Ranches

Withers Ranch is located deep in the Davis Mountains in far west Texas. Situated in northern Jeff Davis County and eleven miles from the highway on primitive roads, it is accessible only by four-wheel drive vehicles. The ranch offers an escape for those interested in swimming, hiking, birding and enjoying beautiful mountain country. The ranch has been in our family since 1972 and is dedicated to the protection and preservation of nature. Through a conservation easement, it is part of a 100,000 acre bioreserve under the stewardship of the Nature Conservancy that stretches from the slopes of Mt. Livermore to the mouth of Madera Canyon, downstream from the ranch. Come enjoy the magic of Madera Canyon, the music of the stream, western sunsets and storms, and create your own memories there.

Taken from the Spanish word for "wonder", Maravillas Ranch is nestled in the Del Norte mountain range just outside Marathon. Roam the arid Chihuahuan desert grasslands in your four-wheel drive vehicle, by foot or mountain bike in search of elk, mule deer, whitetail, aoudad, wild turkey and quail or climb among 5,500-foot mountain peaks scattered with juniper, pine, oak and agave for a dramatic view of the surrounding Big Bend region.

As Bee Cave Canyon comes into view at the end of the 10 mile drive on the northern edge of Big Bend National Park, you know you have arrived somewhere otherworldly. Chalk Draw is akin to a resort in the middle of the desert. The pool, manicured lawns, and garden are unlike anything you could have expected to find 60 miles from the nearest town. The Santiago Mountains surround you for adventurous exploration, and then as the sun sets and the stars begin to shine, head up to the rooftop deck for an unparalleled view.

“The new wild is where people and nature thrive together.” These eloquent words perfectly express the Chandler family’s philosophy of the ranch. The vision of making their home a place for guests to enjoy natural beauty and, at the same time, taking care of that beauty was always behind the creation of the guest ranch business. Independence Creek runs clear and steady through the West Texas desert, directly in front of Chandler Ranch headquarters and into the limestone cliffs that form the Pecos River. Escape to the clear cool waters that converge on Chandler Ranch and enjoy swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and exploring.

Nestled under the rimrock just outside Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Middle Creek Ranch invites visitors to an authentic Rocky Mountain experience. A family-owned, working ranch spanning 10,000 acres, Middle Creek beckons you to rest, play, and take in the extraordinary mountain air. Enjoy unbelievable views while horseback riding, fly-fishing or cross-country skiing, or let our expert guides design a custom adventure for you. Guided ATV rides, sporting clays, a shooting and archery range, as well as the kid favorite paintball field are some of the activities you can choose from. When you’re ready to relax, the hot tub on our sun deck is ready. Savor one-of-a-kind meals from a private chef, and say goodnight in cabins that are as rustic as the Colorado countryside.

A ranch experience and venue like no other, Rocker B offers activities for everyone while surrounded by the scenic Palo Pinto Mountains. A swimming pool with 50-foot water slide, landscaped waterfall, and shallow play area is the perfect entertainment for all ages. The indoor arena with a turfed baseball field offers endless weatherproof opportunities as well as a flexible event space. Three baseball fields, practice field, tennis and basketball court, driving range, fishing lake, workout facility, and spa insure that there's an activity for every member of your group. The 2,500 square foot Clubhouse and Dugout offer the opportunity to kick back and relax after a full day of fun as well as offering plenty of space to enjoy meals and downtime together.

The ranch lies on the western edge of the Hill Country among the limestone cliffs, spring-fed waters of the South Llano River and magical Blue Hole. The ranch terrain ranges from river bottom to rolling hills covered with live oak and shin oak groves, lacey and chinquapin oaks, persimmon, cedar brakes, the occasional redbud, Texas sophora and elm trees. The Golden-cheeked Warbler, a small songbird that only nests in Texas, has been spotted on the ranch, as has the Black-capped Vireo.

For thousands of years, people have been drawn to the shade and cool waters of the Devils River. In just a few days at Hudspeth, guests can paddle and swim from pool to pool, stopping for a picnic on the shaded bank. If your stay is timed just right, catch a glimpse of bright orange fall colors from more than just the changing leaves, as thousands of Monarch butterflies stop along their migration route from Canada to central Mexico. Hike to one of several mountain peaks and search for bald and golden eagles above or white-tailed deer, quail, turkey, javelina and aoudad sheep in the canyons below. Mountain bike the 10-mile loop through Cedar Canyon, cool off at one of the shallow river crossings, site in your firearm at the shooting range and end the day with a home-cooked meal at the ranch headquarters.

Between the southwestern edge of the rolling hills and live oak savannahs of the Hill Country and the mesquite and cactus-covered South Texas Plains lies a vibrant ecosystem filled with Golden-cheeked Warblers, Black-capped Vireos, and multiple varieties of orioles, hummingbirds, butterflies, and charismatic mammals. Explore almost 2,000 acres on some of the rarest and most gentle horses in the US, Peruvian Pasos, take advantage of world-class bird and wildlife photography blinds or relax by the pool. Meals are prepared with ingredients from the ranch and cooked in both contemporary and traditional styles.

From trekking through an abandoned mining town to scouting for diverse wildlife, Ladder has an activity for everyone. Create your own journey and discover the depths of Ladder’s natural environment. Wandering creek canyons and endless mountain ranges await or take an unparalleled walk through history. Inhabited by humans dating back to prehistoric times, Ladder features ancient cultural heritage sites. Visit abandoned adobe ruins, pit houses, charcoal kilns and other encampments surrounded by beautiful scenery and diverse wildlife. Or if you're an active adventurer, explore the ranch hiking, mountain biking, fishing, kayaking, or on a bison roundup.

Ranch 2810 beckons you to the Marfa grasslands for an experience unlike any other we offer. Designed by renowned architect Carlos Jiménez, the house sits on a flat hilltop with 360 degree views of the Chihuahuan Desert. Two protected courtyards and a masterful use of glass connect the interior and exterior spaces and create an intimate cohesiveness with the landscape. Spectacular views abound and become new throughout the day with the changing light. You might almost forget you came to see Marfa.

A secluded 10,000-acre jewel tucked into California’s famed Santa Ynez Valley, Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort melds the spirit of the Old West with the seductive charms of today’s most relaxing resorts. Drive 30 minutes north of Santa Barbara and you’ll find Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort’s 50 miles of riding trails, 100-acre spring-fed lake, two 18-hole championship golf courses, tennis courts, pool, spa, western-themed accommodations, fine dining, and endless ways to unplug and unwind. Just minutes away from the Ranch are more than 75 renowned vineyards and wineries and the charming Danish village of Solvang. Whether it’s a romantic weekend getaway for two, a family reunion, or a corporate retreat, come discover the magic of Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort. This is far more than just a dude ranch. With a temperate climate year-round and ever-changing seasonal activities, any time of year is the perfect time to visit us.

This Costa Rican family-run cattle ranch is located in the mountains between Miravalles Volcano, Tenorio Volcano, and its extensive National Park. Hacienda Montezuma is entirely off-the-grid, and the water is sourced fresh from the mountain springs. The lake provides a tranquil spot for lazy afternoons, picnics and fishing. For those feeling more active, they can arrange fly fishing in the volcanic rivers, bird watching, trekking, rafting, a visit to the local town, and riding expeditions through pastures & the jungle. The 3700 acre Hacienda is dedicated to raising and breeding Brangus and Brahman cattle, with more than 1300 head. Visitors can join the “sabaneros”, or cowboys, while they herd and work the cattle.

Elephant Mountain Ranch is part of the Texas Hill Country River Region. With crystal clear rock bottom river beds like the Frio River in Concan and Leakey, TX this Nueces River ranch offers a secluded, private experience. The ranch is named for a baby elephant that escaped from and was returned to a circus traveling through nearby Montell in the early 20th century. Lipan Apache once roamed the Nueces Canyon, Franciscan monks and the U.S. military set up outposts and Charles Lindbergh made an unplanned stop nearby at the turn of the 20th century.

With snowcapped alpine tundra, 19 fishable lakes and over 550,000 stunning acres of picturesque lands, Vermejo is the jewel of northern New Mexico. Its diverse landscape is home to a wide variety of wildlife including elk, bison, black bears and mountain lions. Whether riding horseback through open fields, exploring turn-of-the-century charcoal kilns, or fly fishing for Rio Grande cutthroat trout, Vermejo has something for everyone.

This newly-constructed camp wedged between the Santiago Mountains and YE Mesa is about as beautiful and remote a place as you can find in the Big Bend and still have modern amenities. From your front porch, hit the trail to the top of the Mesa or venture out on more than 20,000 acres of open space.

The historic Yturria Ranch is located on approximately 14,000 acres of pristine South Texas ranch country in Willacy County and Kenedy County, approximately 29 miles north of the Valley International Airport in Harlingen and 6 miles north of Raymondville. The Yturria Ranch was founded in 1858 by Francisco Yturria, a South Texas pioneer, merchant, banker, railroad developer, and rancher. The Yturria Ranch has been under continuous family management for more than 160 years.

Set among the farms and ranches of southeast Texas, Rancho Pillow is a whimsical wonderland that has been a true artistic adventure for owner and designer, Sheila Youngblood. What began as a family compound in 2006 has become a heartfelt landscape that invites all of us into a deeper understanding of ourselves and each other. Poetic and playful, it's an idyllic shelter for Sheila's Latin American folk art finds, colorful architectural restorations, and collected curiosities from both worldly travels and years of hunting in her Round Top backyard.

Sky Lake Farm, just a five minute drive from the charming town of Round Top, is ideal for a small group retreat in the rolling hills between Austin and Houston. The main house, with high ceilings, a full kitchen, dining area, living room, porches and outdoor cooking area serves as the central gathering place with panoramic views of the rolling prairie. The main house has a master bedroom with a king bed and guest room with a queen bed. The newly-renovated 1890s dogtrot log house has two separate bedrooms. One of the bedrooms has a a queen bed and the other has two twin beds. Each bedroom has its own private sitting area, bathrooms with Kohler fixtures and freestanding iron bathtubs. Situated next to an ancient pecan tree, the party barn has a downstairs private sitting area with a gas log fireplace, room with two twin beds and a private bathroom. The upstairs entertainment room has a half kitchen, television and shuffle board. The two-story cottage has an entry sitting area with a private nook equipped with a small refrigerator, microwave and coffee station. The cottage hosts a queen bedroom and bathroom with Kohler fixtures and freestanding bathtub found throughout the farm's homes.

The Costilla Lodge is Vermejo’s hidden gem, located 45 minutes from the main lodge at 10,000 feet of elevation. While guests staying at Costilla Lodge have access to all of the fabulous inclusions and activities as those staying at the Main Lodge, the most sought after summer and winter adventures begin just outside the Costilla doorstep… With snowcapped alpine tundra, 19 fishable lakes and over 550,000 stunning acres of picturesque lands, Vermejo is the jewel of northern New Mexico. Its diverse landscape is home to a wide variety of wildlife including elk, bison, black bears and mountain lions. Whether riding horseback through open fields, exploring turn-of-the-century charcoal kilns, or fly fishing for Rio Grande cutthroat trout, Vermejo has something for everyone.

Located in the picturesque Cienega Mountains with elevations ranging from 4,000 to 7,000 feet, Cibolo Creek Ranch, named for the buffalo that once roamed the region, is one of the oldest ranches in Texas. Cienega Fort was constructed between 1855 and 1857 by the ranch's founder, Milton Faver, at the spring-fed source of Cienega Creek. The Cienega forts were the original headquarters to Faver's growing cattle enterprise., chosen for their location at the spring-fed source of Cibolo Creek. Efforts to restore the ranch's historic structures and native habitat began in the late 1980s. Under the auspices of the Texas Historical Commission, everything from the fort structures, landscaping to interior decor were renovated. Every aspect of the environment reflects features of Spanish and Mexican culture. Most of the modern conveniences are tastefully hidden from view so guests can truly feel that they’ve slipped back in time, but without forfeiting modern comforts. Through ongoing habitat restoration efforts, much of the 30,000 acre landscape has been returned to its pre-pioneer condition.

In a 2005 Big Sky Journal article, the author describes the setting of Green Valley Ranch best: “After a short drive off Montana Highway 2, the winding access road opens onto the homestead, where a caretaker’s cabin, guesthouse and main lodge encircle a small pond. In this sheltered meadow, it’s easy to see why the Green family settled here in the early 1900’s. The valley lies in the curve of the Flathead Range with Desert Mountain standing sentinel at 6,000 feet, cradling the collection of buildings protectively. From the hilltop above the lodge a person could look southwest and see right into Glacier National Park.” Green Valley Ranch was originally homesteaded by the George Green family when Glacier Park was newly created. The land was sold in 1947 and operated for fifty years as a dude ranch known as Desert Mountain Lodge. In 1999, the ranch was purchased and restored by the current owners – grandchildren of the original homesteading family. Today, five generations of the Green family ride and ski the logging trails, thin and replant the forest, and are securing the abundance and beauty of the area for future generations. Green Valley Ranch is their family’s treasure and legacy they now share with a select few.

A trip to HR-3 Ranch is a unique opportunity to experience life on a working cattle ranch. You can get out in the pastures and take a Grass Identification Tour or learn Cattle Handling after swimming in the pasture pool or hunting for arrowheads. The Alexanders are proud to be the third generation to ranch their family land. They are passionate about the job of raising beef that feeds their fellow Americans, and they are excited to share that experience with guests.

Located in the picturesque Cienega Mountains with elevations ranging from 4,000 to 7,000 feet, Cibolo Creek Ranch, named for the buffalo that once roamed the region, is one of the oldest ranches in Texas. The ranch is composed of rolling hills and rugged mountain peaks, with roads and trails throughout. Through ongoing habitat restoration efforts, much of the 30,000 acre landscape has been returned to its pre-pioneer condition.

It all began with a move from LA to Austin. Bobby and Gail went from the fast-paced high traffic, “cement” jungle life to a calming, serene, and nature-filled life. They had the extraordinary opportunity to buy 178 acres of raw land. Paired with a dream to create a wonderful place that provides a unique opportunity to nurture in nature, they began to build what you see today. They had the idea that more folks like them wanted to "nurture in nature", to recharge their physical and emotional batteries in a relaxed, beautiful, and caring environment. The Dubois are passionate about the land and the animals, being active, preparing and enjoying good food, and deeply wish to share that experience with others.