Ranches

“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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sprawling across 360,000 acres in the heart of the crimson Chihuahuan desert, Armendaris embodies the very essence of southern New Mexico. This vast property is a true invitation to adventure, offering treks through semi-desert landscapes where you may encounter bison, pronghorn, and desert bighorn sheep. The ranch also provides exclusive access to the Jornada lava flow, home to one of the largest populations of Mexican free-tailed bats in the United States. At Armendaris, you are invited to curate your own experience from an array of transformative activities. Explore southern New Mexico’s abundant wildlife, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes. Witness the awe-inspiring evening exodus of over one million Mexican free-tailed bats, embark on open-air UTV rides through rugged mountain ranges, or take to the skies in a hot air balloon above serene semi-desert terrain. Each experience at Armendaris is designed to bring you closer to nature, allowing you to craft a unique adventure with your personal guides and enjoy everything this remarkable ranch has to offer.