Get a taste of the real West at Running-R Ranch in the heart of Texas Hill Country. At Running-R Ranch, you'll find an intimacy that's intentional. 

In Depth

Step back in time at this authentic Western guest ranch in Texas Hill Country, an area famous for it's ranches. At the Running-R Guest Ranch, families, groups and singles come to ride horses and enjoy the great outdoors. Running-R Ranch boasts Quarter Horses, Paints and Appaloosas to Mustangs and Thoroughbreds fit any level of rider, whether you're a beginner or expert. There are even ponies for kids.

Ride two hours a day as standard, and it’s your choice as to whether you take those hours as two one-hour rides on the ranch property or a two hour ride into the adjoining 5,500 acre State Park. If you’re here to see as much of the countryside as possible, saddle up with us for a four or five-hour ride one day. Take lunch with you on the trail and get to experience once in a lifetime views. Trail rides are organized each morning, so you are put with other riders who match your skill level. 

Experienced riders from all backgrounds will love the challenge of trails that wind up hillsides and through creek beds. Have fun loping your horses on long stretches of open countryside in the state park, or negotiating your way around rocky outcrops and tree-lined trails.

Aside from daily cattle drives done on the ranch, enjoy three special weekend long cattle drives each year. Learn cattle sorting and cattle penning at the ranch.

Activities

Horseback Riding Lessons, Cattle Drives, Bring Your Own Horse, Golf (Nearby), Ping Pong Table, Pond, Pool Table, Swimming Pool, Barbeque Cookouts, Birdwatching, Breakfast Ride, Country Dancing, Ghost Town (Nearby), Golf (Nearby), Hiking, Horseback Riding, Horseshoes, Local Sightseeing,  Mountain Biking, Nature Hikes, Rifle Range, River Fishing, River Tubing, Rodeo (Nearby), Skeet Shooting, Structured Riding Lessons, Trail Riding, Wildlife Viewing.

Accommodations

Stay in one of fourteen western-style cabins outfitted with handmade cedar post furniture, wood floors and intricately patterned Indian throw rugs. Each cabin sleeps between two and six people and are air conditioned, heated and have spotlessly clean bathrooms. They also each have a seating area, refrigerator and a view that’s hard to beat. You'll be provided wtih towels and linens for the duration of your stay and there are large swimming pool towels for your convenience should you want to take a dip.

Food

The main lodge building is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Coffee is brewed early for those early risers, so you can enjoy a cup on the long front porch, sitting in a rocking chair quietly watching the day begin. Lemonade, tea and water are also available and there's a bar area where you can sit and enjoy them. The Running-R does not liquor license, but guests may bring their own and there's an ice machine available for your convenience.

Breakfast and lunch are buffet-style and are as varied as the state of Texas, including fresh produce. Food is homemade at the ranch with breakfasts including bacon, sausage, eggs, cereal and toast, and perhaps pancakes with blueberries, fresh fruit, hash browns, breakfast tacos or a still-warm muffin.

Lunch may include something like pot roast, meatloaf, pork ribs and grilled fish. In the evening, guests are free to explore the variety of nearby Bandera's dining options, like Mexican food, gourmet seafood and mouthwatering BBQ.

Area Attractions

Bandera, the “Cowboy Capital of the World”, hosts two rodeos a week during the summer, not to mention the PRCA rodeo on Memorial Day weekend. If you're bringing children, let them enter the calf scramble and try to win a prize. There are many golf courses within easy driving distance, with one of the best being only ten minutes away. Also nearby is the Bandera Gun Club. For fisherman, there's a seasonal stock tank on the ranch or you can head to the the State Park or Medina River. If you drive just 40 minutes you can be at Medina Lake and occupy yourself for an afternoon.

Two outfitters in town offer tubing and kayaking. Other attractions include the historic Riverwalk in San Antonio and the Alamo tour is almost a must when you visit Texas. Sea World and Fiesta Texas (Theme Park) are just one hour away and other options for a fun afternoon include water parks, caverns and great shopping, both in historic towns like Fredericksberg or modern outlets in San Marcos.