Lajitas, unincorporated community in Brewster County, Texas, United States
Lajitas is an unincorporated community in far west Texas, situated on the banks of the Rio Grande along the border with Mexico. The settlement consists of a handful of buildings, a small resort area, and a few services spread across open desert terrain.
In the early 20th century, Lajitas served as a small crossing point and supply stop along the Rio Grande, used by travelers and traders moving between Texas and Mexico. Over time, the settlement grew into a modest resort destination drawing visitors to the surrounding Big Bend area.
The name Lajitas comes from Spanish and refers to the flat stones found along the riverbank. Walking through the settlement today, visitors notice how the surroundings shape daily life, with the river and the desert defining the pace and feel of the place.
Lajitas is far from any large town, so driving your own vehicle is the only practical way to get there. It is a good idea to stock up on fuel, water, and food before arriving, as options on site are very limited.
Lajitas once elected a beer-drinking goat named Clay Henry as its mayor, a tradition that was passed down through several generations of the same goat family. The story brought reporters and curious travelers to this otherwise quiet desert stop.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
