Beat the Texas heat with a private adventure combining river swimming, scenic hiking, and horse encounters near Austin. Perfect for relaxation and nature lovers alike!
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; basic stamina for walking on uneven terrain required.
Wildlife
History
The area has a rich ranching history, with working farms preserving traditional Texas agricultural culture.
Conservation
Guides emphasize Leave No Trace principles to protect the river ecosystem and private lands throughout the adventure.
Maverick Horseback Riding
Beat the Texas heat with a private adventure combining river swimming, scenic hiking, and horse encounters near Austin. Perfect for relaxation and nature lovers alike!
Maverick Horseback Riding is a ranch-based equestrian outfitter operating near Austin, Texas. The business offers guided trail rides, private horsemanship lessons, river swims with horses, and ranch experiences that appeal to beginners, families, and experienced riders.
Rides range from short bluff-top introductions to extended multi-hour excursions on scenic routes such as Onion Creek, the San Marcos River, Pace Bend Park, and Lockhart surrounding trails. Private options and horsemanship-focused rides provide individualized coaching, trotting and canter opportunities, and a safety-conscious environment supervised by trained staff.
Maverick Horseback Riding emphasizes hands-on interaction and responsible animal care. Several experiences include light instruction, animal feeding, and behind-the-scenes observation of public riding sessions, allowing guests to learn horsemanship fundamentals and basic handling techniques. Water-based experiences feature supervised swims and photo opportunities with well-trained horses in the San Marcos River.
The operation accommodates mixed groups and family riders with specific trails suited for novices and young participants. Booking options include public group rides and private reservations for couples or small groups seeking a customized pace. Located approximately 20 minutes from Austin, the ranch combines accessibility with scenic Central Texas landscapes, including wooded trails, wetlands, and panoramic bluff views.
For safety and guest satisfaction, Maverick Horseback Riding maintains experienced guides, structured ride lengths, and varied trail selections. The ranch’s mix of instructional rides, private horsemanship sessions, river experiences, and sunset excursions provides a broad palette of equestrian outings near Austin. Reservations are recommended year-round and staff can accommodate varied experience levels and special requests. Book online today.
Location
Austin, TX
20 minutes from Austin
Tours Offered
10
Trail rides and river experiences
Ride Lengths
45 min–4 hrs
Short introductions to multi-hour adventures
Book a guided trail ride, private horsemanship session, or river swim near Austin — limited spots available.
Bring water shoes for river swimming
Rocky riverbeds can be sharp; water shoes protect your feet while wading or swimming.
Use sun protection
The Texas sun can be intense, so apply sunscreen, wear hats, and bring sunglasses for hiking and river time.
Stay hydrated
Carry enough water, especially in summer months, to stay hydrated throughout your hike and picnic.
Respect private property boundaries
This adventure includes private farms and ranches, so follow guide instructions to avoid restricted areas.
Water shoes
Protect your feet during river swimming and walking on rocky shorelines.
summer
Sun hat
Provides shade and helps prevent sunburn during open-air hiking.
summer
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated during hiking and river breaks.
Private Rides
Available
Custom pacing for couples or groups
Lightweight picnic blanket
Enhances comfort for picnics by the river.