Hit the Trail at a Texas Dude Ranch
Everyone seems to be captivated by the Western lifestyle these days. We reckon that’s because of popular series such as “Yellowstone” and its spinoffs, the prize ponies in showrunner Taylor Sheridan’s stable of titles.
But why settle for fiction when the real deal is kicking up dust over yonder? Get a taste of Dutton life at any of the following Texas dude ranches, where even novice riders are welcome to saddle up and horse around.
Beaumont Ranch, Grandview
About an hour south of DFW, this working cattle ranch invites guests to mingle with longhorns, horses, llamas, goats, and more. The ranch is situated on the Chisolm Trail, so when you saddle up for a cattle drive, you’ll be yeehaw-ing on truly historic land. There’s also a zip line, ATV riding, and archery.
BlissWood Bed and Breakfast Ranch, Cat Spring
BlissWood is a working ranch covering about 350 acres, approximately an hour west of Houston. Romantic and serene, the property is surrounded by gorgeous meadows and lakes and is the perfect peaceful respite. Kick back in a cabin or glamp it up between exotic animal safaris spying lemurs, donkeys, and more.
Cibolo Creek Ranch, Marfa
Perched at the junction of mid-1800s charm and modern luxury, Cibolo Creek Ranch has everything busy bees need to unwind. Tap into your chakras with yoga at the foothills of the Chinati Mountains, soak up history at Cibolo’s pocket museums, and take in the stellar phenomenon known as the Marfa lights.
Dixie Dude Ranch, Bandera
Bandera, Texas, aka the “Cowboy Capital of the World,” is brimming with guest ranches that celebrate life on the range. One of them is Dixie Dude Ranch, set about an hour northwest of San Antonio. Operating for more than a century, the 725-acre working cattle ranch has packages including two daily horseback rides, catch-and-release fishing, campfire lounging, and home-cooked meals.
Flying L Ranch Resort & Golf Course, Bandera
Flying L is your destination for wagon rides and marshmallow roasts, creek-side fishing and live music. But despite the varied attractions, what really sets this ranch apart is its 18-hole championship golf course. ’Round here, it’s sports and games all day and all-you-can-handle fun all night.
Mayan Ranch, Bandera
Another Bandera location, Mayan Ranch is situated on 348 acres of Texas Hill Country. Ideal for beginners, this spot offers daily rides, tubing in the Medina River, and “horsepitality” until sundown.
Prude Ranch, Fort Davis
Calling all city slickers: Chill out in a modest bunkhouse, family cabin, or RV park and enjoy the grandeur of the Davis Mountains. In addition to the 1,300 acres for exploring, Prude Ranch offers scenic trails by horseback, buffet-style meals, and buckaroo rides for cowpokes 5 and younger.
Rancho Cortez, San Antonio
This ranch’s claim to fame is Mary Cortez’s two-week fitness program. Guests partake in hiking, water aerobics, yoga, Pilates, and more to reach their fitness goals. But if you’d rather “work on your tan” than work out, you can do that, too. All stays are elevated with hot tubbing, swimming, horseback riding, and more.
Sugar and Spice Ranch, Bandera
Though families of all ilk are welcome, Ms. Leigh’s horse ranch is especially dedicated to mothers and daughters. An ideal setting for bonding with friends of the human and equestrian kind, the ranch offers summer camps, weekend retreats, and women-only getaways, with horseback riding aplenty.
Wildcatter Ranch, Graham
Wildcatter provides an authentic Western experience akin to what you see on the small screen. Ride horses, throw lassoes, and drive cattle until dinnertime — but don’t worry, there’s no canned beans here. Instead, a grade-A steakhouse and stellar saloon serves up all the comfort favorites.
Be sure you look and sound the part with our guide on how to be a modern cowboy or cowgirl.
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