visit

The cactus capital of Texas.

A small West Texas border town with a big history, Sanderson was founded in 1882. The Southern Pacific Railroad put it on the map, and it is where the Tall Texan robbed his last train. Sanderson lies at the convergence of three ecological zones and is home to dozens of succulent species, including Dasylirion texanum, the source of our sotol, which we harvest on our ranch.

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Two people standing on rocky terrain overlooking a desert landscape during sunset

CACTUS CAPITAL OF TEXAS TRAIL

From intersection of Hwy 285 and Hwy 90, go east of Hwy 90 (becomes Oak Street) for .9 miles, turn left at 1st street for .2 miles. Cactus Capital Trail Kiosk is located at Bicentennial Park.

A moderately challenging 2-mile walking trail leads up to Hominy and Javelina Hills and offers views of Sanderson and the surrounding area. Fantastic for any sunset lovers!

Entrance sign for Terrell County, established 1906, with stone archway and benches underneath

TERRELL COUNTY VISITOR CENTER

Looking for  further information on the area, or would like to see interesting Sanderson relics? Stop by the Visitor Center!

Hours of operation: 

Thursday - Sunday 10am - 3pm

Empty train station platform with a covered waiting area, signboard, and train tracks in a small town.

SANDERSON STATION

Did you know you can ride an Amtrak to and from Sanderson? 

For further information please visit: 
www.amtrak.com

201 West Downie Street
Sanderson, TX 79848 

A fenced grave site with a blue headstone in a rural cemetery, with open land and hills in the background.

TRAIN ROBBER GRAVE

The Baxter's Curve Train Robbery occurred in 1912 outside of Sanderson. Ben Kilpatrick and his partner, Ole Hobek, attempted to rob a Southern Pacific car, but were stopped by one of their hostages, David A. Trousdale, who managed to kill them both. 

Both outlaws are buried in the back section of the Cedar Grove cemetery on the east side of town.

Industrial tanks with pipes, gauges, and valves in a factory or processing plant.

DISTILLERY TOURS

Sample our sotol right off the still while your tour guide steps you through our proprietary distillation techniques and shares lots of great history about the spirit, our distilleries namesake, the Tall Texan, and our hometown of Sanderson.

Reservations coming soon.

THE TASTING ROOM

Opening Summer 2026

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STAY

Neon sign for Desert Air Motel with an arrow pointing left, showing amenities such as patio, TV, refrigerated air, vented heat, and vacancy, with a cloudy sky and mountains in the background.

DESERT AIR MOTEL

A true west Texas gem! This 1960's era roadside motel has clean and retro rooms, complimentary breakfast served out of a school bus, a family friendly pool, and plenty of places to kick your feet up and relax.

806 W Oak St, Sanderson, TX 79848

 (432) 360-3843  

desertairmotel.com
Shopfront with large windows and a door, with a display inside showing a '90' sign, and two small tables with chairs outside.

SUITE 90

Suite 90 is an oversized, updated studio in the heart of Sanderson. This suite, (one of two on the property) sets in a completely renovated early 20th century pharmacy. This stay is walking distance to the post office, Amtrak station, as well as hiking trails and shopping. Guests can walk two doors down to Ferguson Motors Coffee shop for coffee, food, beer, wine and events. Suite 90 is the perfect backdrop to your desert retreat or a great base camp for a west Texas adventure!

Book with Airbnb
Front yard garden of a yellow house with a door and windows, some plants, a tree with no leaves, and shadows cast by the tree and house against a blue sky.

FORDHOUSE

Fordhouse Suite is a hidden gem in the heart of Sanderson. Two guests can relax in this fully updated, historic pharmacy and its amenities. The suite is walking distance to the local coffee shop, Amtrak station and other local businesses. Guests can enjoy a desert sunset and fire in the private backyard with native plants and wild life. Soaking pool nestled in shade. This studio (1 of two on the property) is the perfect escape from the city and a great home base for your Big Bend Adventure.

Book with Airbnb
Colorful small house with a wooden porch, two Adirondack chairs (one red, one green), a red door, and a decorative wall piece, under a partially covered roof, with a clear blue sky in the background.

JACKALOPE CABIN

Welcome to Jackalope Cabin in the peaceful town of Sanderson Texas. This unique one of a kind cabin was built with care by restoring a historic old workshop that was nearing its final days. Jackalope Cabin is fully functional with every amenity you need to enjoy the Sanderson and surrounding Big Bend area. Set on the front porch and enjoy a peaceful breakfast and a hot cup of coffee. Enjoy the fenced back yard area where there is a covered propane BBQ grill and a wood burning fire pit.

Book with Airbnb

AMTRAK TRAIN SCHEDULE 2025

  • No guns can be checked

  • You will find a second train combination – Sunset Limited rebuilds in San Antonio with the Texas Eagle (same train)

Austin, TX to Sanderson, TX

Saturday

Texas Eagle - Departs: 6:50 p.m. Arrives 8:27 a.m.

Monday

Texas Eagle - Departs: 8:10 p.m. Arrives 8:27 a.m.

Wednesday

Texas Eagle - Departs: 8:10 p.m. Arrives 8:27 a.m.

Sanderson, TX to Austin, TX

Saturday

Texas Eagle - Departs: 10:46 p.m. Arrives 9:24 a.m.

Monday

Texas Eagle - Departs: 10:46 p.m. Arrives 9:24 a.m.

Thursday

Texas Eagle - Departs: 10:46 p.m. Arrives 9:24 a.m.

Dallas, TX to Sanderson, TX

Saturday

Texas Eagle - Departs: 12:00 p.m. Arrives 8:27 a.m.

Monday

Texas Eagle - Departs: 12:00 p.m. Arrives 8:27 a.m.

Wednesday

Texas Eagle - Departs: 12:00 p.m. Arrives 8:27 a.m.

Sanderson, TX to Dallas, TX

Saturday

Texas Eagle - Departs: 10:46 p.m. Arrives 3:18 p.m.

Monday

Texas Eagle - Departs: 10:46 p.m. Arrives 3:38 p.m.

Thursday

Texas Eagle - Departs: 10:46 p.m. Arrives 3:18 p.m.

El Paso, TX to Sanderson, TX

Saturday

Sunset Limited - Departs: 03:45 p.m. Arrives 10:46 p.m.

Monday

Sunset Limited - Departs: 03:45 p.m. Arrives 10:46 p.m.

Wednesday

Sunset Limited - Departs: 03:45 a.m. Arrives 10:46 p.m.

Sanderson, TX to El Paso, TX

Sunday

Sunset Limited - Departs: 8:27 a.m. Arrives 1:25 p.m.

Tuesday

Sunset Limited - Departs: 8:27 p.m. Arrives 1:25 p.m.

Thursday

Sunset Limited - Departs: 8:27 a.m. Arrives 1:25 p.m.

Houston, TX to Sanderson, TX

Saturday

Sunset Limited - Departs: 6:55 p.m. Arrives 8:27 a.m.

Monday

Sunset Limited - Departs: 6:55 p.m. Arrives 8:27 a.m.

Wednesday

Sunset Limited - Departs: 6:55 p.m. Arrives 8:27 a.m.

Sanderson, TX to Houston, TX

Saturday

Sunset Limited - Departs: 10:46 p.m. Arrives 11:10 a.m.

Monday

Sunset Limited - Departs: 10:46 p.m. Arrives 11:10 a.m.

Thursday

Sunset Limited - Departs: 10:46 p.m. Arrives 11:10 a.m.

San Antonio, TX to Sanderson, TX

Sunday

Sunset Limited - Departs: 02:45 a.m. Arrives 8:27 a.m.

Tuesday

Sunset Limited - Departs: 02:45 a.m. Arrives 8:27 a.m.

Wednesday

Sunset Limited - Departs: 02:45 a.m. Arrives 8:27 a.m.

Sanderson, TX to San Antonio, TX

Saturday

Sunset Limited - Departs: 10:46 p.m. Arrives 5:00 a.m.

Monday

Sunset Limited - Departs: 10:46 p.m. Arrives 5:00 a.m.

Thursday

Sunset Limited - Departs: 10:46 p.m. Arrives 5:00 a.m.

Book with Amtrak

dos agaves car rental

Take the train, then rent a car.

Reserve