ALPINE

Altitude 4,485

General

Established prior to 1882; the seat of Brewster County, a vast mountainous area of 5,935 square miles, the largest county in Texas. (As a comparison, this single county is larger than state of Connecticut.) Today a retail center and shipping point for huge ranching area; headquarters for mining companies and the home of Sull Ross State University. The climate and location make the town a popular vacation area. Visitors enjoy golfing, mountain climbing, horseback riding, rock and mineral collecting, swimming, and camping with spectacular vistas. During seasons, hunters take mule and white-tailed deer, pronghorn antelope, javelina, and upland game birds.

APACHE TRADING POST

BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK

SCENIC DRIVES

SUL ROSS STATE UNIVERSITY MUSEUM OF THE BIG BEND

WOODWARD AGATE RANCH

Attractions

• APACHE TRADING POST - Largest collection of topographical geological, and raised relief maps of Big Bend region. Information and books on marfa Mystery Lights. West Texas handicrafts, gemstone jewelry, shells, fossils, rocks, minerals, imports, and field and shop equipment. Open Mon. to Sat. from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. At foothills of Twin Peaks mountain range on U.S. 90 west of town. 915-837-5149.
• BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK - Approximately 80 miles south of Alpine on Texas 118.
• SCENIC DRIVES - Texas 118 north to Fort Davis and 29 miles beyond through beautiful Davis Mountains scenery.

Texas 118 south toward Big Bend national Park spans both desert and mountain landscapes of primitive grandeur.

U.S. 67 west to marfa offers more views of mountain majesty.

• SUL ROSS STATE UNIVERSITY MUSEUM OF THE BIG BEND - Showcases history of the area in panels, dioramas and paintings; displays of stagecoach, buggies, reconstructed general store, and a blacksmith shop. On campus. Open Tues. to Sat. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Free Admission. 915-837-8143.
• WOODWARD AGATE RANCH - Source of famed Texas agates - red plume, pom-pom, and a rainbow of other types - colorful jasper, labradorite feldspar, calcite, precious opal, and other minerals. Hunt and collect on over 3,000 acres, guide service available (fee). Rough agate 50 cents per pound. Grading help is offered by ranch experts. Lapidary shop. Open year round; 18 miles south of Alpine on Texas 118. 915-364-2271.