easy
1–1.5 hours
Basic physical health recommended; ability to sit upright and follow instructions is sufficient.
Lone Star Ranch in Austin brings together horseback trail rides and target sports amid Hill Country landscapes. From beginner-friendly rides to archery and skeet lessons, this ranch offers a hands-on taste of Texas outdoor skills just minutes from the city.
Just a short drive from downtown Austin, Lone Star Ranch offers an immersive gateway to Texas’s rugged Hill Country terrain through horseback riding and precision skills lessons. The ranch is more than a riding stable — it’s an outdoor adventure hub blending hands-on lessons with the natural backdrop of meadows, cacti, and seasonal wildflowers. Here, the landscape shifts from open pasture to shaded creek crossings, providing riders a diverse and engaging trail experience right outside the city.
Trail rides at Lone Star Ranch cater to all skill levels, with patient wranglers who pair newcomers with gentle horses like Yetti, ensuring confidence and comfort from the first mount. Riders move through varied terrain that features wild butterflies, blooming native plants, and occasional wildlife such as great horned owls, enriching the journey. The ride’s pace is steady but adaptable, offering moments to pause and absorb the quiet beauty of the Texas outdoors.
Complementing the riding lessons, Lone Star Ranch offers focused sessions in archery, tomahawk and knife throwing, and shotgun skeet shooting. These lessons add a frontier-style skill-building element that taps into Texas’s historical roots while sharpening accuracy and control in a safe, guided setting.
The ranch’s commitment to clean grounds, well-cared-for horses, and knowledgeable staff elevates the experience well above a typical riding tour. Whether joining a sunset ride to catch the soft evening light on the trails or sharpening aim at the target range, visitors find a genuine connection with both the landscape and the outdoors lifestyle.
This blend of trail riding and traditional outdoor marksmanship creates a unique adventure destination in the Austin area. It’s perfect for solo riders, groups, or corporate retreats seeking a hands-on, active escape without sacrificing comfort or support. Lone Star Ranch stands out for its welcoming atmosphere and authentic Texas Hill Country setting, all within reach of the city’s urban pulse.
Boots or hiking shoes help provide grip and protect your feet during horse riding and outdoor activities.
Bring water, especially for morning or summer lessons, to avoid dehydration in Texas heat.
Plan to arrive 15 minutes early to meet your horse, get safety instructions, and settle in comfortably.
Let your instructor know if you’re a beginner or nervous rider so they can match you with the right horse and guide.
The ranch taps into Texas’s frontier heritage through its traditional trail rides and marksmanship lessons.
Lone Star Ranch maintains well-managed grounds with sustainable horse care and minimal environmental impact on native flora.
Provides foot protection and grip while riding.
Staying hydrated is crucial, especially in Texas heat.
summer specific
Protects skin from sun and brush while remaining breathable.
spring specific
Shields face and neck from strong sun exposure.
summer specific