I-10 Corridor
The I-10 Corridor is the area just off Interstate 10 from El Paso eastward about 200 miles. It includes a few surprisingly unique and interesting places. The destinations of this area are likely to be experienced as you travel to other parts of Far West Texas, rather than destinations on their own. Regardless, there are some great spots along the way.
What To Do
Balmorhea
As a tiny town just off the interstate and quite literally in the middle of nowhere, Balmorhea (BAL-more-aye) has a few interesting attractions.
- San Solomon Springs (in Balmorhea State Park) – the area’s main attraction is San Solomon Springs, a large (1.75 acre) spring-fed pool that was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the mid-1930’s. The pool is a combination of small lake and community swimming pool. The pool itself is between 8 and 25 feet deep and holds around 3.5 million gallons of water. With crystal-clear water and several species of fish, the pool often attracts scuba divers as well as swimmers.
Van Horn
Located along I-10 about 2 hours west of El Paso, and at the intersection of several highways, Van Horn is the jumping off point for several state and national parks. Many people use Van Horn as a base for trips to the Guadalupe Mountains. A drive through the main street (Broadway) in Van Horn is an interesting look into the past and the thriving town that existed before the interstate passed it up.
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Blue Origin launch site – the sizable ranch property of Jeff Bezos, known as Corn Ranch, is about halfway up state highway 54 between Van Horn and the base of the Guadalupe Mountains. Driving north, if you look off to the east you can see several of the ranch buildings and the launch site for the Blue Origin spacecraft. Other than a highway drive-by, these attractions are not open to the public and it is strongly advised to heed the numerous security and private property warnings surrounding the ranch.
Sierra Blanca
Having its origins has a railroad hub in the 1880’s, Sierra Blanch was at the intersection of multiple railroad lines and is now county seat of Hudspeth County. Similar to Van Horn, the town has been somewhat passed over by the construction of the interstate. That said, those that drive through the city’s main street will see a charming Far West Texas town with a lot of potential.
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Hudspeth County Courthouse – originally built in 1922 and having severed many purposes, the courthouse in Sierra Blanca is the only courthouse in Texas made of adobe.
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Local literature – Sierra Blanca native John "Binky" Elder has written a series of historical fiction novels set in the surrounding area. They tell the story of a young girl captured and taken in by the Apaches in the 1880's.
Where to Stay
Much like the dining options, the lodging options in this region are rather scarce. There are however a few great options just off the interstate.
There are several lodging options in Van Horn, but the El Capitan is definitely a diamond in the rough. Designed by famed El Paso architect Henry Trost in the 30’s, it bears a striking resemblance to the Hotel Paisano in Marfa (and is owned by the same family). Operating as a bank for many years, the building was completely restored in the early 2000’s and turned back into a hotel. The rooms are in great shape and have retained a lot of their original character. The best rooms open to the central courtyard.
Built alongside the pool in the 30’s by the CCC, the courtyard contains 18 small casita-style hotel rooms. Everything was remodeled in 2019 and the rooms can now be booked online.
Located just off the interstate along on the main street in Sierra Blanca, the lodge was originally built in the 30's and was recently purchased and renovated. Modest but comfortable accomodations in historic rooms. There is a small pavillian with a patio and a gas grill for use by hotel guests.
Where to Eat
Like so many other parts of Far West Texas, dining options in the area’s small towns are few and far between. Planning is key.
One of the few “upscale” dining options in the area is the restaurant in the Hotel El Capitan. Great steaks, a good wine list, and a full bar. The bar (and the hotel) have a more interesting mix of travelers than you would find at a typical roadside hotel or restaurant in the area. Only open for dinner.
On the main street in Van Horn, the Cattle Company is one of the better restaurants in the area. The steaks and burgers are good and suprisingly affordable. Can get a bit crowded on weekends and holidays.