Salt Flat, TX

Travel Guide

Salt Flat which includes mountains
Guadalupe Mountains National Park which includes building ruins
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park featuring a sunset
Guadalupe Mountains National Park showing mountains
No longer the lively hub it once was, this old town now offers peace, calm and the haunting beauty of the surrounding scenery. 

Wander among desolate buildings and stop at an old café that has endured through many changes in the town of Salt Flat. Stand near dried lakes and gaze over endless plains or toward the magnificent peaks of the Guadalupe Mountains.

Learn about the area’s history. At the start of the 20th century, the son of a local vegetable farmer overheard a discussion planning for a highway connecting El Paso with Carlsbad in New Mexico. The family quickly built stores, gas stations and tourist courts (motels) to cater for passing traffic. Before long, Salt Flat had several houses, a post office and even an airstrip. Despite providing a home for over 100 residents during the early part of the 1960s, by 1970 only 35 remained. Soon, the town was abandoned, leaving a lone café.

After your long drive across Texas, the Salt Flat Cafe is a welcome sight. Its friendly service creates an enjoyable experience. Select from delicious home-made dishes served with refreshing drinks.

Walk around to explore what is left of the town. Investigate the graying ruins of the Tourist Court and imagine this place as it could have been, bustling with commercial truck drivers and tourists.

Drive east to the open salt lakes which gave the town its name. These were the subject of the fierce San Elizario Salt War in 1877 when ethnic Mexicans fought Texas Rangers for use of this valuable resource. Today the lakes are a peaceful place to spend some time. Marvel at the sweeping views all around and peer northeast toward Guadalupe National Park. Rising high from the parched landscape, Guadalupe Peak and El Capitan provide stunning backdrops.

Salt Flat is 86.5 miles (139 kilometers) east of El Paso and 78 miles (125 kilometers) southwest of Carlsbad. There are no accommodations in Salt Flat so stay at either of these locations.

Any trip to Guadalupe Mountains National Park should involve a visit to the historic abandoned town of Salt Flat.

White's City Cavern Inn

White's City Cavern Inn

2.5 out of 5
17 Carlsbad Cavern Hwy, Carlsbad, NM
Stay at this hotel in Carlsbad. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,733 reviews)
Overall Good Stay
"The bed was super comfy, the breakfast options are limited but appreciated. The town is super small and cute! Loved how close it is to the Caverns! The drive to get there the next day was great. The pool could use some cleaning and the splash pad area too was a little dirty but my son enjoyed it. ..."

Reviewed on 2025/7/31

White's City Cavern Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Hotel Zaza Houston Museum District

Hotel Zaza Houston Museum District

4.5 out of 5
5701 Main Street, Houston, TX
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Houston. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,730 reviews)
"The welcome snack and wine were nice! Dinner was delicious."

Reviewed on 2025/7/30

Hotel Zaza Houston Museum District
Canvas Hotel Dallas

Canvas Hotel Dallas

4 out of 5
1325 S Lamar St, Dallas, TX
Stay at this 4-star boutique aparthotel in Dallas. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,547 reviews)
"Atmosphere was great.. best view of Dallas skyline.. relaxing and enjoyable.. will definitely be back and will tell others to go."

Reviewed on 2025/8/1

Canvas Hotel Dallas
Hotel Ylem

Hotel Ylem

3.5 out of 5
8080 S Main St, Houston, TX
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Houston. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,214 reviews)
"Nice hotel!"

Reviewed on 2025/7/31

Hotel Ylem
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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