Lajitas, Texas: The Desert Town with a Goat Mayor and a World-Class Golf Resort

Lajitas is an unincorporated community in Brewster County, Texas, located in the Chihuahuan Desert along the Rio Grande. It sits between Big Bend National Park to the east and Big Bend Ranch State Park to the west, making it a gateway for visitors exploring the remote Big Bend region. The name “Lajitas” translates from Spanish as “little flat rocks,” a reference to the nearby flat stone formations known locally as Boquillas flagstone.

History and Community

Historically, Lajitas developed as a border trading post and crossing. The area was a natural ford of the Rio Grande, and in the 19th and early 20th centuries, it served as a point of commerce and ranching activity. For many years, residents and visitors could cross informally into Mexico by foot or vehicle, though today the official border crossing is closed.

The community is small, with its population centered around the Lajitas Golf Resort. Beyond the resort, the area is known for its desert scenery, rugged landscapes, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

The Goat Mayor Tradition

One of Lajitas’ most unusual claims to fame is its goat mayor tradition. Beginning in 1986, a goat named Clay Henry was symbolically “elected” mayor as part of a humorous local event. Successive goats, often called Clay Henry II, III, IV, or V, continued the tradition in later years.

The story often includes references to Clay Henry being a beer-drinking goat, a popular element of local lore. While these anecdotes have contributed to Lajitas’ quirky reputation, the goat mayor role is strictly honorary and a piece of community legend rather than a formal civic office.

Today, references to Clay Henry remain part of Lajitas’ identity, and the story is still highlighted in tourism materials, even though the goats themselves are no longer a central feature of the community.

Lajitas Golf Resort

At the center of modern Lajitas is the Lajitas Golf Resort, a luxury property spanning roughly 27,000 acres. The resort blends an Old West atmosphere with high-end accommodations and activities, drawing visitors seeking both relaxation and adventure.

Black Jack’s Crossing Golf Course

• Designed by Lanny Wadkins, a PGA Hall of Fame golfer.

• Named after General John J. “Black Jack” Pershing, who was stationed in the area during the early 20th century.

• Frequently ranked as one of the top golf courses in Texas that the public can play, including honors from Golfweek and other publications.

• Noted for its dramatic desert views, set against the backdrop of the Rio Grande and surrounding mountains.

Amenities and Activities

The resort offers a range of activities, including:

• Horseback riding and trail adventures in the surrounding desert.

• River activities such as guided paddling trips on the Rio Grande.

• Zip-lining, mountain biking, and hiking in the rugged terrain.

• Agave Spa, providing treatments for rest and recovery after outdoor excursions.

• Dining and entertainment, often with a regional Texas and Mexican influence.

Transportation Access

The resort features its own private airport, the Lajitas International Airport, with a 6,503-foot concrete runway. This allows private planes and some commercial charter services (such as JSX flights from Dallas Love Field) to fly directly into Lajitas.

Tourism and Appeal

Lajitas’ remote location contributes to its appeal. Visitors often come for:

• The chance to stay in a luxury resort within a desert wilderness.

• Easy access to Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park.

• A mix of history, legend, and modern recreation.

Though small in population, Lajitas has built a reputation as a distinctive stop in Far West Texas. Its combination of natural scenery, resort amenities, and quirky local stories makes it a memorable destination for travelers seeking both comfort and adventure in one of the most isolated regions of the state.