Alright y’all, this ain’t your typical tourist stop—we’re talkin’ Texas desert meets Hollywood fantasy at the legendary Contrabando Movie Set, sittin' right off the scenic FM 170 (aka River Road) in Lajitas. If you’ve ever dreamed of steppin’ into an old Western flick or felt like Clint Eastwood was about to come ‘round the corner, this dusty lil’ ghost town turned movie set is your dream come to life. Built in 1985 for the movie “Uphill All the Way,” and later used for flicks like “Lone Star” and “Dead Man’s Walk,” Contrabando ain’t just abandoned—it’s iconic. And the best part? You can just roll right up to it

🎥Why It’s Worth the Trip

• 🏜️ Desert Drama – surrounded by Big Bend Ranch State Park’s jaw-dropping canyons and rugged terrain, this place feels like Mars with a cowboy hat

• 🏚️ Real Movie Bones – five buildings still stand as weather-worn relics of a time when directors, cameras, and actors made this place buzz with action

• 🚫 Zero Crowds, 100% Vibes – because it's remote AF, there’s a good chance you’ll have the whole dusty town to yourself (selfies galore, y’all)

• 📷 Photo Goldmine – the adobe-style church, saloon-style doors, and that endless desert backdrop? Instant cinematic perfection for your feed

• 🤠 A Texas Time Machine – feel the wild stillness of the Old West, unfiltered and untouched. This is as authentic as a modern-day ghost town gets
  

🧭How to Get There & What’s Around

• 🛣️ Take FM 170 – the drive alone is worth it—twists, turns, river views, and desert scapes that’ll blow your mind

• 📌 Right by Lajitas – about 6 miles from Lajitas Golf Resort and 12 miles from Terlingua Ghost Town (yes, another epic stop if you’re feelin’ haunted history)

• 🐍 Watch for Wildlife – this is wild country, so don’t be shocked to spot javelinas, roadrunners, or a chill snake sunbathing nearby

• 🌅 Golden Hour Magic – if you time it for sunset, the whole place lights up in desert gold and dusty pink skies—like the end of a cowboy movie
  

👢Tips for Livin’ the Western Fantasy

• 💦 Bring Water – it’s the desert, y’all. Ain’t no vending machines out here

• 🥾 Wear Boots or Good Shoes – it’s rocky and rough terrain, perfect for feelin’ like a Texas ranger, not so great for flip-flops

• 🚫 No Facilities – there’s no bathrooms, no shops, no ticket booth. Just raw Texas wilderness and pure movie history

• 📱 Spotty Signal – download your map before you go and bring a buddy if you can. This is solo travel meets frontier adventure

🚗Wanna Explore Like a True Texas Outlaw? Book Your Ride with West Texas Auto Rentals

Takin' the backroads out to places like Contrabando calls for a reliable ride with a little grit. Whether you're chasin’ desert sunrises, historic ghost towns, or just that pure Texas freedom, West Texas Auto Rentals has your keys to the frontier. Book now at this link or call us at +1 469-727-9993 and we’ll get you rollin’—no horse required