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Rancho Cortez

5.0 (2 reviews)

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Rancho Cortez

Rancho Cortez

4.6(62 reviews)
0.0 mi

Before I even set foot in Texas, Rancho Cortez had already won my heart with their warm and helpful…read moreemails. As a solo traveler visiting the USA for the first time, I had a million questions -- and they patiently answered every single one. By the time I drove up their long, dusty road and caught sight of the charming ranch buildings and heard my first distant neigh, a wave of peace washed over me. I knew I had found something special. My warm welcome included a map to my cabin... which I promptly misread (I have many talents, but navigation is *not* one of them). Thankfully, the wonderful Lisa appeared like a real-life cowboy guardian angel and personally guided me to my cozy cabin. First impression? Spotless. Cool. Authentically Texan. I actually said "wow" out loud -- to no one -- like I was in a commercial. As a true animal lover, I was thrilled to see how well the horses were treated. Guests are encouraged to help groom them, and the wranglers always explain *why* certain things are done -- it's all about respect and care. Whether you're a total beginner or basically Clint Eastwood, they tailor the experience to *you*. Now meet the dream team: Travis, Dawn, Trey, and Cora. Travis and Dawn are the talkers, the entertainers -- always in for a laugh, teasing and challenging each other like true cowboy siblings. Their banter is pure gold, and somehow still leaves space for heartfelt guidance and genuine connection. Trey? He's the quiet cowboy with that dry, perfectly timed humor. When he speaks, you listen -- and when he drops a one-liner, it *lands*. He's got that silent strength vibe going on, and it works. Cora, with her calm and grounding energy, is the soul of serenity. When things get rowdy (and they do), she's the one who gently reins it all in -- the horses love her, and so do the guests. Her presence is like a deep exhale after a long ride. The wranglers feel like a tight-knit family, and you quickly feel part of it. Meals are homey, healthy, and announced by a big ol' bell you'll hear all over the ranch. You'll come running like one of the horses when you hear it. There's always water, coffee, tea, and refreshing drinks during meals, plus your cabin comes with a mini fridge for your own snacks. (The nearest supermarket is about 20 minutes away, but honestly, you won't want to leave.) Between the twice-daily rides, you'll learn to rope like a cowboy, roast smores by the fire, meet the longhorns on a hay ride, or just float in the pristine pool with the sun on your face. My personal favorite spot? A hammock near the dining hall, country music in my ears, goats chilling behind me -- pure bliss. Special shoutout to Miss Katie for the extra riding lessons (worth every penny). The trails are walk-only for safety and horse care, but even as an experienced rider, I never felt bored. They even arranged a more challenging ride when things were quiet -- and let me tell you, there's nothing like the sound of hooves and the warm wind in your ears to remind you you're *alive*. I originally booked one night... I stayed four. The only downside of Rancho Cortez is having to leave. To anyone reading this: whether you're looking for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure or a peaceful place to recharge -- book it. Go. Make memories. Laugh at yourself. Ride a horse. Roast a marshmallow. And let your heart be hugged by the spirit of this magical ranch. Thank you, Rancho Cortez. You deserve every star in the Texas sky. Wendy from Belgium

Very friendly staff! Great experience. Was everything that we expected for a half day trip to the…read moreranch.

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Rancho Cortez - So much fun!

So much fun!

Rancho Cortez
Rancho Cortez - So pretty

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So pretty

Elm Creek Stables - #Truth when in Texas. :)

Elm Creek Stables

4.4(12 reviews)
34.5 mi

$30 for each regular rider, and $15 for those that are too young to ride alone. Book ahead during…read morethe summer months because they fill up fast! These stables are right up the road from my parents house, and we have always driven past them as we go into Concan/Leaky. We finally decided to book a ride with Elm Creek Stables and are happy that we did! They made sign-in very easy, the ride started on time, the horses were well behaved and nicely groomed, and our guides were very sweet. The gentleman leading the ride stopped along the way to pickup old horseshoes and let my little kiddos keep them as souvenirs. They were so excited. The ride itself gives very beautiful views of the valley, and they have added cute faces to trees and signs along the trail to give it that "touristy trail ride" feel. After the ride ended, the kiddos got popsicles and we walked around and took a look at the other animals. They had a newborn miniature pony, a pig, a blind axis deer, bunnies, and many many horses. We will definitely be back again in the future.

This place is really great. When we first called for information, the woman on the phone was very…read morehelpful. My boyfriend and I were able to come a little early, so the guides could take us on a more advanced ride at a higher elevation. Morgan and Allison were great guides considering how young they are (14 and 15). They easily navigated a beautiful path that they hadn't gone on in about a month. The views were gorgeous, and much of the trail was shaded. The horses were calm, but definitely have their own distinct personality. The ride was about 90 minutes long, and very affordable for the 2 of us. Overall, we were pretty lucky we got to go on such a beautiful ride with just the 4 of us--a very memorable experience. I look forward to visiting Elm Creek again on our next family vacation to the Frio.

Photos
Elm Creek Stables
Elm Creek Stables
Elm Creek Stables - Some really pretty views from the hills.

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Some really pretty views from the hills.

Stricker Trail  Rides - Fun day.

Stricker Trail Rides

4.8(15 reviews)
24.1 mi

Its been nearly 6 months since I last got a chance to stop on by sticker trails due to my tight…read moreschedule and to this very day I still think back to what an incredible experience it was. The horses were very tame, gentle, and accommodating to the riders comfortability and experience. Both gentlemen directing the trail ride added to the experience with their down to earth and personable approach throughout, establishing a welcoming environment for each and every person attending. I cant say enough about this hidden gem, its something everyone should experience themselves to get the full aura of

This was a great trail ride. One hour is perfect if you haven't been on a horse in a while. We…read morehad a wonderful time however, the only reason why I don't give it 5 stars is only for my own vain reasons. 1) It would have been nice to be able to get a photo of my wife and I together. Or at least to stop somewhere and get a photo either with us on horse back or holding the horse. 2) Also there are some beautiful areas as you climb the top of the hill. Lots of things to look at, deer trails and the view is beautiful. This would have been nice to have the small group (like we did at the fallen tree) gather at the top to get a few photos. 3) And speaking of vistas one side of the hill over looked an area with homes, some very beautiful homes, however I think, I don't know this for sure, but if we could have gone to the other side of the mountain if just a bit, I'm sure there would have been a beautiful untouched vista. Now I did enjoy the story by the tree but a few (just two maybe) more stops like that to tell about the work being done, the wild life, something and (with his accent and ability to tell a story) it would have been nice to have him gather the group (if more than two) and tell them a story of something historic or just a even a fable regarding that area. Now I can go on forever, but I would have thought a small outpost where riders could unmount and get a drink, feel like they were on a real trail ride. Would have been really cool. But that's not his fault, that's just wishful thinking on my part.

Photos
Stricker Trail  Rides - Seattle comes to Texas for Striker Trails

Seattle comes to Texas for Striker Trails

Stricker Trail  Rides - Two separate photos would have been nice to have one of us both

Two separate photos would have been nice to have one of us both

Stricker Trail  Rides - Some of the horses before the ride

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Some of the horses before the ride

Rancho Cortez - horsebackriding - Updated May 2026

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