BANDERA HIKING FIELD GUIDE
Thirty Days on a Texas Ranch: A Measured Reset for Body and Mind in Bandera
A 30-day retreat at Rancho Cortez that combines daily outdoor fitness, supervised strength and circuit work, dietician-guided meals, and focused recovery to reset routines and build lasting habits.
Thirty Days on a Texas Ranch: A Measured Reset for Body and Mind in Bandera.
Set on a working ranch in the rolling Texas Hill Country outside Bandera, Rancho Cortez runs a structured 30-day program that threads hiking, horseback riding and an array of gym classes with nutritious, dietician-guided meals and deliberate recovery — an extended window to rebuild fitness, refine habits and unwind in open sky.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Outdoor and Gym-Based Training That Scales
The program layers ranch-based movement — hiking with an on-trail obstacle course and horseback riding — with gym sessions including strength training, circuit work, core and Tabata classes so guests can push endurance and strength across diverse modalities.
Meals Designed by a Registered Dietician
Nutrition is integral: meals are prepared under a dietician’s guidance with an emphasis on real food and proper portion control, supported by cooking demos and recipes to help guests continue healthy habits after departure.
Soak, Stretch and Stroll Through Hill Country
After intense days, guests can recover by the outdoor pool and hot tub, schedule on-site massages, relax in the private fitness lounge, or explore nearby Hill Country vistas and waterways for low-impact decompression.
What the day feels like
What a Month at Rancho Cortez Feels Like
The stay is a deliberate monthlong cadence of movement, fuel and recovery: mornings and afternoons bracketed by guided hikes, riding and targeted gym sessions; midday nutrition shaped by a dietician; and evenings reserved for soaking or gentle activity. The setting — a ranch that opens onto the Texas Hill Country — keeps the work outdoors and the recovery rooms focused on restoration, letting small daily gains accumulate into measurable change.
THE WORKOUT
Outdoor and Gym-Based Training That Scales
The program layers ranch-based movement — hiking with an on-trail obstacle course and horseback riding — with gym sessions including strength training, circuit work, core and Tabata classes so guests can push endurance and strength across diverse modalities.
THE KITCHEN
Meals Designed by a Registered Dietician
Nutrition is integral: meals are prepared under a dietician’s guidance with an emphasis on real food and proper portion control, supported by cooking demos and recipes to help guests continue healthy habits after departure.
RECOVERY & SETTING
Soak, Stretch and Stroll Through Hill Country
After intense days, guests can recover by the outdoor pool and hot tub, schedule on-site massages, relax in the private fitness lounge, or explore nearby Hill Country vistas and waterways for low-impact decompression.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this monthlong program suits — and who it excludes.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Program length is 30 days. Check-in is at 1:00 pm and checkout is at 11:00 am.
Bring a bathing suit for the pool and jacuzzi, comfortable clothing for physical training and riding, and hiking sticks as needed. Lodging and meals are provided on-site.
Meals prepared under the guidance of a registered dietician, lodging and on-site fitness programming are provided as part of the stay.
Adults (ages 16+) are charged $6,450 for the 30-day program.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the program?
The retreat runs for 30 days.
What is the check-in and checkout time?
Check-in is at 1:00 pm and checkout is at 11:00 am.
Are meals and lodging included?
Yes — lodging and meals are provided, with meals prepared under the guidance of a registered dietician.
What activities are offered on the ranch?
Activities include an obstacle course, horseback riding, hiking (and hiking/biking where applicable), water aerobics, cardio classes, core work, circuit training and Tabata sessions.
Who can attend?
The program is for ages 16 and older.
Can I do off-ranch activities?
Guests can explore the adjoining Hill Country State Natural Area, float the Medina River when water levels allow, or take trips into Bandera or San Antonio for variety.