mountain roads, but Pickette's newly constructed access road accommodates regular passenger vehicles.

Accommodations range from the signature luxury caves at premium rates to more affordable Summit Domes starting around $199 per night, with Stargazing Domes and the new Deluxe Domes offering mid-range options. The property operates year-round, though summer temperatures can exceed 100 degrees. Spring and fall provide the most comfortable weather, while summer offers the best Milky Way viewing.

Guests should pack layers for dramatic temperature swings between scorching days and surprisingly cool desert nights. The nearest services are in Marathon, two hours away, so come prepared. Cell service remains limited, but the property provides Wi-Fi for those who can't completely disconnect.

Reservations can be made through the property's website or by calling 432-777-7866. Book well in advance, especially for weekends and the peak stargazing months of June through August, when that cosmic light show draws visitors from around the world to this remote corner of Texas.

Strategically positioned between Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park, The Summit sits just 18 minutes from the quirky artsy ghost town of Terlingua, where old mining ruins mix with contemporary galleries, and the legendary Starlight Theatre serves live music under desert stars. Big Bend National Park, encompassing more than 800,000 acres of Chihuahuan Desert wilderness, offers some of the most remote and rugged landscapes in the continental United States. The Rio Grande carves dramatic canyons through ancient limestone, and visitors can experience true solitude in one of the country's least-crowded national parks.