Alpine

Alpine is the county seat of Brewster County in West Texas, sitting at over forty-five hundred feet elevation between several mountain ranges. The small town spreads across a high desert plateau with low-rise buildings of stone and brick along its main streets, while the edges scatter into gently sloping hills.

The area served as a camping spot for cattlemen from the late eighteen-seventies, stopping here on their way to grazing lands. The railroad arrived in the late eighteen-eighties and brought a permanent settlement, which took its name from the nearby Alps-like mountains.

Sul Ross State University's Museum of the Big Bend, constructed with local stone in 1937, presents exhibits about Native American culture and regional history.

The town serves as a starting point for trips into the surrounding mountain areas and desert landscapes, which are easily reached by car. The place offers several lodging options and restaurants along the main street, which runs for just a few blocks.

The region is one of the few recognized areas worldwide where the night sky remains nearly free from artificial light. Visitors can see stars and galaxies with the naked eye at night that remain invisible in most populated places.

Location: Brewster County

Elevation above the sea: 1,364 m

Website: http://ci.alpine.tx.us

GPS coordinates: 30.36083,-103.66556

Latest update: December 13, 2025 15:56