60 Days at Rancho Cortez — A Hill Country Reset of Grit and Calm

BANDERA HIKING FIELD GUIDE

60 Days at Rancho Cortez — A Hill Country Reset of Grit and Calm

A 60-day fitness retreat in Bandera that pairs daily outdoor training (hiking, horseback riding, gym classes) with dietician-led meals, massage, and poolside recovery — a practical guide to planning and packing.

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60 Days at Rancho Cortez — A Hill Country Reset of Grit and Calm.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Bandera
Operator
Rancho Cortez
Category
Hiking
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Set on a working ranch outside Bandera, Rancho Cortez stages a 60-day program that alternates disciplined outdoor movement—hiking with an obstacle course, horseback riding, circuit and strength classes—with nutrition taught and prepared under a registered dietician; days close with poolside downtime, massages and the quiet of Texas Hill Country.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

A 60-day, full-spectrum fitness retreat
THE PROGRAM

A 60-day, full-spectrum fitness retreat

This is an extended, structured stay focused on elevating fitness through a mix of ranch-based outdoor activities and gym classes, complemented by dietician-guided meals to teach portion control and sustainable habits.

Hiking, obstacle course and equine miles
THE MOVEMENT

Hiking, obstacle course and equine miles

Daily movement options include hiking (one trail features an obstacle course), horseback riding, and a schedule of gym classes — strength, circuit, core, cardio and water aerobics — designed to push cardiovascular and muscular fitness.

Nutrition and downtime to make gains stick
THE RECOVERY

Nutrition and downtime to make gains stick

Meals are prepared under a registered dietician’s guidance, with fresh garden produce when available, cooking demos and emphasis on real food and proper portions; after training, guests can relax by the outdoor pool and hot tub or book on-site massages.

What the day feels like

What the 60 days feel like

Days at Rancho Cortez are deliberate: mornings and afternoons filled with outdoor ranch activities and gym sessions — from tabata and circuit training to horseback rides and an obstacle-strewn hike — then evenings reserved for recovery with nutritious, dietician-designed meals, poolside downtime, fitness-lounge quiet and occasional massages.

A 60-day, full-spectrum fitness retreat

THE PROGRAM

A 60-day, full-spectrum fitness retreat

This is an extended, structured stay focused on elevating fitness through a mix of ranch-based outdoor activities and gym classes, complemented by dietician-guided meals to teach portion control and sustainable habits.

Hiking, obstacle course and equine miles

THE MOVEMENT

Hiking, obstacle course and equine miles

Daily movement options include hiking (one trail features an obstacle course), horseback riding, and a schedule of gym classes — strength, circuit, core, cardio and water aerobics — designed to push cardiovascular and muscular fitness.

Nutrition and downtime to make gains stick

THE RECOVERY

Nutrition and downtime to make gains stick

Meals are prepared under a registered dietician’s guidance, with fresh garden produce when available, cooking demos and emphasis on real food and proper portions; after training, guests can relax by the outdoor pool and hot tub or book on-site massages.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this stay suits — and who should skip it.

1
Adults seeking a long-form fitness resetDesigned for adults (ages 16+) committed to a 60-day program of structured exercise, nutrition education and recovery on a working ranch.
2
Active outdoor enthusiastsA strong match for people who want to mix hiking, horseback riding and varied gym classes across an extended stay.
3
Those needing a sustained lifestyle changeThe program’s emphasis on dietician-led meals, cooking demos and portion control supports long-term habit formation for adults prepared to invest 60 days.
4
Families with young children or low-mobility travelersNot ideal — the program targets adults 16 and older and centers on physical training and ranch activities that assume an ability to participate.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Duration & Check-in

Program length is 60 days. Check-in is at 1:00 pm and checkout is at 11:00 am.

What to Bring

Bring a bathing suit for the pool and jacuzzi, comfortable clothing for training and riding, and hiking sticks as needed; lodging and meals are provided.

On-site amenities

Expect an outdoor pool and hot tub, a private fitness lounge and the option to book on-site massages as part of the retreat’s recovery offerings.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

What is the minimum age to participate?

Participants must be age 16 or older.

How long is the program and what are check-in/check-out times?

The program runs 60 days. Check-in is at 1 pm and checkout is at 11 am.

Are meals provided and who plans them?

Lodging and meals are provided; meals are prepared under the guidance of a registered dietician, with an emphasis on real food and proper portion sizes.

What activities are included?

Activities include an on-ranch obstacle course, horseback riding, hiking, water aerobics, and gym classes such as strength training, circuit, core, cardio and Tabata.

What should I pack?

Bring a bathing suit for the pool and jacuzzi, comfortable clothing for training and riding, and hiking sticks as needed.

Is massage or recovery available on site?

Yes — the program offers on-site massages and encourages poolside and fitness-lounge recovery as part of the stay.

How much does the program cost?

The rate listed for adults (ages 16+) is $12,900.