Dude Ranches in the Texas Hill Country You Should Visit
If you are the type of traveler who appreciates “experiences” instead of “tourist attractions,” you need to add a Texas dude ranch to your travel bucket list. Although dude ranches often include traditional activities such as guided horseback riding, hay wagon rides, roping lessons, longhorn cattle sightings, and cowboy songs, a modern ranch offers much more.
When you visit ranches in the Texas Hill Country, expect to experience trail rides followed by a long soak in a hot tub. A morning skeet shooting can be followed by meeting with clients at the ranch’s business and conference center. And as your children enjoy a petting corral, you can enjoy a morning yoga class.
Here are a few dude ranches in Western Texas Hill Country that offer authentic cattle ranch experiences that come with family-style meals and lasso lessons while at the same time offering luxury accommodations for a discriminating guest.
Texas Ranches the Entire Family Will Enjoy
Whether you are looking for a working ranch, an outdoor spa, or a property with a spacious lodge for family gatherings, here are some to consider.
Dixie Dude Ranch
Dixie Dude Ranch is one of the oldest dude ranches in the Cowboy Capital of the World. Besides enjoying two horseback rides each day, families can enjoy hayrides, catch-and-release fishing, and other activities associated with cowboy life. Also, make sure you check out their on-site range war cemetery.
Hill Country Equestrian Lodge
Hill Country Equestrian Lodge also offers horseback riding vacations that the whole family can enjoy. Although horseback riding is undoubtedly the focus of this lodge, this guest ranch also appeals to nature lovers looking for a retreat from the city. While some in your party enjoy riding lessons, you can spend the day mountain biking, bird watching, or lazing by the swimming pool.
Mayan Dude Ranch
Visit the world-famous Hicks Family at the Mayan Dude Ranch. This family-owned 348-acre property stretches along the lowlands of the Medina River and offers beautiful sites, a cowboy breakfast every morning, and western entertainment each night. So, buy a new pair of cowboy boots and book your stay at the Mayan Ranch today.
Rancho Cortez
Are you looking for a cowboy fitness farm that offers extended stays? Destress your body while you eat right and get plenty of exercise by purchasing a program with Rancho Cortez.
Flying L Guest Ranch
Flying L Ranch Resort and Conference Center is perfect for family reunions, weddings, and conferences. There is also an 18-hole golf course on site.
Twin Elm Guest Ranch
If you are searching for “guest ranch Bandera,” look no further than Twin Elm Ranch. This western-style resort offers rustic cabins for rent, or you can also purchase space in their RV resort. Besides enjoying horseback riding across the Texas Hill Country, visitors can also go fossil hunting along the various hiking trails or experience an old-fashioned hayride.
Live Like You Are Always on Vacation
Do you want an authentic ranch experience every day of your life? While many of these guest ranches may cause you to feel like you were living in a western movie, why not purchase a property in the Texas Hill Country that makes you feel like you are always on vacation in the old west?
Round Mountain Reserve
Round Mountain Reserve offers natural living in the Texas Hill Country. This is the perfect setting for those who are ready to escape city living. Imagine being able to put on your cowboy hat each morning as you go on a private horseback ride on local nature trails. Think how much your kids and grandkids will love river swimming and spotting the abundant wildlife while playing outside. This could be your life.