Black Jack's Crossing Golf Course
Set in the rugged beauty of West Texas, Black Jack's Crossing Golf Course offers an 18-hole public layout defined by elevation shifts, pristine conditions, and stunning views of the Chisos Mountains. This course blends natural desert scenery with thoughtful design to create a challenging yet rewarding round for dedicated golfers.
Course Overview
Black Jack's Crossing Golf Course offers an extraordinary golfing experience set against the dramatic backdrop of West Texas's Big Bend region. This public 18-hole course challenges players with striking elevation shifts and a layout that balances strategic risk and reward. Sweeping views of the Chisos Mountains and the nearby Rio Grande River create a constantly shifting canvas that captivates from the first tee to the last green.
The course presents a mix of wide-open fairways framed by rugged desert terrain and pockets of lush, manicured grass maintained to championship standards. These contrasts call for precision in both power and placement. Elevated tee boxes provide commanding perspectives, requiring thoughtful club selection as each hole presents its own unique test. From tight approach shots guarded by undulating greens to longer holes that encourage careful navigation of natural obstacles, Black Jack's Crossing delivers a dynamic round suited to mid- and low-handicap golfers seeking challenge without frustration.
One of the course’s most remarkable features is the presence of natural hot springs that feed a creek running through several holes, adding an element of thermal contrast to the otherwise arid environment. On cooler mornings, steam rising from these waters adds an ethereal quality to the landscape, creating a sensory connection that few courses can offer.
The pace of play reflects thoughtful management with twosome groups sent out to maintain flowing rounds, allowing players to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed. Amenities include a well-maintained driving range with ample practice balls, rental clubs of good quality, and on-course refreshments stocked with chilled water for hydration amid the desert sun.
Early morning tee times are recommended to beat the wind which often intensifies through the afternoon and tests shot-making rhythm. Altitude also plays a role; at roughly 3,000 feet above sea level, balls travel farther than at sea level, making it prudent to adjust club choices accordingly.
With immaculate greens, soft sand bunkers, and a peaceful atmosphere that underscores the remote beauty of the area, Black Jack's Crossing stands apart as a must-play destination for golfers eager to combine technical golf with unforgettable natural scenes.
Course Highlights
Signature elements include panoramic tee boxes overlooking the Rio Grande and Chisos Mountains, a natural hot spring-fed creek that winds through the course, impeccable fairways and greens maintained to championship quality, and unique desert terrain blending expansive open areas with pockets of striking vegetation. The course’s layout offers varied shot-making opportunities that reward strategic play and careful consideration of elevation and wind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Tyler W
Black Jack’s Crossing is hands down one of the most memorable golf experiences I’ve ever had. Tucked away in the heart of Big Bend country, this is a bucket-list course with jaw-dropping West Texas scenery. Every hole feels like a postcard — dramatic elevation changes, manicured fairways, and panoramic views of the Chisos Mountains and the Rio Grande. The course layout is challenging but fair, offering a great mix of risk and reward. Whether you’re standing on a high tee box or navigating a tight approach shot, you’ll constantly be in awe of your surroundings.
Jon Levy
I can’t say enough good things about this golf experience. It’s a hidden gem, the service is fantastic, and the golf course is a boatload of fun. We played four rounds in three days and typically you might think that would be enough on one golf course, but the incredible thing is that there are new shots to play all over the place. A big shout out to the staff who is unbelievable and first class. Anthony McNamara And Armando gave a great warm welcome And I can’t say enough about the operation they run. The outside operations team all go above and beyond to make for a great experience. We can’t wait to get back down to Lajitas and Enjoy some world class golf again.
Tyler W
Black Jack’s Crossing is hands down one of the most memorable golf experiences I’ve ever had. Tucked away in the heart of Big Bend country, this is a bucket-list course with jaw-dropping West Texas scenery. Every hole feels like a postcard — dramatic elevation changes, manicured fairways, and panoramic views of the Chisos Mountains and the Rio Grande. The course layout is challenging but fair, offering a great mix of risk and reward. Whether you’re standing on a high tee box or navigating a tight approach shot, you’ll constantly be in awe of your surroundings.
Nick Ponomarenko
Outstanding Golf Course. Service by employees are awesome.
Zach Smith
Phenomenal golf course. Peaceful, perfectly maintained. Hot spring fed creek throughout. They drained and were re-lining a lake while there, but otherwise completely pristine course. Must add for anyone’s bucket list.
Steve Schramm
OMG this was so much fun! Definitely go early morning before the wind comes up. Also the send you out as twosomes and that was great for my wife, who likes to play without being pressured to hurry up from other players. They give you six water bottles on ice with plenty more on the course. Good food and drinks available also. Rental clubs were good! Fantastic grass driving range with all the balls you need. We played in 4 hours and 10 minutes; nice pace. Enjoy the incredible mountain and canyon scenery, but the course itself is amazing: the greens are electric; so smooth and fast, the sand is absolutely perfect to hit out of, and the fairways and tee boxes are fantastic. This course is in really really great shape. That’s the main attraction from a golf standpoint. Also note that the water from the wells comes out at about 100°F, so in the early morning the waterfalls have steam coming off of them near the green on the third hole, which is pretty. Don’t forget that you are at altitude, and a 3000 feet elevation. My shots went farther than they usually do at sea level. I birdied the last hole, which made me happy. Don’t forget to hit a ball over the Rio Grande into Mexico on the 15th tee!
Wilson Randolph
It’s the nicest course I’ve ever played. Not only because of the carpet fairways, literally perfect greens, and interesting elements between holes such as hot springs and scenic drives… but also the atmosphere. It’s so dang quiet. Everyone seems relaxed. Happy to see you. Happy to answer questions you have. Marshalls are on top of things and are seen not heard. Genuinely a track I would happily come back to and bring friends. There’s really nothing else like it in Texas that is open to the public. Endless views. You will feel small. As Big Bend and the panhandle should make you feel. 6 stars out of 5.
Wilson Randolph
It’s the nicest course I’ve ever played. Not only because of the carpet fairways, literally perfect greens, and interesting elements between holes such as hot springs and scenic drives… but also the atmosphere. It’s so dang quiet. Everyone seems relaxed. Happy to see you. Happy to answer questions you have. Marshalls are on top of things and are seen not heard. Genuinely a track I would happily come back to and bring friends. There’s really nothing else like it in Texas that is open to the public. Endless views. You will feel small. As Big Bend and the panhandle should make you feel. 6 stars out of 5.
Jon Levy
I can’t say enough good things about this golf experience. It’s a hidden gem, the service is fantastic, and the golf course is a boatload of fun. We played four rounds in three days and typically you might think that would be enough on one golf course, but the incredible thing is that there are new shots to play all over the place. A big shout out to the staff who is unbelievable and first class. Anthony McNamara And Armando gave a great warm welcome And I can’t say enough about the operation they run. The outside operations team all go above and beyond to make for a great experience. We can’t wait to get back down to Lajitas and Enjoy some world class golf again.
Jim Otepka
Heaven.
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Course Details
Access & Location
HC 70 Clay Henry Blvd, Terlingua, TX 79852, USA
Black Jack's Crossing Clubhouse featuring a pro shop and casual dining
Walking is encouraged to fully appreciate the terrain; sturdy shoes recommended for uneven desert paths
Open to all golfers; reservations suggested during peak seasons
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