Sul Ross State University
Home of college rodeo in remote West Texas, offering stunning desert views and a unique academic experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for hiking
Sul Ross State University
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for hiking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Home of college rodeo in remote West Texas, offering stunning desert views and a unique academic experience.
"The campus itself is great! The views are amazing! And the staff is so helpful and caring!"
🚗 Embrace the Drive
Alpine is remote! Enjoy the scenic drive through West Texas, but ensure your vehicle is in good condition.
💧 Be Prepared for Outages
Power, water, and internet can be unreliable. Pack essentials and be patient with infrastructure issues.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The "Y" Sign Hike
Hillside overlooking Alpine
A rewarding hike to a large "Y" sign offers panoramic views of Alpine and the surrounding desert. A must-do for a quick adventure.
Campus Views
Throughout the campus
The university campus boasts stunning views of the surrounding 'midget mountains' and vast Texas desert landscape.
College Rodeo
Rodeo Arena
Experience the spirit of Texas with Sul Ross's renowned college rodeo program. Check schedules for events.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Remote
Rodeo & Academics
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Does anyone know what city this is located in
🚗 Embrace the Drive
Alpine is remote! Enjoy the scenic drive through West Texas, but ensure your vehicle is in good condition.
💧 Be Prepared for Outages
Power, water, and internet can be unreliable. Pack essentials and be patient with infrastructure issues.
🥾 Hike the 'Y'
The hike to the 'Y' sign is a local favorite with great views. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water!
🤠 Rodeo Spirit
If you're visiting during a rodeo event, it's a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the local culture.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Embrace the Drive
Alpine is remote! Enjoy the scenic drive through West Texas, but ensure your vehicle is in good condition.
💧 Be Prepared for Outages
Power, water, and internet can be unreliable. Pack essentials and be patient with infrastructure issues.
🥾 Hike the 'Y'
The hike to the 'Y' sign is a local favorite with great views. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water!
🤠 Rodeo Spirit
If you're visiting during a rodeo event, it's a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the local culture.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sul Ross State University is praised for its stunning desert views and strong college rodeo program, offering a unique, home-away-from-home feel for some. However, potential visitors should be aware of its remote location and occasional infrastructure issues like power and water outages, which have led some students to seek alternatives.
"The home of college rodeo and an outstanding police academy."
Jim Westermann
"School in the middle of nowhere.
I know this school only from the train. We passed through Alpine, TX, in the midst of a desert no man's land somewhere in uninhibited Texas on a summer afternoon. The remoteness of this place is impossible to exaggerate. Why, when upper education represents an introduction to the greater world, would students choose to come to this next of hermits?
Possibly this is a special school dedicated to the study of the midget mountains of Texas. It is alarming, though, that so many people would dedicate themselves to this field."
Range Cow
"Always lose power and rooming situations are a nightmare. They don't know enough dorms so they triple everyone on the 1st and 2nd floor. I've been tripled all semester with no money returned. GO SOMEWHERE ELSE, TRUST ME! Can't wait to start classes at a different college."
brent glasco
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sul Ross State University is located in Alpine, Texas, a town in the vast expanse of West Texas. It's known for its remote desert setting.
The most common way to reach Alpine is by car, as it's situated on U.S. Highway 90. The nearest major airport is in Midland/Odessa (MAF), about a 3-hour drive away.
Public transportation options are very limited in Alpine due to its remote location. Having a personal vehicle is highly recommended for getting around.
The drive to Sul Ross is through scenic, open desert landscapes. It's a long stretch, so ensure your car is in good condition and you have plenty of fuel.
While the journey is remote, you'll pass through small towns and experience the unique beauty of the West Texas desert. Big Bend National Park is a significant attraction a few hours away.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, you do not need tickets to visit the campus grounds. However, specific events like sporting matches or rodeo competitions may require admission fees.
The campus is typically accessible during daylight hours. For specific building access or administrative offices, check the official Sul Ross State University website for their operating hours.
Yes, Sul Ross State University offers campus tours for prospective students. It's best to schedule these in advance through the admissions office.
The hike to the 'Y' sign is generally free and open to the public. It's a popular local spot for a short outdoor excursion.
Information on rodeo event tickets and schedules can usually be found on the Sul Ross State University athletics or rodeo program's official website.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Beyond academics, you can enjoy the scenic campus, hike to the 'Y' sign, and potentially catch a college rodeo event. The remote location offers a unique, quiet environment.
The views are a major highlight, with expansive desert vistas and the surrounding 'midget mountains.' The campus itself is situated to take advantage of these natural surroundings.
Yes, the surrounding area is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking the 'Y' sign is a popular activity, and the remote location offers a sense of wilderness.
Sul Ross is well-known for its strong college rodeo program, often referred to as the 'Home of College Rodeo.' It's a significant part of the university's identity.
Some reviews mention occasional issues with power, water, and internet outages. It's advisable to be prepared for these possibilities.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'Y' sign hike offers fantastic panoramic shots of Alpine and the desert. The campus itself provides beautiful backdrops with the mountains.
Landscape photography is very popular due to the stunning desert scenery. Capturing the rodeo events also offers dynamic action shots.
Sunrise and sunset offer dramatic lighting for landscape photos. Midday can be harsh, but the vastness of the landscape is still impressive.
Generally, casual photography for personal use is allowed. For commercial or professional shoots, it's best to check with university relations.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes. If you plan to photograph rodeo, a telephoto lens would be beneficial. Don't forget a tripod for low-light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🤠 Rodeo Enthusiasts
🏞️ Nature & Outdoor Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Isolation: Getting to and Around Alpine
Once in Alpine, getting around the town and to the university campus is relatively straightforward with a car. However, be prepared for the unique challenges of a remote community. Some student reviews highlight issues with essential services like power, water, and internet, which can be more frequent in isolated areas. While this might be a shock to some, it's part of the charm and reality of living in such a unique environment. Embrace the slower pace and the stunning natural surroundings that come with this isolation.
The Sul Ross Experience: Beyond Academics
Beyond the arena, the campus itself offers breathtaking views. Perched in the high desert, it provides panoramic vistas of the surrounding 'midget mountains' and the vast, open landscape. A popular activity for students and visitors alike is the hike up to the large 'Y' sign overlooking Alpine. This short, rewarding trek offers excellent photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate the unique beauty of the region. For those seeking a connection with nature, the remoteness also provides a sense of tranquility and an escape from the hustle and bustle of more populated areas.
However, it's important to be aware of the practicalities of living in such a location. As mentioned in some reviews, infrastructure can be a challenge, with occasional disruptions to power, water, and internet. This is a reality that students and residents adapt to. Despite these potential inconveniences, many find the unique environment, strong community, and specific academic programs, like the police academy, to be compelling reasons to choose Sul Ross.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit