Entire home

Casa Mariposa: Restored Rock Ruin in Ghost Town

Terlingua vacation home with kitchen

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Photo gallery for Casa Mariposa: Restored Rock Ruin in Ghost Town

Exterior detail
2 bedrooms, WiFi, bed sheets
Interior
Outdoor dining
Property grounds

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor Space
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Mountain view

Explore the area

View in a map
Terlingua Ghost Town, TX
  • Place, Starlight Theatre
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Big Bend National Park
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Place, Barton Warnock Visitor Center
    ‪13 min drive‬

Room options

About the area

Terlingua

In Terlingua .You'll be within half a mile (1 km) of Starlight Theatre and 9 miles (15 km) of Big Bend Library. Also within 9 miles (15 km) are Many Stones and Big Bend National Park.

What's nearby

  • Starlight Theatre - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Big Bend Library - 10 min drive - 12.6 km
  • Many Stones - 11 min drive - 16.0 km
  • Big Bend National Park - 12 min drive - 16.0 km
  • Barton Warnock Visitor Center - 13 min drive - 22.1 km

Restaurants

  • ‪El Gordo’s Grill - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Chili Pepper Cafe - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Starlight Theater - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Venga - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪High Sierra Bar & Grill - ‬14 min walk

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Casa Mariposa: Restored Rock Ruin in Ghost Town

Summary:
Casa Mariposa: Live Like a Local at this Restored Rock Ruin in the Historic Terlingua Ghost Town.
• Restored Ruin with Spacious Outdoor Living
• This is Our Quintessential Ghost Town Rental
• Located in the Historic Ghost Town
• Kitchen, Bedroom and Cozy Room
• Full Indoor Bathroom

The Space:
Casa Mariposa is tucked away on the Ghost Town hillside, surrounded by history. You will be a short trail walk away from all the Ghost Town has to offer: restaurants, art, shopping, and entertainment. This historic miners’ rock house has all the charm Ghost Town living has to offer. Conveniently located between the iconic Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park, Texas’s largest state park.

Spend some time in this restored limestone ruin from the historic Terlingua mining days. Using the original footprint, the house was partly remade in the 1970s. The owners completed an additional restoration in the 1990s and have continued refurbishments recently.

Casa Mariposa is equipped with a full kitchen, two bedrooms, and a full bathroom. The outdoor living space is spacious and tranquil. It is perfect for your morning coffee, outdoor dining, relaxing in the shade, admiring Terlingua’s incredible sunrises and sunsets, and star gazing. Relax with a campfire, and soak in the desert peace.

The 475 square foot interior has a full kitchen, 2 bedrooms, and a full bathroom. You will spend much of your time enjoying the breezy shade of the outdoor living area. There is a brand new indoor bathroom with hot water, shower, sink, and flushing toilet. Outside, there is also a semi-enclosed bath house has a shower and sink and a quaint outhouse with Chisos Mountain views.

The Master Bedroom - You’ll find a comfortable queen size bed and plenty of space for all your belongings. Large windows open out to the patio. Peruse the little collection of books of local interest. The master bedroom has its own entrance and shares a very thick rock wall with the kitchen and the Cozy Room.

It should be noted that there is not a connecting door between the main bedroom and the rest of the house. Guests need to going outside, on the covered patio, to move from one side of the house to the other.

The Cozy Bedroom - This simple hideaway behind the kitchen is my favorite room in the house, but it is tiny. The full-size futon just fits in the space. There is beautiful ceiling of vigas and sotol, a saltillo tile floor, and a little nicho for your knick-knacks. It maintains the tiny windows that were part of the original design of the miners’ home.

Kitchen - The kitchen features handmade cabinets and a handmade table along with stove, fridge, microwave, toaster, and coffee pot. Cookware, spices, etc. are available if you’re in the mood to make your own meals.

Please note:
Part of Terlingua Ghost Town’s fun is a bit of funk. It is rugged and remote country. While most guests prefer the new indoor bathroom, some adventurous travelers prefer to use the original semi-enclose bathhouse or the outhouse. Because we are located on the hillside, there are multiple levels. Be prepared to walk up and down short steps and dirt trails. There’s also a trail through the ruins to the famous Terlingua Porch.

Terlingua is in the Chihuahuan Desert in a remote and rural area. There are no streetlights, and the road to the house is about a half mile of unpaved road. Please drive slowly.

Please, do not climb on any of the ruins or remove any artifacts. It is a fragile area.

Interaction with Guests:
We manage several properties and live a few miles away. We are available by phone, text, email, or messages through Airbnb. We are typically only on site for cleaning or maintenance issues.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden

Work spaces

  • Office

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Tile flooring in public areas
  • Smoking not allowed

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • In the mountains

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Garden

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Rules

• Children allowed • No pets • No Events or Parties Allowed

Pets

  • No pets allowed
  • Note from host: Charge may apply

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, and a smoke detector in each accommodation.

Property is also known as

Casa Mariposa: Restored Rock Ruin in Ghost Town Terlingua
5f4fd94e3b768b002ccfa226

Frequently asked questions

Does Casa Mariposa: Restored Rock Ruin in Ghost Town have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this vacation home.

Does Casa Mariposa: Restored Rock Ruin in Ghost Town offer free breakfast?

This vacation home does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Casa Mariposa: Restored Rock Ruin in Ghost Town?

No, there is no casino at this vacation home.

What time is check-in at Casa Mariposa: Restored Rock Ruin in Ghost Town?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Casa Mariposa: Restored Rock Ruin in Ghost Town?

Free parking is not available at this vacation home.

Does Casa Mariposa: Restored Rock Ruin in Ghost Town have a pool?

This vacation home does not have a pool.

Does Casa Mariposa: Restored Rock Ruin in Ghost Town have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this vacation home.

How close is Casa Mariposa: Restored Rock Ruin in Ghost Town to downtown Terlingua?

This vacation home is 0.1 mi away from Terlingua.

Casa Mariposa: Restored Rock Ruin in Ghost Town Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 96 out of 123 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 24 out of 123 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 123 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 123 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 123 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jay B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect accommodations!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

gina c.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful home. Super clean!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Casa Mariposa is an adventure unto itself. A truly unique property. Would go back !
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Leah R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is our second time at Casa Mariposa. The place is Terlingua funky and eclectic. But also very comfotable, clean, upgraded with everything you need. And the views from sitting on the patio are beautiful looking into the mountains.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Maureen A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful casa and host was very responsive to questions! Enjoyed morning coffee watching the sun rise and star gazing at night drinking wine
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lee Ann S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house was beautiful. We enjoyed the craftsmanship of the restoration and attention to detail. It held the spirit of Terlingua.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joe J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Conveniently located near the ghost town of Terlingua which is much more lively than the name implies. Access to Big Bend NP hiking trails and Rio Grande within 35-45 minutes. Appreciated the ability to cook meals at the house and having a hot shower to rinse the days hiking dust off. The highlight was the dark night skies and the ability to see so many stars and the Milky Way. Will stay again when we visit the area.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

john

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Interesting place that is exceptionally clean and comfortable. Great location with easy access to everything Terlingua has to offer.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Little Casita

Great location to the park, able to watch the sunrise over the Chisos Basin from the porch. Really enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Aaron T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spring Break at Big Bend

Casa Mariposa was the perfect base for a Spring Break trip for my sons and me. Close to the park, and several great places to eat closeby. Highly recommend!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bridgette P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing stay!

We loved staying at Casa Mariposa! Very unusual and interesting architecture. Awesome accommodations.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mary Beth B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Unique place close to Big Bend

Unique home conveniently located near Big Bend National Park. Beautiful patio to enjoy the dark skies of Texas!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David T.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend getaway

Awesome weekend! The place is absolutely perfect!!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Colleen H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Authentic Big Bend Haven

This is an amazing home. We will stay here again and again.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Unique getaway!

Casa Mariposa was a perfect place for us to stay while we explored Big Bend National Park and the surrounding area. Quiet, spectacular sunrise views and a great mix of comfortable accommodations in a natural setting. Can’t say enough about how special our experience was at this unique place to stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

J N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Unique and perfect accommodations for hiking & jeeping

Very different and unique - gives you a feel of the outdoors with comfort and convenience of modern living. We used this place as a basecamp for our daily adventures and would recommend for individuals. Also has a pet roadrunner whom just hung around us a lot….
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Tobby T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Ghost Town Weekend

Very quaint & charming no frills place in the heart of Terlingua's Ghost Town. The outdoor shower is awesome!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brian L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location

Great location for visiting the park. House is unique while still having all the amenities. I like the big porch and fenced in yard. House was comfy and everything worked well. Kids were happy with the internet
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

jamie a.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing

Enjoyed our stay!!! Hope to come back in the future!! Merry Christmas!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Annie W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Authentic accomodation in an unique neighborhood.

Owner is quick to respond.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful location

Although the property would not be for everyone, we loved it. Finding good local dinner restaurants can be a challenge.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Leah R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely Rental in center of Terlingua

Had a great few days in Terlingua visiting family nearby. The Casa was so really nicely updated, comfortable, great beds, quite, beautiful view of Big Bend in the distance. The Casa is close by food and shops. Although as guest said the bathroom is in one area and the kitchen the other it worked perfectly for us. I will be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paul K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Location

Very nice
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dara R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Casa Mariposa

Beautiful property! The outside patio is where we spent majority of time. Would return 💜
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amber M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Unique mountain house

This was a cute house with nice views and privacy. Walking distance to restaurants and shops. About 10 minutes to Big Bend National park and 20 to Big Bend Ranch State Park. House was clean and we had 0issuesnno issues while therr.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024