The Top 12 Dude Ranch Texas to Explore

A dude ranch is more or less a place of accommodation where you can enjoy a vacation with some fantastic lodging options. It is prevalent among tourists, as you can experience various enjoyable activities.

In this article, we will explore the top 12 best dude ranch in Texas by discussing what services they provide, the quality of the accommodation, and the overall experience of the stay.

What is a Dude Ranch Texas? 

Dude ranches administer us with various top-notch facilities and accommodations. Starting from excellent hospitality and mind-blowing scenery, all the way to horseback rides and authentic ranch-style cuisine.

The ideal Western retreat to unwind, relax, and just put the cares of daily life on hold is a Texas dude ranch.

These ranches offer many outdoor adventures like hiking, mountain biking, and much more. As you can guess, you can have the best time of your life if you check in here. Let’s now evaluate the list of the best dude ranch in Texas in detail.

Top 12 Best Dude Ranch Texas

Although there aren’t many ranches and cowboys anywhere in Texas, there are guest ranches and dude ranches where tourists can experience the cowboy way of life.

The majority of the ranches on the list are in Bandera, which is known as the “Cowboy Capital of Texas.” Get your cowboy hat on and plan your next getaway to one of these great dude ranches in Texas.

1. Twin Elm Guest Ranch, Bandera

One of the oldest dude ranches in Bandera, Texas, is the Twin Elm guest ranch. Several world champion rodeo athletes call it home.

For family vacations, youth group retreats, business conferences, family reunions, and private events, Twin Elm Ranch in Texas offers a picturesque setting. The dazzling swimming pool and basketball, horseshoe, and volleyball courts are available for guests to use throughout the ranch. 

You can find it over the place’s highest peaks, situated three miles from downtown Bandera. There are the facilities of a swimming pool, fishing, rooms, cabins, fossil hunting, campfires, horseback rides, hiking, primitive camping, and many more things you can find right onsite.

With no telephones or T.V. present inside the rooms, you can have a long leisurely time without any disturbance.

It provides some great activities, and this resort is the best option for a wholesome family trip, which will give you an authentic ranch experience in the Texas Hill country.

2. Dixie Dude Ranch 

Spread across 725 acres and operating since 1901 for over 75 years, Dixie dude ranch is a working ranch in Texas. They still raise goats and cattle and, to this day, are one of the most visited dude ranches in Texas.

Some of the cabins, which were constructed in the 1940s and 1950s, have a touch of vintage beauty. You can reserve additional cottages, lodge rooms, and a bunkhouse with two stories.

Vacationing in this resort has been a popular tradition for many years, and its horseback riding deserves special mention, as this ranch’s cowboys compete in rodeo events.

Besides, you can enjoy various comfortable accommodations, mouth-watering meals, as well as comfortable lodging. Apart from these, it provides excellent hospitality, as swimming pool facilities and hiking are offered here too.

If you are looking for a place to relax and unwind from all your stress, you must book this holiday centre as soon as possible. Additionally, the hot tub is open throughout the year.

Of course, there are other things to do at this location besides lounge by the pool. Hayrides, ping pong, horseshoes, and more are available in addition to hiking, horseback riding, and fishing. In actuality, three meals and two horseback rides are included in the day cost at Dixie Dude Ranch.

3. West 1077 Guest Ranch, Bandera 

Like the other ranches on this list, the West 1077 Guest Ranch, one hour’s drive from San Antonio is not a typical example of a Dude Ranch in Texas. It is not big, but it ranks top on the list of a dude ranch

This expansive ranch is located on the site of a former cattle ranch that still has a lot of the character and straightforward ways of life from that era.

At West 1077, visitors can anticipate a more laid-back ambiance with a focus on tranquilly, relaxation, and stunning landscape. There will still be a tonne for visitors to see and do, such as hiking, mountain biking, seeing animals, and riding horses.

The lodge at the ranch, which has recently been rebuilt, offers a pool table, a fireplace, and many TVs.

Texas. Its environment is refreshing, and its small size gives it a unique feel. Along with horseback rides and swimming pools, the ranch also offers mountain bike rides.

You can directly access Hill Country State Natural Area from this ranch, which helps you comfortably explore the places for hiking, also available onsite.

4. Mayan Dude Ranch 

Mayan Ranch is a world-famous dude ranch in Texas and is perfect for families. It is also situated in Bandera, Texas, surrounded by the famous Medina River.

The Hicks family has been the owner and operator of this enormous 348-acre guy ranch for more than 50 years. From the lowlands of the Medina River to the hills above the valley, picturesque trails wind around the entire property.

There are plenty of cowboy and cowgirl activities, friendly western hospitality, and thrilling adventures waiting around every turn for visitors to discover. The charming, rustic-styled accommodations, three hearty meals daily, use of the tennis courts, and two daily horseback rides are all provided for guests.

It ranks top in the best dude ranch Texas list and offers incredible activities like fifty-minute horseback rides, tubing, swimming, and fishing in the Medina River. Delicious meals are available at a reasonable cost, and lodging options vary from cottages to single rooms.

You’re bound to get hungry after all that frolicking. So three cowboy-worthy meals, including Tex-Mex and BBQ, are also included throughout your stay.

5. Rancho Cortez 

Want to live your dreams and go for a fitness vacation in Texas? The legacy awaits you at the Rancho Cortez in Bandera. One of the best dude ranches in Texas is Rancho Cortez, well-known for its onsite gym and fitness camp.

This is a family-owned dude ranch, where the miles of trails are just at your fingertips.

Apart from fitness, this dude ranch also serves spa and pool facilities. Spending a vacation here will be worth remembering for you, as it is also regarded as one of the best attractions of San Antonio city.

Another distinctive feature of Rancho Cortez is that it provides two-week exercise programs for people looking to improve their health and fitness. We’re not sure about you, but participating in a cowboy boot camp, an obstacle course, and horseback riding sounds a lot more exciting than going to your typical gym class.

Rancho Cortez is a fantastic dude ranch resort in Bandera, whether your goal is to become healthy or simply to unwind.

6. Flying L Ranch Resort 

Another wonderful ranch in the best dude ranch Texas list is the Flying L Ranch resort. This family-friendly dude ranch in the Hill Country provides its visitors with Western entertainment. It is a family-run dude ranch situated outside of San Antonio

This establishment, which was established in 1947 and is one of the more reasonably priced choices on this list, has entertained notable visitors like John Wayne and Willie Nelson.

You must absolutely reserve a chuck wagon meal and show here, which includes an extravagant barbecue feast, live country music, and dancing if you want to immerse yourself completely in the Western experience. Don’t worry if all you want is a quiet supper; their restaurant, Branding Iron Bar and Grill, has you covered there as well.

It provides all the top-notch amenities, and it is also comprised of horses and hayrides. The 18-hole golf course and a water park make it different from all other dude ranches in the state.

It also administers stunning scenes, with hills and trees surrounding it. You can have a lovely time at the end of the day, with a delicious dinner and a roaring campfire.

In addition to eating, Flying L offers activities including putt-putt golf, creekside fishing, wagon rides, and more.

7. Hill Country Equestrian Lodge 

If you are a horse lover or a horse rider, you must opt for Hill country equestrian lodge in Bandera. Hill Country Equestrian Lodge provides visitors with the best opportunities for horseback riding and wildlife excursions.

For visitors to unwind, this Texas Hill Country ranch offers a private, tranquil setting that is surrounded by wide-open spaces and breathtaking views. Miles of pathways wind through 6000 gorgeous acres of wildflowers, yucca, and live oaks at the Hill Country Equestrian Lodge, where rabbits, wild turkeys, deer, and other wildlife graze freely.

The ranch stands out from many of its rivals thanks to its opulent and genuine lodgings, educational and engaging horseback riding activities, and attentive service. 

It accommodates other activities too, but horse riding in this place deserves special mention. This ranch focuses on horse and rider relations and provides excellent riding lessons.

Many camps and clinics come here in the summertime, as various wildlife also circle this area. But if you are not a horse lover or want to do something else, hiking and spa services are also available there.

Additionally, the lodge offers spa treatments like facials, massages, pedicures, and manicures.

8. Silver Spur Guest Ranch 

If you go to the silver spur guest ranch, your trip will be full of adventure.

Being one of the best dude ranches in Texas, you will be mesmerized by this place’s spectacular views and will be thrilled by the dazzling sunset.

Horseback rides and hiking are standard, but you can also dig in the fossil pit to find fossils. Live entertainment is also offered to the guests via music and cowboy demos. You can even learn two or three dance steps yourself.

Your holiday trip will be undoubtedly remarkable if you opt for the silver spur guest ranch in Bandera.

9. Y.O. Ranch Headquarters in Mountain Home 

In Kerrville, Texas, Y.O. Ranch is a guest ranch that provides charming lodging and genuine Old West hospitality. The Y.O. Ranch headquarters is also one of the oldest dude ranches in Texas.

You can enjoy three meals every day, and you will be immersed in dazzling wildlife and experience their famous giraffes and other amazing animals.

The 190 guest rooms at the ranch are roomy, non-smoking, and cozy. They have flat-screen TVs, private bathrooms, private patios or balconies, Mexican Saltillo tile flooring, and free WiFi.

The Branding Iron Restaurant and Elm Waterhole are two of the ranch’s dining and entertainment options. The Elm Waterhole is a beautiful bar where patrons may unwind with a craft drink, watch sports on television, or play pool.

The ranch offers many chances for outdoor entertainment to its visitors, including horseback riding, sport clay shooting, golfing, ranching, and hunting.

The ranch also offers weddings, tours, and family retreats. You can have a leisurely time and enjoy the scenic beauty of Hill Country.

Besides, horse riding is an everyday affair in almost every ranch. With all these accommodations, this dude ranch also renders genuine hospitality.

10. Prude Ranch, Fort Davis 

Rooted over 100 years ago, the Prude Ranch, Fort Davis is also considered one of the best dude ranches in Texas. With mind-blowing mountain surroundings, you can enjoy horse rides and can have the experience of a true cowboy.

Historic Prude Ranch mixes the best of the Old West wilderness with contemporary conveniences for an amazing Western getaway. Since more than 80 years ago, this ranch has served as both a functioning cattle ranch and a guest ranch.

Numerous year-round events are held at the ranch, such as the annual Texas Star Party, family reunions, vacations, corporate retreats, and outdoor education programs.

This ranch provides all you need for a fun-filled Texas vacation, including an indoor pool, basketball and tennis facilities, lovely riding and hiking paths, and a sizable open-air pavilion.

The ranch is another example of spending a holiday trip with a whole family. Hiking, campfires, and other group activities are present there too. Besides, you can have a satisfying buffet meal at the end of the day.

11. Wildcatter Ranch in Graham 

The Wildcatter Ranch in Graham also ranks among the best dude ranch in Texas. Situated at a distance of one hour and thirty minutes from DFW International Airport, this dude ranch is right in the middle of the North Texas Hill Country.

The fresh air and greenery all around will mesmerize you. There are some top-notch western accommodations, along with local Texas cowboys, who will guide you on how to ride a horse.

Why not reserve one of the king cabin suites for something a little more intimate? The Homestead is a lovely, roomy alternative for something cozy and a little more family-friendly.

You’ll probably be outside taking advantage of one of Wildcatter Ranch’s exhilarating events when you’re not in your accommodation. You and your vacation partners won’t be bored here thanks to tomahawk throwing, jeep tours, and sunset trail rides. Additionally, the on-site steakhouse’s robust Texan fare ensures that you won’t go hungry.

Additionally, it also offers bookings for conferences, weddings, and romantic gateways. Book this ranch now to have a remarkable experience in Texas.

12. Cibolo Creek Ranch 

One of the oldest ranches and ranked top in the best dude ranch in Texas is the Cibolo Creek Ranch. The ranch is a secluded haven with lovely views of the Chinati Mountains.

Here, you will solely get the feeling of the 19th century, with all its antiques and historical artifacts coming together. Also, it administers some marvelous views of the wilderness, and high-quality rooms are also present there.

The five-star rooms and suites at this hotel are furnished with antiques, and they provide many unique facilities including wood-burning fireplaces and jacuzzi tubs. If you want something truly unique, you can also reserve one of the three old forts and haciendas.

The hotel is situated on 30,000 acres and offers accommodations in fort sites that have been restored historically. Your journey to this dude ranch in Texas will be worth it

You will find various activities, including wildlife photography, ATV rides, horseback rides, fishing, sporting clays, stargazing, shooting sports, hunting, and many more. It offers the chance to see Native American rock art, as well as the chance to check out the ranch’s on-site museum.

Bottom line: Dude Ranch Texas

Everyone loves vacationing in Dude Ranch Texas over the summers. Most ranches offer horse rides, landscapes, top-notch facilities, and good food.

Each ranch has its specialties, some ranches provide a hot tub facility under the stars, while many other top-listed dude ranches in Texas focus on showcasing the local customs.

Hopefully, this article helped inform your decision on the best dude ranch in Texas for you. After all, making a proper plan before going on your trip is necessary to make your journey worth remembering.

Book your trip now by evaluating the options, accommodations, and extra activities the dude ranch Texas offers. 

Make sure you consider when to book your stay when to visit, the cost of the ranch, and the meals it provides.

You are bound to have a phenomenal trip to dude ranch Texas if you do all these things, just remember to plan well or you will be left figuring out your plans in the scorching Texas heat. Happy vacationing!

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