Ian Bronson
Texas ranches bring the Wild West to life with wide-open spaces and a real cowboy vibe. These spots mix old-school traditions with today’s comforts, making them perfect for anyone wanting to experience Texas’s raw beauty and history. Check out these 10 ranches that truly stand out.
King Ranch
Dating back to 1853, King Ranch laid the groundwork for Texas’s sprawling cattle empire and remains a cornerstone of the state’s ranching history. One of the biggest and most important farms in the country, it covers 825,000 acres. Visitors can experience guided tours, spot native wildlife, and immerse themselves in enduring cowboy culture.
XIT Ranch
Once the largest ranch in the world, XIT Ranch’s vast lands played a unique role in Texas history—trading acreage to help finance the Texas Capitol building. At its peak, it required a team of 150 cowboys to manage daily operations. Today, cowboy artifacts and frontier stories are preserved and told at the XIT Museum.
Mayan Dude Ranch
Located in Bandera, famously known as the “Cowboy Capital of the World,” the Mayan Dude Ranch offers an authentic Western experience. Visitors can ride alongside modern-day cowboys, savor hearty ranch-style meals, and enjoy stunning hill country sunsets. Rustic cabins and daily horseback adventures ensure a genuine taste of Texas hospitality.
Cibolo Creek Ranch
Found within the Chihuahuan Desert, Cibolo Creek Ranch is a hidden gem that features striking adobe fortresses dating back to the 1850s. Established by Milton Faver, it has transformed into a luxury retreat that honors early Texan architecture. Its vast, tranquil terrains have also made it a favorite getaway for celebrities seeking privacy.
Wildcatter Ranch
In North Texas, Wildcatter Ranch provides a refined blend of cowboy tradition and upscale amenities. Guests can enjoy guided horseback rides through rolling hills, indulge in spa treatments, and experience ranch-style fine dining. Sunset rides along the Brazos River promise breathtaking views that linger long after the day ends.
Silver Spur Guest Ranch
Silver Spur Guest Ranch spans nearly 300 acres in Bandera, Texas. From children learning to ride horses to communal chuckwagon dinners and lively evenings of dancing under the stars, the ranch keeps Western traditions alive. The ranch also supports conservation efforts, maintaining native wildlife.
Lajitas Golf Resort And Spa
Situated near Big Bend National Park, this place combines world-class golfing with stunning desert scenery. Beyond recreation, the resort sits on historic grounds once used as a key trading post by Mexican and Texan settlers. Its Wild West-themed town features a saloon, a trading post, and a quirky local tradition—a goat mayor elected by residents.
Waggoner Ranch
Covering 535,000 acres, Waggoner Ranch carries a proud legacy in Texas cattle ranching. This still-operational ranch excels in horse breeding and wildlife conservation, integrating the state’s heritage through careful land stewardship. Its commitment to protecting native grasslands helps maintain a balanced and thriving ecosystem.
6666 Ranch (Four Sixes Ranch)
Established in 1870, 6666 Ranch has earned fame for its elite horse breeding and cattle operations. The ranch’s legendary story includes founder Samuel Burk Burnett acquiring the property in a poker game, cementing its place in Texas lore. Its striking terrain has made it a popular filming location, notably featured in the television series “Yellowstone.”
Dixie Dude Ranch
Operating since 1901, this working ranch in Bandera provides an authentic cowboy experience. Guests can stay in rustic cabins and enjoy horseback riding, fishing, hiking, and even hayrides. The ranch preserves Texas’s rich ranching heritage while providing a welcoming retreat.
