Chinati Hot Springs Reviews

This is a great little place. The cabins are comfortable, the shared kitchen facilities are well appointed, the hot tub is excellent, staff is friendly, and the scenery is hard to beat. It is out in the middle of nowhere. Know that you aren't going to get a cell signal out there, there is no WiFi, and that you should top off your gas tank in Presidio. Bring anything you want to eat or drink with you. The 7-mile dirt road to get there isn't bad. Anything that isn't lowered could get there. Make sure you put a heavy rock on your cooler to keep out the critters. There is a great little canyon trail leading to a bunch of painted rocks. They aren't artifacts or anything, but they are cool. Don't climb the stairs near there. It leads to private property.

If you are looking to get away from (most of it all) this might be the place for you. There is a roughly 2 hour drive from Marfa. 1 hour on a paved road and a little over an hour on a nicely maintained gravel road. The scenery and desolation of this place is a level of getting away from it all that I haven't experienced in America. The 2+ hour drive really put me in a good mental place, ready for a quiet hot tub in nature.

Once we arrived, two couples, one couple had reserved a minimally isolated cabin. I was in a room that shared a wall with a family of 4. The family of 4 had an outside water trough that shared an outside wall with my room. Not the kind of isolation I had expected after the drive.

The location had a cooling off pool that supposedly had great views of the sunset. I decided to take an afternoon nap at 4pm. Unfortunately the owner was cutting concrete blocks with a grinder until after 5pm. Tough nap environment. Once the cutting stopped a range rover pulled about 3.5 feet from my door and started unloading. The family was very nice and reasonably quiet, but we were only separated by a 6" wall. Not a relaxing environment.

I gave up on the nap and headed down to the "Hot Springs". I removed the blue plastic bubble wrap from the tub. It was covered in mildew as is probably the norm in a hot tub. There was a greenish tinge to the water that made this feel a bit more natural like a hot spring. There was a white pvc pipe in the bottom that suggested the water was coming from the pump house that slightly blocked the view of the dry stream. You could hear the pump motor running. The tub was nice, but didn't give me the feeling of nature like the Natural Hot Spring that is down the road in Big Bend National Park on the Rio Grande.

I thought I might be able to salvage the trip by renting on of the more isolated cabins. I went in to the office and found the owners at dinner. No other cabins were available. I don't know if they had embraced the Nature of this place, as they were about to install an 84" tv in their little house. They were doing the unboxing that night.

The communal kitchen was great and well stocked with all needed tools for a great cooking experience. As you might already know, bring your own food and alcohol.

Headed out the next morning for more great views and only 1 destroyed tire on my 4x4 ford f150. We put the spare on and were on our way.

There are some steps that could really make this a destination. The main one would be to organize each cabin as separated from the others with a screened outdoor hot tub. Watching the stars from here would be great. A galvanized cattle trough is a different thing.

Renting out the entire place with a group of friends could be a great evening.

Hot tub soaking is great....note the big pool/tub is closed in fall-winter. Other outside tub is ok for 6-8 people but not hot enough in the fall/winter for long stays. A room with its own tub is recommended...esp for couples.....very cozy. BRING everything you want to eat and drink....there is nothing for miles. Communal kitchen has stoves, refrigerators, ice, utensils, etc. Hike the hot springs river bed up and/or down...amazing geologic layering of concreted river bed rocks and gravel, clay, and what looks to be dust layers from ancient events. Lava rocks are plentiful, but are well rounded and traveled from point of origin, as are sedimentary rocks with colorful mixtures. Cool tabby cat while we were there had run of the place. Very friendly caretaker, and once you get set up you won't see much of her unless you seek her out. Very peaceful.

Word of travel advice...DO NOT make the choice to take the Pinto Canyon country road out to FM 2810 (where there is pavement) and onto Marfa without consideration. It can be a perilous journey even with a high-clearance 4 wheel drive vehicle. It is beautifully scenic, but many low water crossings (can be difficult during/following a rain), narrow road, elevation changes from about 2300 foot above sea level to about 5600 foot...and you'll be hugging some of the mountain sides to stay on the road at parts. I'm sure no big deal for the ranching hands that work out there, but if you're not used to 4-wheeling rough country, better just take the long way back through Presidio. Know that if you have trouble...NO cell phone service, and very few other travelers to come along for a rescue - maybe none for days. When we made the trek, we finally got out of the Chinati mountains and came upon a US Express Trucker (Sean from Baltimore) stuck in the mud. His first time in Texas, trying to get from California to Laredo and said his GPS unit directed him down to Marfa and onto that road. Crazy. Not sure what that was about, but we gave him a ride back into Marfa....if he had had to walk, it could have truly been life threatening from dehydration. We also gave him a Texas map to supplement his GPS. Over the whole distance from the Springs to Marfa (~55 miles) we did not see one other person or operating vehicles....only a few ranch houses in the distance which may or may not have been occupied. Happy to have made the adventurous trip route once, but don't think I'd ever do it again.

found flyer from CHS while traveling in west Texas- decided why not? it was on my bucket list for years- drove out to discover their policy had changed from the days of the old flyer that said drop in daily rates- long story short, they were kind and allowed us to dip for the day and i can just say if you're looking for the out of the way and different experience this might be the place

The little casita style rooms are comfortable and cute. There is a small cool pool up on the side of the mountain and one nice hot pool closer to the rooms. It's nice that both have some shade. The cool pool has a great mountain view. The host is friendly. The mountain roads we took from Marfa required a high clearance 4 wheel drive vehicle and it took about 2 hours to go 40 miles because the roads were so narrow, steep and rocky. After our soak, we took the regular highway back... it was gravel and longer, but much less adrenaline producing.

Finger-like cactus scrapes the sky, scrub jostles with cactus for purchase on the sun baked sand, and stately mountains march into the distance, providing the most stunning vistas as you drive along Hot Springs Road. When you finally arrive at the resort, check in at the office, and drop your bags in your room, whip out your swimwear and head straight for the hot pools. Nobody can describe how amazing it feels to step into the hot water - and it is hot when you first get in. Settle down onto the convenient seat that circles the edge of the pool and bask in the warmth. All your stresses and tiredness dissolves like magic and life feels wonderful again!
The resort is small and compact, yet feels spacious due to its surrounds. The rooms are comfortable and equipped with air conditioners, mini fridges, and coffee makers. In our room we could have done with a few extra hooks for towels or swimsuits, but that was really our only complaint. There are no spare blankets, so if you feel the cold, bring a throw or lap quilt or something. They operate under the dark skies program here, so remember to bring lanterns for outdoor use if you want to grill or hang out by your unit, and flashlights to move to the kitchen after dark. On nights with a full moon, they're not necessary, but the last night had serious cloud cover and it was pitch black out. Camping chairs are also advised. Each unit has two metal chairs, but they're not as comfy as folding chairs. We carried chairs to sit by the pool in our group, and they are quite uncomfortable after a while.
The communal kitchen is well stocked with pots and pans and the like. Foolishly, it didn't occur to me to carry the tools I would need to bake the pie for which I brought all the ingredients. I guesstimated quantities for tablespoon and other measures. If you want anything more than basic cooking, you might consider bringing specialist tools. They had two coffee pots, a blender, a crock pot, and most of the basic cooking implements (spoon, spatula, grater, etc.) as well as plenty of plates, bowls, cups, and silverware. There is, as stated, a propane grill and a charcoal grill, but you must bring your own charcoal. Somehow we missed that part, but were lucky enough to be given charcoal by a departing guest. There are two fridge/freezer combinations and one drinks fridge, two stove/ranges with ovens. There is an odd hodge podge of culinary items like salt, pepper, various herbs and spices and the like, which most likely have been left by previous guests. Do not count on whatever you're looking for being there, however, Butter was conspicuous by its absence, be sure to bring some! And milk and sugar. These are obviously well used items, so the chances of there being any there for you to use are next to zero!
The communal dining area has games and books available and most nights someone was playing something. Some nights it got quite rowdy, but not late enough for anyone to complain. Everyone washes their own dishes, and puts them away, and cleans up after themselves. It's extremely efficient!
There is an extremely friendly cat, Jeffe, and a cute Chihuahua dog, Hardy, on the premises. They will run away from you if you run towards them, but if you stand still, crouch down, and put your hand out, they will come and give you plenty of affection. If you don't like pets, they don't bother you. One member of the party was allergic to animals and they just ignored the furbles, who ignored them back. It seemed to work very well. As an animal lover, I got all the cuddles I could, so everyone in our group was happy.
As mentioned in the title, the stars are stunning. Do spend some time out at night star gazing. Unless you hit a cloudy night, you will not be disappointed!
Hmmm... no, perhaps I'm wrong in writing all this lovely information. More people will come to stay and then I'll have to book even further in advance. It's dreadful here! Honestly, you'll hate it. Don't come! I want it all to myself. It's mine! My precious! ;o)

Even if you don't like non-representative, over-intellectualized art, this is worth a visit. The Donald Judd aluminum boxes are a must see. You can only see the museum on a scheduled tour, however, so plan ahead. Don't just drop by like we did. We lucked out but if we'd lingered for breakfast we'd have been shut out.

An old hot spring site that has several adobe cabins, a cold pool and a warm pool. Community industrial kitchen for you to bring your own food. So fun with a group of family or friends. Not easy to get there, but worth it for the eclectic experience. Plus it is a break from killer heat in the summer.

This resort compound in the remote Pinto Canyon was a wonderful stay for us. Our unit was so comfortable and clean, artistically decorated home for one night. We stayed in the Número uno room, with bath and shower and private tub. The common kitchen is amazingly well equipped, and although we were the only ones using it.....the kitchen could easily accommodate dozens of guests. Comfortable chairs are everywhere on the property to enjoy the peaceful setting. We learned that the springs was reopened by mostly local volunteers, after it fell into disrepair, and you can tell the love that went into it. If you love the quiet of the desert and aren’t afraid of back roads, this resort is the best.

took 15 ladies down the first weekend in May and had a fab time relaxing, soaking in hot tubs, etc...There is a kitchen available for cooking or you can cook out. You need to take your own food. Camping and rooms available

The caretaker there is WONDERFUL!! facilities very clean

We stayed two nights at this desert oasis and were lucky enough to be the only guests at the springs for almost 24 hours. It was the perfect place to unplug and unwind. Excellent place for star watching and soaking up the sounds of nature. It’s extremely quiet. Great spot for birders and rock enthusiasts.
The community kitchen supplies the tools you supply the ingredients. It would be a fun place for a reunion or party, you can rent the whole place. It is remote. At almost two and half hours past Marfa, TX driving to Chinati Hot Springs is an adventure. Spend more than one night or you’ll be bummed you have to leave so soon. Loved the waters the hot pool was just right and the cold plunge lived up to its name. If you’re a desert dweller you’re gonna love it.

A great place to relax and unplug. As we drove the Pinto Canyon Road from Marfa we felt completely removed from the world and loved it. If you go that route make sure you have a vehicle that can handle it. It is very scenic but no GPS or phone service there! Chinati Hot Springs rustic buildings are clean and charming. The adobe structures were cool during the warm day and warm during the cold night. The hot spring fed outdoor community spa tub feels fabulous. We enjoyed hiking, building a great camp fire in one of the fire pits, and just being together. One of our rooms had a private outdoor bath fed by the springs - I highly recommend reserving one of those rooms. The kitchen is perfect for the camp experience. We would love to go there again!

I can't believe Chinati Springs only has two reviews - I was there a few years ago and it was magical. Watching the sun setting while in the pool is unforgettable. The drive to the springs is beautiful, quiet, desert. I had a room, but was invited by a couple who were camping to share their dinner. Either way is a wonderful way to be in that spectacular setting. The managers were very sweet and helpful. I hope my life bringsme back there one days, some day.

Very friendly staff. Rejuvenated! I can't begin to describe how great I felt after being here. I would suggest to people to be careful which road they come in by as the canyon road is not good for the car or sanity. BUT when you get to the springs it is the most tranquil place you can be. Loved it.

My girlfriend and I had fun here, but they close at 6pm and you have to make a reservation!

The hotspring was nice and warm. Bring water so as not to dehydrate. They had towels which was nice.

You can stay there overnight, although we just went for the day.
There's a nice river nearby you can look at and walk around.

Chinati Hot Springs is a wonderful tonic for those in need of a peaceful getaway. If you are addicted to TV or cell service be warned...there is none and that is what makes the Springs such an Oasis!
Diana and Dan who manage the property are wonderful hosts, they preserve the legacy of this remote, amazing place while making improvements that do not compromise its unique integrity. We met terrific people and shared great meals in the communal kitchen that is fully equipped for cooking anything. The hot spring tub is rejuvenating, the cabins nicely furnished and cozy. We had a fabulous stay and will be back. Bring all provisions, there are two huge refrigerators for storage. Great hiking, starry nights and bliss.