Travel down to the border like a real cowboy and give Lajitas Golf Resort a try. Lajitas is a true Texas outlier, a 27,000-acre oasis tucked along the Rio Grande in the remote Big Bend region, between Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park. Surrounded by rugged Chihuahuan Desert mountains, dramatic canyons, and endless starry skies, it delivers Old West history, solitude, and one of the most acclaimed public courses in the state: Black Jack’s Crossing. This bucket-list layout blends jaw-dropping scenery with strategic desert golf.

Quick Facts

  • One world-class 18-hole course: Black Jack’s Crossing (par-72, up to 7,400+ yards from the tips, multiple tees down to 5,000 yards for all levels)
  • Desert drama: Elevation changes, rock canyons, dry washes, native terrain, and historic ties (named for General “Black Jack” Pershing; clubhouse is a restored 1800s trading post with bullet holes from Pancho Villa skirmishes)
  • Year-round play: Mild winters (perfect escape), hot summers (early tees); peak fall/spring for best weather and conditions
  • Resort seclusion: Luxury accommodations (Badlands Hotel, Officers’ Quarters, villas, cottages), spa, pools, dining, and non-golf adventures (ziplining, horseback riding, shooting sports, SUP on the Rio Grande)
  • Top accolades: Often ranked \#1 course you can play in Texas (Dallas Morning News, Golfweek); \#1 Most Beautiful in Texas (Golf Magazine); Top 200 overall U.S. courses (Golfweek)

Not only is Lajitas Golf Resort an incredible golf experience, it sits right on the cusp of Big Bend National Park, one of the best parks our country has to offer. Great golf and incredible natural beauty are always a great combination.

Perfect For…

  • Guys’ Trips: High-drama rounds with Rio views, post-golf steaks or beers under the stars, stargazing in one of the darkest skies in the U.S., and easy multi-activity days (golf \+ shooting \+ trail rides)
  • Families: Resort amenities like pools, spa, kids’ options, ziplining, and horseback rides; playable tees make the course accessible; non-golfers explore Big Bend hikes or fossil hunts

Top Standout Course

Black Jack’s Crossing (Lanny Wadkins design)

The star of the show, a stunning desert masterpiece rebuilt in 2011 after floods wiped out the old layout. Elevated tee boxes launch into mountain holes, dramatic drops (including downhill par-3s that play shorter), risk-reward par-5s, strategic bunkers, and unforgettable Rio Grande/mountain panoramas (especially holes like the 14th overlooking the border and Big Bend). Challenging from the tips but forgiving forward; every hole feels unique with that stark green oasis contrast against arid peaks. Pure bucket-list golf photos don’t do it justice. But Here are some anyway

Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots

  • Lajitas Golf Resort on-site: Variety of options: Badlands Hotel (classic), Officers’ Quarters (cozy value), Lakeside Cottages/Boardwalk Condos (spacious), private villas/homes for groups
  • Stay-and-play packages emphasize rounds on Black Jack’s Crossing, priority tees, lodging, dining perks, and add-ons (breakfast, carts, activities); charter flights from Dallas/Houston/Austin make access easy

All Key Lajitas Golf Highlights at a Glance

  • Black Jack’s Crossing (18 holes, \#1 playable in Texas, stunning desert links)
  • Plus massive practice areas, pro shop in historic trading post/Longhorn Museum
  • Non-golf bonuses: Ziplining, equestrian trails, shooting sports, spa, pools, Rio Grande access

Pro Tips

  • Book stay-and-play packages early via lajitasgolfresort.com or specialists. Includes golf, lodging, and often meals/activities; multi-round options for replays
  • Fly charter direct to Lajitas International Airport (via Resort Air Services from Dallas, Houston, Austin) for convenience, or drive to Midland/Odessa (3-4 hours) then scenic route
  • Pair golf with Big Bend classics: stargazing, hiking national park trails, fresh Tex-Mex, or sunset Rio views
  • Play early to beat heat/wind; use carts for terrain; embrace the remoteness, no distractions, just epic desert golf

Take a stroll through the desert and enjoy the good life at Lajitas Golf Resort,