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Bandera, Texas · Horseback Riding & Longhorns

Ride a Horse and Feed Texas Longhorns Near Bandera

Bandera is the Cowboy Capital of the World, and it is about 15 minutes from Al's Hideaway. Compare three local ranches, then come home to a cabin in Pipe Creek.

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Saddle Up in the Cowboy Capital of the World

A man in a cowboy hat on a gray horse and a young girl in a riding helmet on a chestnut horse, ready for a trail ride in the Texas Hill Country

Bandera has been ranch country for generations, and today you can see it from the saddle. Whether you want a one-hour trail ride, a full day at a working dude ranch, or a chance to feed a Texas longhorn, there is an option a short drive from Al's Hideaway.

We are not affiliated with these ranches. They are local businesses we recommend, and each one sets its own prices, ages, and schedules, so check with them when you plan.

Three Places to Ride Near Bandera

Each one offers a different kind of ride.

Dude ranch & longhorns

Rancho Cortez Dude Ranch

A dude ranch in Bandera with daily trail rides, lasso lessons, pools, and a visit to feed the ranch's Texas longhorn cattle.

  • One-hour ride: $75 per person
  • Dude ranch day visit: $130 half day, $165 full day
  • Trail rides for ages 6 and up, arena rides for younger children

Call 830-796-9339. 872 Hay Hollar Rd, Bandera.

Horseback riding  |  Day visit
River, town & ranch rides

Bandera Historical Rides

Guided rides in three places: along the Medina River in Bandera, on their ranch one mile outside town, and at the Hill Country State Natural Area.

  • River Ride (1 hour) and Town Ride (2 hours), walk only
  • Ranch Ride where you can catch, groom, and saddle your horse
  • Hill Country State Natural Area rides for confident riders, ages 10 and up

Reserve through their website.

See day rides  |  Ranch activities
Sunset, river & specialty rides

Outlaw Outfitters

Guided rides from 1 to 6 hours across 5,400 acres of remote Hill Country near Bandera, open seven days a week from 7 AM to 7:30 PM. They can also bring a ride to your own ranch for a special event.

  • Sunset rides, river rides, and specialty rides
  • Call or text 830-688-2933
  • Leave your date, time, ride length, and number of riders
Outlaw Outfitters website

Prices and details come from each ranch's website and may change. Confirm before you go.

Two young girls sitting on a saddled Texas longhorn with very wide horns while a handler leads it at a Hill Country ranch

Meet the Texas Longhorns

Few animals say Texas like a longhorn, with horns that can span several feet. Two Bandera ranches let you get close to them.

Rancho Cortez includes a trip to visit and feed its longhorn cattle in the full-day dude ranch visit, along with trail rides, lasso lessons, pools, and hiking trails.

Bandera Historical Rides lists a Saturday ranch visit at 2 PM for families. You can meet the horses and longhorns, learn to throw a lasso, take a photo on a horse, and let little ones try pony rides. Reservations are online.

See the Rancho Cortez Day Visit

Which Ride Is Right for You?

A quick way to choose.

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First-Timers

Bandera Historical Rides' River and Town rides are walk only, and Rancho Cortez offers guided one-hour rides.

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Families With Young Kids

Rancho Cortez offers arena rides for children under 6, and the Bandera Historical Rides Saturday ranch visit includes pony rides for little ones.

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Experienced Riders

Longer rides at the Hill Country State Natural Area or a custom ride with Outlaw Outfitters.

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Sunset Views

Outlaw Outfitters and Bandera Historical Rides both list sunset rides.

How to Plan Your Ride

Three quick steps to build a weekend around it.

Pick Your Ranch

Choose a ride or ranch visit above, then book directly with them. Book ahead so you get your day and time.

Book Your Stay With Us

Reserve a cabin, RV site, or cowboy campsite at Al's Hideaway. Book 2+ nights and use code FUN to save 10%.

Ride, Then Relax

Head to Bandera for your ride, then come back to the pool, MeMaw's Country Store, and a campfire.

A Cowboy Weekend Near Bandera

An easy way to fill your trip.

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Morning: Trail Ride

Ride with one of the Bandera ranches above.

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Afternoon: Downtown Bandera

Lunch, saloons, and Old West charm. See our Bandera guide and rodeo season guide.

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Another Day: Animals in Pipe Creek

Try the Camel Farm, a private animal encounter, or Highland cows.

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Evening: Campfire & Dark Skies

Grab firewood at the store and watch the Milky Way with no city noise.

More to explore: the full Texas Hill Country guide, our cabins, and RV sites and camping.

Stay Where the Trip Really Happens

Al's Hideaway is a family-owned, pet-friendly retreat in Pipe Creek with no pet fees and no cleaning fees.

Log cabin exterior at Al's Hideaway in Pipe Creek, TX

13 Handcrafted Log Cabins

Real beds, A/C, and pets always free. See the cabins.

Full-hookup RV site at Al's Hideaway

RV Sites & Cowboy Campsites

10 full-hookup RV sites and 9 cowboy campsites. See RV & camping.

Swimming pool at Al's Hideaway

Pool, Store & 20 Acres

Cool off after your ride and stock up at MeMaw's Country Store.

Horseback Riding & Longhorn FAQ

Three well-known options are Rancho Cortez Dude Ranch, Bandera Historical Rides, and Outlaw Outfitters. Rancho Cortez offers trail rides and dude ranch day visits, Bandera Historical Rides offers river, town, ranch, and Hill Country State Natural Area rides, and Outlaw Outfitters offers sunset, river, and specialty rides.
Rancho Cortez lists a one-hour ride at $75 per person, and its dude ranch day visit at $130 for a half day or $165 for a full day per person. Bandera Historical Rides and Outlaw Outfitters do not list all their prices on the pages we reviewed, so check with them directly. Prices come from each ranch's website and can change, so confirm when you book.
It depends on the ranch. Rancho Cortez requires riders to be 6 or older for trail rides and offers arena rides for younger children. Bandera Historical Rides sets a minimum age of 10 for rides at the Hill Country State Natural Area and describes it as not recommended for first-time riders. Ask each ranch about age and experience requirements before you book.
Rancho Cortez Dude Ranch includes a visit to feed its Texas longhorn cattle as part of the full-day ranch visit. Bandera Historical Rides also lists a Saturday ranch visit at 2 PM where guests meet the horses and longhorns, try lasso throwing, and take photos, by online reservation.
Yes, plan ahead. Rancho Cortez takes bookings online or by phone at 830-796-9339. Bandera Historical Rides takes reservations through its website. Outlaw Outfitters asks you to call or text 830-688-2933 and leave a detailed message with your requested date, time, ride length, and number of riders.
Al's Hideaway is in Pipe Creek, about 15 minutes from Bandera, so you can ride in the morning and be back at your cabin, the pool, or your campfire in the afternoon.
Al's Hideaway offers 13 pet-friendly log cabins, 10 full-hookup RV sites, and 9 cowboy campsites in Pipe Creek. Book direct at staytexashillcountry.com and use promo code FUN for 10% off stays of 2 or more nights.

Ready for Your Bandera Cowboy Weekend?

Book your ride with a Bandera ranch, then book your cabin, RV site, or campsite at Al's Hideaway in Pipe Creek.

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