Gateway communities to Big Bend National Park.

Located outside the western entrance to Big Bend National Park, Study Butte (pronounced "Stoody") and Terlingua are small communities that owe their existence to the quicksilver mining industry established there around 1900. Today the area has taken on new life as a destination for retirees, tourists, and adventurers. Terlingua is widely known for its annual chili cook-off and in 1967 was deemed the "Chili Capitol of the World" by the Chili Appreciation Society.

For a few miles along highway 118 and 170, you will find several outdoor activity outfitters, various lodging options, gift shops and galleries, convenience stores, restaurants, auto service, a gas station, churches, a post office, a bank (ATM), and a liquor store.