Travel Guide Marathon

About 45 minutes north of Big Bend National Park and half an hour east of Alpine, Marathon could have been just a place to pass through, one of those lost little towns in South Texas that are only good for filling up. Indeed, fill up your tank if you are heading to the Big Bend National Park from the north entrance, because once in this huge natural reserve, gas stations are very rare, and the price of black gold is much higher than elsewhere. But take advantage of what Marathon has to offer: a unique oasis in the desert, a small haven of peace and tranquility to recover from your efforts or, conversely, to prepare for them. The name of the site comes from a Greek sailor who, the first time he saw it, said he found a resemblance with the city of his country. Marathon is a tiny town that hides some small treasures: the Gage Hotel, its gardens and a starry sky like you will rarely see. Marathon is part of Brewster County, like Alpine, and contains a small concentrated population of just under 500. At the turnoff to the Big Bend National Park and the main perpendicular road in Marathon is a small visitor center with brochures and maps of the park. There is often no one there. Just help yourself. The Big Bend National Park is located south of Marathon.