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Folks come to the Mayan Dude Ranch to ride our horses, but they soon find out that there is just as much fun to be had out of the saddle, as in it.
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Trailrides, Horseback Riding
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.
A word about the trailrides:
- Due to all insurance company requirements, children under six (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.
- Texas law says we cannot put anyone in the saddle who weighs more than 240 lbs.
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 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 cowboys 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.
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.
Texas-sized Swimming Pool
Bring your beach towel and sunscreen and cool off in our pool.
More Fun Stuff
Basketball
Tennis
Volleyball
Ping-Pong
Bingo Night
Giant Checkers
Shuffleboard
Cornhole
Dino Track Viewings with Jurassic Judy
Stargazing with astronomer Eddie of Star Party America
Fishing
Bonfire + Marshmallow Roasts
Fiestas
Horseshoes
Golf
(not at the ranch itself, but we're only minutes away from a great course).
2026 Activity Schedule: May 24th to August 16th
We have a strict 2-night minimum stay required. During the summer months, many of our guests choose to stay an entire week (Sunday to Sunday), which requires us to have a set weekly schedule from May 24thto August 16th. BEFORE May 24th and AFTER August 16th, 2026, these are some of the activities one can expect: Cowboy Breakfast cooked on the open range, horseback riding, hayride to see the wildlife, roping, fishing (bring your own fishing gear), hiking, fossil finding, treks to the dinosaur tracks with Jurassic Judy, country dancing, ping-pong, tennis, basketball, volleyball, swimming in our Texas-sized pool (not heated), BBQ cook-outs with live country music, Mexican Fiesta with a pinata bust for the children, and marshmallow roasts during our colder months (unless there is a burn ban).
All ACTIVITIES ARE SUBECT TO CHANGE.
Special reminders:
- During the summer months only (5/24 to 8/16), there are no horse rides, Cowboy Breakfast, or lunch on Sundays. Again, this is on Sunday only during the summer months.
- No special dietary accommodations. The Mayan Ranch is NOT equipped or staffed to make special dietary meals; please plan accordingly.
- Two-night minimum applies year-around.
- The Mayan Ranch has a strict No Pet Policy. (No pets allowed).
Horse rides:
All our rides are strictly single-file, at a walk, with a guide – no exceptions. We are geared for the novice/beginner. The Texas Bureau of Veterinary Public Health (Rules 169.81-169.89, 169.83) states that no horse may carry more than 20% of its own weight. Our biggest horses weigh in at about 1220 lbs. meaning they cannot carry over 240-244 lbs.Rider age: Minimum 6 years. Due to insurance policy, one must be able to physically mount without full assistance from an equine ranch hand.
Our Diamond Jubilee
Celebrating 75 years, where no-one is a stranger for long. We are one of the few dude ranches in the world that is still owned by descendants of our founding family. For over 7 decades, the Hicks Family has been an active leader in dude ranching, and this year, marks our Diamond Jubilee – 75 years! Learn why we are named this year’s “Best Heritage Guest Ranch” in the West. Horse-sense with the Ryanstone Cowboy, pics on a longhorn, and hayride before supper. Following supper, Kowgirl Kel’s” infamous Cowboy Bingo.
Mayan Magic
Tonight, we celebrate a magnificent 75-year ride as we celebrate the incredible journey of the Mayan Ranch. Ride with us as we unfold the magic and majesty of what makes the Mayan Ranch so special: the values of horses, hats, horsepitality, and heart. Celebrate our storied past through music, food, culture, legend, and Mayan lore. Following supper, be enchanted by magician/entertainer, Frank Greer, who will awe you with his magical prowess.
Mayan Mercado Night
Sisters, Shannon & Shea, join together to provide an evening of Western flair, food, and entertainment at Hicksville. See why the Mayan Ranch continues to be that special place where the past and present ride side-by-side, and where old and young alike can celebrate the enduring spirit of the American Cowboy. After supper, well-rounded, well-liked Walker Hicks will entertain in the saloon.
The Mayan's Got Talent
The Mayan’s Got Talent and that includes our talented guests. Before supper, world-champion trick-roper, Kevin Fitzpatrick, and our “Guest Talent Show,” which is about coming together as one big ranch family and making lasting memories that will be cherished for years to come. During your meal, the wonderful, witty Wade Lowrie will provide the music and ambiance. Following supper, “It’s Foam Time” for the children and Karaoke with “Brynntasic” for adults and teens.
Taco-bout a Party!
Fiesta like there’s no Manana! Mayanenchiladas, fajitas, sangría, Mariachi-music, piñata, ¡y mas! Happy Tails (Live Animal Entertainment) before supper. After supper, there’s no time for Siesta; we will continue into the evening with a hayride to see the ranch wildlife and “Mayan Memories” in the saloon with Wrangler, Tommy Duggan.
Ranch Country at Heart
Tonight, we celebrate Mayan Ranch Legacy and Cowboy Country at heart in the air & ambiance at Hicksville, in the food (our famous BBQ), in the people (the Hicks Family and our wonderful guests), in the music (Ricochet the D-Jay) and in the entertainment (Cowboy Olympics before supper & dance lessons with a D-Jay Dance after supper).
You are the Celebrities
Wonderful days have wonderful endings. Tonight, You Are the Celebrities as we dine, sing, dance, and celebrate 75 years of Mayan Ranch Heritage with a guest favorite meal and the Mayan Family’s floor show (70’s themed) after supper. We all come together in a spectacular way on this evening to make memories of a lifetime. And, as we have stated all week, you are the “DIAMOND” part of our “75-year” Jubilee.
Sunday Morning
A Texas-sized last Round-Up Brunch will be served from 7:45 to 10:30 a.m. inside the dining room featuring a variety of breads, fruit, eggs, bacon, sausage, and plenty of Mayan Ranch specialtie sthat only our cooks can prepare. Official check-out is 11:00 a.m.
Our Diamond Jubilee
Celebrating 75 years, where no-one is a stranger for long. We are one of the few dude ranches in the world that is still owned by descendants of our founding family. For over 7 decades, the Hicks Family has been an active leader in dude ranching, and this year, marks our Diamond Jubilee – 75 years! Learn why we are named this year’s “Best Heritage Guest Ranch” in the West. Horse-sense with the Ryanstone Cowboy, pics on a longhorn, and hayride before supper. Following supper, Kowgirl Kel’s” infamous Cowboy Bingo.
Mayan Magic
Tonight, we celebrate a magnificent 75-year ride as we celebrate the incredible journey of the Mayan Ranch. Ride with us as we unfold the magic and majesty of what makes the Mayan Ranch so special: the values of horses, hats, horsepitality, and heart. Celebrate our storied past through music, food, culture, legend, and Mayan lore. Following supper, be enchanted by magician/entertainer, Frank Greer, who will awe you with his magical prowess.
Mayan Mercado Night
Sisters, Shannon & Shea, join together to provide an evening of Western flair, food, and entertainment at Hicksville. See why the Mayan Ranch continues to be that special place where the past and present ride side-by-side, and where old and young alike can celebrate the enduring spirit of the American Cowboy. After supper, well-rounded, well-liked Walker Hicks will entertain in the saloon
The Mayan's Got Talent
Sisters, Shannon & Shea, join together to provide an evening of Western flair, food, and entertainment at Hicksville. See why the Mayan Ranch continues to be that special place where the past and present ride side-by-side, and where old and young alike can celebrate the enduring spirit of the American Cowboy. After supper, well-rounded, well-liked Walker Hicks will entertain in the saloon
Taco-bout a Party!
Fiesta like there’s no Manana! Mayanenchiladas, fajitas, sangría, Mariachi-music, piñata, ¡y mas! Happy Tails (Live Animal Entertainment) before supper. After supper, there’s no time for Siesta; we will continue into the evening with a hayride to see the ranch wildlife and “Mayan Memories” in the saloon with Wrangler, Tommy Duggan.
Ranch Country at Heart
Tonight, we celebrate Mayan Ranch Legacy and Cowboy Country at heart in the air & ambiance at Hicksville, in the food (our famous BBQ), in the people (the Hicks Family and our wonderful guests), in the music (Ricochet the D-Jay) and in the entertainment (Cowboy Olympics before supper & dance lessons with a D-Jay Dance after supper).
You are the Celebrities
Wonderful days have wonderful endings. Tonight, You Are the Celebrities as we dine, sing, dance, and celebrate 75 years of Mayan Ranch Heritage with a guest favorite meal and the Mayan Family’s floor show (70’s themed) after supper. We all come together in a spectacular way on this evening to make memories of a lifetime. And, as we have stated all week, you are the “DIAMOND” part of our “75-year” Jubilee.
Sunday Morning
A Texas-sized last Round-Up Brunch will be served from 7:45 to 10:30 a.m. inside the dining room featuring a variety of breads, fruit, eggs, bacon, sausage, and plenty of Mayan Ranch specialtiesthat only our cooks can prepare. Official check-out is 11:00 a.m.