10 Best Secluded Desert Towns in West Texas’ Franklin Mountains for Your Travel Bucket List

Pin this page for later:

In the far reaches of West Texas, beyond the glow of El Paso, the desert unfolds into a landscape of rugged ridges and wide, silent valleys.

The Franklin Mountains rise sharply from the earth, acting as both barrier and beacon. Here, the pace of life slows, and the noise of the world fades into the wind.

We find small communities scattered across this expanse, places where solitude is not an escape but a way of life.

These towns, shaped by the land and sustained by resilience, offer a glimpse into a quieter Texas, one defined by open skies, self-reliance, and enduring calm.

1. Clint

Clint is home to around 1,000 people and is deeply rooted in farming and ranching traditions. Visitors can experience horseback riding, local vineyards, and the well-loved Cotton Festival that celebrates the area’s agricultural heritage.

The wide-open farmland surrounding Clint gives it a sense of peaceful isolation. A local favorite is the Licon Dairy, where families enjoy farm animals and fresh, handmade cheese in a relaxed countryside setting.

2. Fort Hancock

Fort Hancock, with roughly 1,700 residents, sits quietly along the Texas-Mexico border. The town’s history as a former military post adds depth to its character, while agriculture and small businesses sustain its present-day life.

Surrounded by desert and open skies, Fort Hancock offers a tranquil escape. It even gained cinematic fame as the destination in the film “The Shawshank Redemption,” symbolizing freedom and peace.

3. Fabens

Fabens, with about 8,000 residents, is a peaceful town resting beside the Rio Grande. Locals enjoy simple pleasures such as fishing, bird watching, and exploring the surrounding farmland. Agriculture remains central to daily life, with cotton and pecan fields stretching across the landscape.

The town’s quiet charm comes from its distance from major cities and its close-knit community. Visitors often discover local eateries serving classic Tex-Mex dishes and the annual Fabens Flight Fest, which honors the town’s aviation roots.

4. Butterfield

Butterfield is a sparsely populated community where the desert stretches endlessly and silence reigns. Outdoor activities include hiking, horseback riding, and exploring remnants of the old Butterfield Overland Mail route, a historic trail that once connected distant frontiers.

Ranching defines the area’s economy and complements its slow, rural rhythm. Its remote location away from major highways ensures that Butterfield remains a haven for those seeking solitude and history intertwined.

5. Newman

Newman is a small unincorporated community offering a quiet, rural lifestyle north of El Paso. With few residents and vast stretches of open land, it’s ideal for those who value space and simplicity. The area invites exploration through desert trails and scenic drives.

Ranching supports much of the local economy, and the community’s history includes its role as a stop along the old El Paso and Northeastern Railway. Its location near the New Mexico border enhances its sense of peaceful isolation.

6. Anthony Gap

Anthony Gap lies between the Franklin and Organ Mountains, offering a serene retreat surrounded by rugged beauty. While not a traditional town, it’s known for its large properties, mountain views, and abundance of outdoor activities like hiking and mountain biking.

The surrounding peaks create a natural barrier that keeps the area calm and private. Ancient petroglyphs found nearby add a layer of mystery and connection to the region’s deep history.

7. Hueco Tanks Village

Hueco Tanks Village rests near the renowned Hueco Tanks State Park, a destination famous for rock climbing, hiking, and ancient pictographs. The small community enjoys direct access to these natural and cultural wonders.

Strict development limits and the surrounding desert preserve the area’s peaceful atmosphere. Guided tours highlight the region’s Native American heritage, making it a special place where history and nature coexist quietly.

8. Cornudas

Cornudas is a tiny desert community known for its solitude and the well-known Cornudas Cafe, a stop beloved by travelers. Life here revolves around appreciating the quiet, stargazing, and exploring the vast desert surroundings.

With few residents and endless open terrain, Cornudas embodies remote desert living. The nearby Cornudas Mountains provide opportunities for hiking and discovering the unique desert ecosystem.

9. Salt Flat

Salt Flat is a small, unincorporated community serving as a serene entry point to the Guadalupe Mountains. Visitors come for hiking, wildlife viewing, and the striking salt flats that give the area its name.

The lack of major industries keeps the environment calm and unspoiled. Its proximity to the Guadalupe Mountains National Park makes it a perfect stop for those seeking solitude among dramatic natural landscapes.

10. Dell City

Dell City, home to about 365 people, is often called the “Valley of Hidden Waters.” The community thrives on agriculture, producing crops like alfalfa, cotton, and pistachios. Local farms, bird watching, and small-town events like the Hudspeth County Fair bring residents together.

Set amid vast desert plains northeast of the Franklin Mountains, Dell City offers open horizons and a peaceful way of life. Nearby, the white gypsum dunes of the Salt Basin provide a breathtaking natural escape, reflecting the quiet beauty of this remote oasis.