From Sierra Blanca, the stage runs almost straight east. The route stays in the I-10 and old US 80 corridor, usually with long views across open West Texas country. Sierra Blanca Mountain sits behind the start; after that, the day is defined by low ridges, dry washes, fences, ranch entrances and long straight sections. The profile is easier than the previous day: gently rolling at first, then a short higher section at around 1,425 metres before the road drops toward Van Horn. There are hardly any settlements along the way, so water and wind direction matter. Van Horn does not arrive as a compact town centre, but as a desert road stop: railway, I-10, motels, fuel stations and the junction toward US 90 and Marfa.
