So my wife, 11yo daughter and 1 are headed to Black Jack Crossing to play golf over spring break. Probably drive from CSTX to Ozona or somewhere near halfway, crash then drive in. Since it's Spring Break and we'll have 9 days to work with, what else is there to see/do in that part of the world? All I have ever done is drive down I-10 on my way back and forth to the west coast.

Gimme some ideas TA

at the resort itself you have zip lining and a spa. There was a cowboy action shooting thing once; not sure if that's still around. And of course the parks are there for hiking. It will probably be super crowded for spring break so be prepared.

You can do horse back riding, canoe the river, do UTV stuff all in town.

Or run to marathon to The Gage for an afternoon with dinner.

I'd go farther than Ozona the first day. It's only about 5 hours and there aren't many options there to eat or stay.

We did a day into Big Bend last time I was there. About 45 min from the lodge if I remember correctly.

Obviously Big Bend National Park for the river and hiking Santa Elena Canyon, Window trail, Ross Maxwell drive, hot springs, Chisos basin, Rim Trail, Take a row boat across the Rio Grande (with captain Pablo) to Boquillas del Carmen.
Terlingua - Starlight Theatre, Terlingua Trading Co., La Kiva (assuming its open)
Marfa
Fort Davis - McDonald Observatory star parties (but that's a hike to drive back to Lajitas afterwards.
Alpine
Marathon - the Gage hotel

We've been out west many times, the challenge is that other than Terlingua, nothing is close to Lajitas. It's been a long time since we vacationed with an 11-year old, so I hope that your daughter is bringing a friend. There's just not much out there for the young ones. If it's Spring Break, the national park will be really crowded.

Nonetheless, here's some of the places that we've enjoyed.

BIG BEND CHISOS BASIN - 1 hour drive
- Sunset at The Window
- Lost Mine Trail

TERLINGUA - 20 minute drive
- Espresso Y Poco Mas
- Rustic Iron BBQ
- Starlight Theater (there's also music)

ALPINE - 1 hour 45 minute drive
- Dinner at Reata
- Museum of the Big Bend
- Cow Dog (food truck) if you're there for lunch

MARATHON - 2 hour drive
- Dinner at The Gage Hotel

MARFA - 2 hour drive
- Dinner at The Hotel Paisano
- Pizza Foundation

VALENTINE - just west of Marfa
- Swing by Prada for pictures

FORT DAVIS - 2 hour 15 minute drive
- Star Party at the MacDonald Observatory

Just a note…

Chisos Basin is about to be closed for at least the next 2 years due to extensive renovations and new construction to the lodge and restaurant.
That throws a wrench in lots of BB visitors.

TxAG-010 said:

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Just a note…

Chisos Basin is about to be closed for at least the next 2 years due to extensive renovations and new construction to the lodge and restaurant.
That throws a wrench in lots of BB visitors.

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dang - no Window or Lost Mine trail for two years!

I guess it will keep crowds somewhat lower as a lot of people stayed in the Basin

That country is my home, but I wouldn't spend 9 days there with an 11 year old but that's just me.

You can do a day trip to San Antonio.

jja79 said:

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That country is my home, but I wouldn't spend 9 days there with an 11 year old but that's just me.

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we'll be away from CSTX for 9 days, not all have to be spent in Big Bend area

jja79 said:

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That country is my home, but I wouldn't spend 9 days there with an 11 year old but that's just me.

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I will second this. On the way home maybe spend a night or 2 in San Angelo. Or maybe San Antonio.