The original Game Room was built in 1953 and remains the oldest building on the ranch. We’ve revamped the room with everyone’s favorite games. Test your pool shark skills on the billiard table or score high in a Ping-Pong or foosball tournament.

The Game Room also includes a small kitchen with new appliances (refrigerator, cooking stove, and kitchen-sink) and ample counter space for a quick snack. This is a great place for your family to gather for meals as it includes seating for approximately 16 people. Be sure to take a breather from time to time, come out of the Texas heat, and enjoy a tall glass of icy cold tea.

We have four ponds and the Pecos River for fishing. The ponds are walking distance from the cabins (approx. .25 to .5 of a mile). We’ve stocked the ponds with catfish and bass. The Pecos River is known to have fish around 25 lbs.

Bring your own fishing gear. Fishing is available all day. No fishing allowed in the Independence Creek. Little ones under the age of 14 are required to be with a guardian at all times. We recommend sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat as well as closed-toed or water shoes.

Important information regarding fishing licenses:

A fishing license is not required to fish in the ranch’s ponds. You will need a license to fish in the Pecos River. This is required even if you plan to catch and release. If you are 16 or younger or born before 1931, you are not required to have a license.

We’ve refurbished the original 1940’s spring-fed swimming pool for our guests to enjoy a dip in the refreshing water. The Independence Creek flows near the swimming pool, and guests are welcome to enjoy it, too. It’s a good idea to bring water shoes for the creek; the bottom is a bit rough.

Please note there is no lifeguard on duty. An adult must be present while children are swimming.

Hiking the picturesque hills provides a good workout and a panoramic view of the Pecos River Valley. Wear a hat and sturdy shoes and don’t forget sunscreen and a jug of water. Watch where you step and don’t put your hands under ledges or rocks – you are in rattlesnake territory!

Stay safe and always hike in groups.

Kayak or canoe the scenic Pecos River to experience the natural beauty of our region from a different vantage point. Four two-person kayaks and two three-person canoes are available to check out during the day. Life vests must be worn at all times. An adult must be present with children.

Kids, grab a pop-up tent, flashlight, and sleeping bag! We want every child to witness the spectacular night sky. Sleeping under the stars is truly an amazing experience. Kids are welcome to sleep in a small tent outside your cabin. Please bring your own camping gear.

Engage in bird and animal watching almost year round at the Chandler Ranch. A nature conservancy confirmed 152 species of birds migrate to this area of Texas throughout the year, and the summer months are very popular. Take time to trek the ranch’s adjoining trails for deer spotting or watch wild animals such as foxes, bobcats, and mountain lions. Ask the ranch manager for binoculars before you go.

Safety for you and the animals is our top priority. Always stay a safe distance from and never engage the animals.

Take the constellations challenge and learn astronomy while visiting the Chandler Ranch. We’re lucky to have zero city light pollution, and the stars light up the sky like small fireworks.

Did you know the Big Dipper is only a part of a larger constellation, Ursa Major, the Great Bear? Kids get a kick out of learning fun fact about the stars. They also enjoy playing a game of “connect the dots” making up their own constellations. After all, that’s what ancient sky watchers did long ago and those are the constellations we see today.

A telescope is available for guests during the evening. Photographers should bring their tripod and camera to shoot the amazing night sky, too.

No, we’re not talking about the four-legged mules similar to a donkey.

We have two motorized mule 4WD utility vehicles that are comparable to a large golf cart. They’re available to the guests for a quick tour round the ranch. Each mule seats eight people and drives approximately 15 mph.

Children are required to wear seat belts and helmets. An adult must be present at all times.

~40 minutes, 33 miles

VisitFortLancaster.com

~1.5 hours, 80 miles

TexasPecosTrail.com/plan-your-adventure/historic-sites-and-cities/sites/judge-roy-bean-visitor-center

~2 hours, 114 miles

CavernsOfSonora.com

~2 hours, 131 miles

TexasPecosTrail.com/plan-your-adventure/historic-sites-and-cities/sites/rattlesnake-bomber-base-site

~2.5 hours, 145 miles

VisitBigBend.com

~2.5 hours, 144 miles

McDonaldObservatory.org

~2.5 hours, 154 miles

TexasPecosTrail.com /plan-your-adventure/historic-sites-and-cities/sites/roy-orbison-museum

~2.5 hours, 150 miles

Tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/balmorhea

~3 hours, 168 miles

NPS.gov/foda

~4.5 hours, 274 miles

Includes McKittrick Canyon, a scenic canyon within the Guadalupe Mountains, and Guadalupe Peak, the highest natural point in Texas.

NPS.gov/gumo