Choosing a vacation can be hard, especially for families when everyone has a different definition of fun. But for a weekend getaway that combines outdoor adventure with peaceful relaxation, look no further than Horseshoe Canyon Ranch in the heart of the Ozarks, where mountain biking, climbing, hiking, exploring, and stargazing await you outside your cabin door.
Speaking of cabins, guests have the option to stay in cozy freestanding cabins or camp out in designated tent areas for a closer-to-nature experience. Easily accessible by car, the ranch is near Buffalo National River and within a day’s drive of many nearby cities.
With so much to explore, we created an itinerary for how your family could spend three days at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch and make the most of this adventurer’s paradise.
Exploration Meets Relaxation at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch
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Horseshoe Canyon Ranch has long been celebrated in the climbing community for its vast and impressive formations of sandstone crags and boulders. There are over 900 climbing routes and boulder problems, spanning difficulty ranges from easy to expert. Even if you’re not a climber yourself, simply admiring the canyon provides a thrill.
The cabins and lodge are located within the canyon, so if your hands need a break from those climbing holds just pop in for lunch and rest up before going back for more bouldering or climbing with a full stomach.
By the way, did we mention the entire ranch is BYOB? You’re welcome to bring your beverages without a corkage or service fee. Maybe after lunch, instead of tackling more climbing problems, you just want to kick back by the pool or hot tub enjoying your favorite drink and taking in the views.
When everyone else returns from rock climbing, have them meet you out on the deck as the sun is setting. Gaze out from the lodge and you’ll see the canyon wall which towers over the rest of the open field ahead. You won’t want to miss golden hour when the sun hits the cliff face, illuminating everything above and below.
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Day 2: Rock Climbing And Relaxing
Day 3: Via Ferrata and Bon Voyage
By StoryStudio on October 1, 2024
Sponsored by Horseshoe Canyon Ranch
Day 1: Mountain Biking, Ziplining, and Stargazing
Grab breakfast at the Lodge Restaurant, where local tradition meets adventure nutrition. You’ll want plenty of fuel because after you eat, it’s time to tackle the world-class mountain biking trails.
Horseshoe Canyon Ranch is a new hotspot for mountain biking, featuring miles of scenic, hand-cut trails tailored for all skill levels. With nearly 1000 feet of possible elevation gain you may want to rent one of the new e-mountain bikes, which gives you a boost for those extra steep inclines. There’s even a collection of balance bikes, so that kids and toddlers can ride along with their parents and get introduced to the sport. Of course, you can bring your own bike, too. The best part is that the trails range from beginner to expert level and everything in between. With miles of scenic trails to explore, there’s truly something for all skill levels.
As your visit comes to a close, spend your last evening soaking it all in. Enjoy dinner at the Lodge Restaurant and recap the best parts of your active but relaxing weekend. Afterward, jump in the hot tub with a glass of your favorite beverage overlooking the sunset. Cheers to the perfect finale on an adventurous weekend.
After a morning of biking, you’ll have worked up quite an appetite. Head back to the Lodge Restaurant for lunch, before you gear up for your next adventure.
No trip to Horseshoe Canyon Ranch is complete without the zipline. There are two ziplines on the ranch. The biggest, Iron Horse, is the longest zipline in Arkansas at a half-mile long. It offers a breathtaking view of the Ozark landscape and a thrilling rush of adrenaline, as you soar over the canopy of trees. If you’ve never ziplined before, it's an experience like no other. If you have, you probably can’t wait to get strapped in once again for another ride.
It’s been a long first day, so retreat to your cabin or campsite, where you can relax by just looking up at the stars. Horseshoe Canyon Ranch is located within a recognized Dark Sky Zone, which means there’s no light pollution, ensuring your stargazing experience is nothing short of spectacular. We bet you can’t stay awake long enough to count all of the stars within view.
On your last day, don’t miss the Via Ferrata, a hybrid between traditional rock climbing and hiking, where participants use sturdy iron rungs, railings and cable bridges bolted into the rock to ascend and cross steep areas. It’s great for all ages and no prior climbing experience is necessary, making it accessible for most everyone. Still, it’s always a thrill being up high, even for experienced adventurers. As you make it up the rock you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding canyon, rolling hills and distant mountains.