Famous Ranches are large plots of land used primarily for raising livestock or horses. Many of these ranches have become household names, known not only for their size and history, but also for the iconic Western lifestyle they represent.
From the King Ranch in Texas, one of the oldest and largest ranches in the United States, to the Black Mountain Colorado Dude Ranch, these ranches have played a significant role in shaping the history of the American West.
Many of these ranches continue to operate today, carrying on a tradition of ranching that has been a way of life for generations.
Famous Ranches
1. King Ranch
The King Ranch is a historic ranch located in South Texas, covering over 825,000 acres. It was founded in 1853 by Captain Richard King and has been continuously owned and operated by his descendants ever since.
The ranch is known for its longhorn cattle, Quarter Horses, and its contributions to the development of the cattle industry in the United States.
The King Ranch has also been a pioneer in wildlife conservation, with a wildlife management program that has helped to restore populations of endangered species such as the Texas horned lizard and the Aplomado falcon.
The ranch has been visited by numerous presidents, foreign dignitaries, and celebrities over the years, and has been featured in movies, television shows, and literature.
Today, the King Ranch remains a working ranch, with operations in ranching, farming, and hunting. It is also a popular tourist attraction, offering guided tours and a museum showcasing the history of the ranch.
2. Waggoner Ranch
The Waggoner Ranch is a historic ranch located in North Texas, covering over 510,000 acres. It was founded in 1849 by Dan Waggoner, a pioneer rancher, and has been owned and operated by the Waggoner family for more than 160 years.
The ranch is known for its cattle and horse breeding operations, and has been recognized for its contributions to the development of the cattle industry in the United States.
The Waggoner Ranch has also been a leader in land conservation and wildlife management, with over 30,000 acres set aside for conservation purposes.
The ranch has been visited by numerous celebrities and political figures over the years, and has been featured in movies, television shows, and literature.
In 2016, the Waggoner Ranch was sold to Stan Kroenke, a billionaire businessman and owner of several professional sports teams. Today, the Waggoner Ranch remains a working ranch, with operations in ranching, farming, and hunting.
3. C Lazy U Ranch
The C Lazy U Ranch is a luxury guest ranch located in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. The ranch covers over 8,500 acres and was founded in 1919 by the Crane family.
The C Lazy U Ranch has a long history of providing guests with a unique Western experience, offering a variety of activities such as horseback riding, fishing, hiking, skiing, and snowmobiling. The ranch is also known for its world-class accommodations, including rustic cabins, elegant lodges, and private homes.
The C Lazy U Ranch has received numerous awards and accolades over the years, including recognition as the #1 resort in Colorado by Condé Nast Traveler.
Today, the ranch remains a popular vacation destination for families, couples, and groups, offering an authentic Western experience with modern amenities and exceptional service.
4. Vista Verde Ranch
Vista Verde Ranch is a luxury guest ranch located in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, near Steamboat Springs.
The ranch covers over 500 acres and was founded in 1975 by Steve and Kelli King. Vista Verde Ranch offers a variety of activities for guests, including horseback riding, fly-fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and skiing.
The ranch also features a world-class spa, gourmet dining, and luxurious accommodations such as private cabins and log homes.
Vista Verde Ranch has received numerous awards and accolades over the years, including recognition as the #1 resort in Colorado and the #2 resort in the United States by Condé Nast Traveler.
The ranch is known for its exceptional service, attention to detail, and personalized approach to guest experiences.
Today, Vista Verde Ranch remains a popular vacation destination for families, couples, and groups, offering a luxurious Western experience with a focus on adventure, relaxation, and connection with nature.
5. Triple Creek Ranch
Triple Creek Ranch is a luxury guest ranch located in the Bitterroot Mountains of Montana. The ranch covers over 600 acres and was founded in 1985 by Craig and Barbara Barrett.
Triple Creek Ranch is known for its spectacular mountain scenery, world-class cuisine, and exceptional service. The ranch offers a variety of activities for guests, including horseback riding, fly-fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and skiing.
The ranch also features a spa, a fitness center, and luxurious accommodations such as private cabins and log homes.
Triple Creek Ranch has received numerous awards and accolades over the years, including recognition as the #1 hotel in the world by Travel + Leisure magazine.
The ranch is known for its intimate and romantic setting, making it a popular destination for couples and honeymooners. Today, Triple Creek Ranch remains a luxurious and exclusive hideaway, offering a Western experience with a focus on adventure, relaxation, and privacy.
6. Tumbling River Ranch
Tumbling River Ranch is a family-owned guest ranch located in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, near Denver.
The ranch covers over 2,000 acres and was founded in 1947 by Hogue and Sue Mace. Tumbling River Ranch offers a variety of activities for guests, including horseback riding, fly-fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and white-water rafting. The ranch also features a children’s program, a heated outdoor swimming pool, and a hot tub.
Tumbling River Ranch has received numerous awards and accolades over the years, including recognition as one of the top family vacation destinations in the United States by TripAdvisor.
The ranch is known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it a popular destination for families and multi-generational groups. Today, Tumbling River Ranch remains a family-friendly guest ranch, offering a Western experience with a focus on adventure, education, and fun.
7. Zapata Ranch
Zapata Ranch is a working cattle and bison ranch located in South Central Colorado, near the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.
The ranch covers over 103,000 acres and was founded in the late 1800s. Zapata Ranch is known for its conservation efforts, working to restore native grasslands and wildlife habitats.
The ranch offers a variety of activities for guests, including cattle and bison drives, horseback riding, bird watching, and fly-fishing. The ranch also features a guest lodge and cabins, as well as a farm-to-table dining program that features locally sourced ingredients.
Zapata Ranch is affiliated with The Nature Conservancy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and conserving the natural world. Today, Zapata Ranch remains a working ranch with a focus on sustainable agriculture and conservation, offering a Western experience with a strong emphasis on education and stewardship of the land.
8. XIT Ranch
The XIT Ranch was a historic cattle ranch located in the Texas Panhandle. The ranch covered over 3 million acres and was established in 1885 as part of a land grant from the state of Texas to the Capitol Syndicate, a group of investors based in Chicago.
The XIT Ranch was known for its cattle operations, which at its peak included over 150,000 head of cattle. The ranch was also known for its contributions to the development of the cattle industry in the United States, with a reputation for breeding high-quality cattle.
The XIT Ranch was operated by the Capitol Syndicate until 1912, when it was sold off in parcels of land. Today, the XIT Ranch is no longer in operation as a single entity, but its legacy lives on in the history of the American West and its impact on the cattle industry.
9. Black Mountain Colorado Dude Ranch
Black Mountain Colorado Dude Ranch is a family-owned guest ranch located in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. The ranch covers over 500 acres and was founded in the 1900s.
It offers a variety of activities for guests, including horseback riding, cattle drives, fishing, hiking, and mountain biking.
The ranch also features a children’s program, a heated outdoor swimming pool, and a hot tub. Black Mountain Colorado Dude Ranch has received numerous awards and accolades over the years, including recognition as one of the top 20 ranches in the United States by Travel + Leisure magazine.
The ranch is known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it a popular destination for families and groups. Today, Black Mountain Colorado Dude Ranch remains a family-friendly guest ranch, offering a Western experience with a focus on adventure, relaxation, and making lasting memories.
10. 6666 Ranch
The 6666 Ranch is a historic cattle ranch located in Texas, covering over 275,000 acres. The ranch was founded in 1870 by Samuel Burk Burnett, a cattle rancher and oil tycoon.
The 6666 Ranch is known for its quarter horses, which have won numerous championships and have become highly sought after by ranchers and horse enthusiasts alike.
The ranch is also known for its contributions to the development of the cattle industry in the United States, with a reputation for breeding high-quality cattle.
The 6666 Ranch has been owned and operated by the Burnett family for over a century, and has been visited by numerous celebrities and political figures over the years. King Ranch Texas
Today, the 6666 Ranch remains a working ranch, with operations in ranching, farming, and hunting. It is also a popular tourist attraction, offering guided tours and a museum showcasing the history of the ranch.