Adventures from a West Texas road trip-
I recently took an inspiring West Texas photography road trip with a close friend, exploring the dramatic shifts in weather and terrain — from sweeping plains to rugged mountains. One stop along the way was the charming small town of Sanderson, where I stayed at the Desert Air Motel. From the moment I arrived, I knew I wanted to share its story and help promote tourism in Sanderson. During my stay, I had the pleasure of interviewing the motel’s GM, Jessica Martinez. Her expertise in hospitality left a lasting impression, and I look forward to returning.
Sanderson has a quiet charm that feels both authentic and a little undiscovered — what are some of the things that draw people here, and what would you say are the must-do experiences for visitors?
Sanderson has a kind of magic that's hard to explain. You really have to experience it. A lot of the charm comes from the beautiful desert landscape and the locals, a close-knit community that makes visitors feel like family.
For a must-do, take one of the short public trails up the surrounding hills. At the top, a bench waits for you with a sweeping view of the town, plus plenty of cactus species to admire. Sanderson is the Cactus Capitol of Texas, after all.
You have to wander through Z-Bar Trading Co., the family owned hardware store that feels more like a labyrinth. The place is massive, overflowing with every odd and end imaginable, and the aisles twist and turn in ways that will make you lose your sense of direction. People really do get lost in there; it's part of the fun.
Also stop by Ferguson Motor Co., an old dealership turned gathering spot for coffee, food, art, and weekend live music.
For stargazing, drive a few miles east to the "Blue Star" rest area. On a clear night, the sky is unforgettable.
And if you meet one of the town's old-timers, take the time to listen. You'll likely hear stories of the 1965 flood that devastated Sanderson and how neighbors pulled together to rebuild. It's a perfect glimpse of the town's spirit.
The Desert Air Motel has such a thoughtfully curated feel, from the design choices to the attention to detail — what inspired that vision, and how do you maintain the level of cleanliness and care that sets it apart?
The Desert Air Motel was originally built in the 1960's, and the owners wanted to preserve that character while also bringing it into more modern times. The design blends thoughtful updates with nods to a vintage and desert feel, creating a space that's both nostalgic and inviting. All of the photos on the walls were taken at Big Bend National Park and here in Sanderson, so guests feel truly connected to the landscape around them. The goal was to create a place that feels like an unexpected, pleasant surprise.
As for cleanliness and care, we're fortunate to have an incredible team who takes pride in their work and in this motel. Every member of our staff goes above and beyond to make sure each guest feels comfortable, at home, and able to fully enjoy their time with us.
Where do most of your guests come from — are they road trippers passing through, returning regulars, or travelers who seek out Sanderson specifically as a destination?
Most of our guests are travelers passing through who just need a place to rest. Many fall in love with Sanderson and the motel, and from then on return as regulars, which is always exciting to see. In the spring, we welcome travelers from all over the world on their way to and from Big Bend National Park. We've even hosted photo shoots and film crews here at the motel, which is always a blast!
Our bigger vision is to help bring more tourism to Sanderson and make it a destination in its own right, and it's been amazing to see that already starting to happen.
Want to learn more about Desert Air Motel and plan your stay?
👉 Visit their website
Dreaming of your own trip to Sanderson and the wider Big Bend region?
