You can be a part of the Western Tradition that has produced seven world champion rodeo cowboys. There is a "Rootin' tootin' Cowboy" in all of us. We will help you fulfil those dreams.

Picturesque trails wander over 348 acres, from the lowlands of the Medina River, that horse shoes through the ranch, to high in the hills for a panoramic view of the valleys beyond.

We are located 47 miles NW of San Antonio, high in the beautiful Hill Country of Texas. You will find yourself in a wonderful world of fantastic western warmth and our own special brand of "Horsepitality." Hidden behind the western scene are up-to-date- facilities and amenities. The Mayan Ranch has been owned and operated by the Hicks family for over half a century. There are 53 of us, and we're still growing! Come be a part of this world famous family.

Horses and more
Folks come to The Mayan Ranch to ride our horses and that's great, but they soon find out that there is just as much fun to be had out of the saddle as in it.

World Famous Food -- How about a huge Texas-style steak cooked over a Mesquite fire? BBQ Brisket, pork, ribs, chicken and sausage? Smoked turkey? Cornish game hen? Incredible and unique salads of every description? We've got all that plus the best Mexican food in Southwest Texas.

Hayrides -- The Mayan Dude Ranch is a big ranch and we have our meals and activities "spread all over the spread." Don't worry, a hayride will take you to the Cowboy Breakfast, The Gazebo (our riverside eating area) and to Hicksville (our own little Western Town). Sometimes the hayride will just take you out under the beautiful Texas stars for the pure fun of it. Hey, there's a bonfire, let's stop for a sing-along!

Music and Dancing -- During the summertime, and sometimes during the off season, we put on shows: musicals, comedies -- just good fun entertainment. We also have musical groups and cowboy bands to play for you during your meal. Want to dance but don't know how? Don't worry. We'll teach you the Texas Two-Step, the Cotton-Eyed Joe, and a lot of modern line dance techniques.

Other Fun Stuff -- Swimming in our Texas-sized pool. Tubing down the Medina River. Fishing. Tennis. Basketball. Volleyball. Ping- Pong. And for you duffers there is Golf (not at the ranch itself, but we're only minutes away from a great course).

A word about the trailrides:
Our guests get two rides a day: one in the morning and one in the afternoon. They are all single file with a cowboy guide and last about 50 minutes. We allow no exceptions.

Texas law says we cannot put anyone in the saddle who weighs more than 240 lbs.

A typical day
Good morning, partners. Our ranch hands will wake you up with a cool glass of fresh orange juice and a hot cup of cowboy coffee. This service is daily unless you tell us the night before that you want to sleep in. Either choice is a great way to start the day!

Next you'll mosey on down to the corral for a trail ride or hayride to the Cowboy Breakfast cook-out where we'll have the biggest, best breakfast ever served on the trail. There'll be eggs by the dozens, hash browns, thick-sliced bacon, cowboy sausage, oven-fresh biscuits and even southern grits. The trail boss always has a special concoction you can wrap a tortilla around and enjoy. There'll be plenty of cowboy coffee and juices to wash it all down. Cowboy Breakfast is daily. Those preferring to eat in the dining room may do so until 10 a.m.

When you get back to the corral you can take a morning trail ride into the hills or down to the lush cool Medina riverside. Our guests get two trail rides daily -- one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Dude ranch riding is strictly single file at a walk -- the best way to see our Texas Hill Country scenery. Our cowboys are the real thing and will answer any questions you may have concerning riding, the ranch or just philosophy.

Lunch is served either poolside or in the dining room. The new Cowboy Dome Pavilion located right next to the pool invites you to enjoy a cool drink, listen to some good old Country-Western music or just get out of the sun and relax with new-found cowboy and cowgirl friends.

After lunch it's more horseback riding, swimming, joining in on the various contests, sunning, or snoozing. Or grab an inner tube and experience the peaceful tranquility of the Medina River.

Each night at The Mayan Dude Ranch has its own brand of fun and food from barbecues at the Riverside Gazebo -- tons of brisket and ribs or tenderloin -- to Texas-sized steak at Hicksville (our lttle western town). Sometimes we even dine in the dining room -- a cornucopia of Continental and Domestic cuisines with all the accoutremental salads and side dishes.

After a world-class dinner there will be entertainment. One night it might be a country dance, another night a play or musical in the dining room, or even a fireworks display!

Time to hit the Goodnight Trail to rest up for the next day's fun. You'll never sleep so well. Next thing you know it's morning again.

Rooms

• Individual western native rock cottages. One, two, or three bedrooms.
• Lodge rooms sit atop our highest areas with a beautiful view of Bandera and hills. One room with king-size bed adjoined by one room with two double beds.
• Tax plus 10% gratuity will be added to your bill. Add $20 per day for single occupancy.
• Children up to and including 12 years of age: Daily $80
• Children 13 years up to and including 17 years (accompanied by and adult): Daily $100
• Two Night Minimum

Due to all insurance company requirements, children under 6 years of age are not able to participate on the trailrides. However, we know how much the little one's want to sit in the saddle, so at scheduled times, our wranglers will put them up on a horse and lead them around the corral. Cribs are unavailable.

Rates are American Plan and include everything: your attractive room, three delicious meals each day's stay, two horseback rides daily, use of our tennis courts, plus all the activities listed on activity schedule. From June to Labor Day we do not ride on Sunday--the horses have the day off. A brunch is served Sunday morning and dinner Sunday evening. We honour all major credit cards.

A deposit of one full day's stay is required. The deposit is applied to your last reserved day. Thirty (30) days notice is needed for a deposit refund. A 10% penalty fee will be assessed for any cancellation. You will be charged for the number of days reserved.