Frequently Asked Questions

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We know you have questions. Some of the answers might be here. If this doesn't answer your questions, please contact us now.

Can I ride, bike, or hike at the ranch without staying overnight?
Yes. Come visit! Make a reservation for day use, pay our $10 per person day use fee, complete and sign the Release from Liability form, and use the ranch trails.

Does Pole Canyon Ranch provide horses for trail rides?
No. You can bring your own, or arrange a guided trail ride at the ranch through Tomas Hinojosa and his team at the Quitaque Riding Stables. You need to book that separately in advance.

Do I need to make a reservation for any visit to the ranch?
Yes. You need to have a confirmed reservation for any activity: day use, camping, riding your own horse or bike, a guided trail ride using horses and guides from the Quitaque Riding Stables, or staying in the Guest House. Sometimes the whole ranch is booked for large national events, or closed for other reasons.

Can I use the ranch trails for mountain biking?
Yes, biking is allowed on the ranch trails. Please give horses the right of way, as is standard on shared trails.

Can I bring my ATV?
No. Sorry, but no guest motorized vehicles are permitted on ranch roads and trails beyond the "No Motorized Vehicles" sign on the main road leading into the ranch interior. Do not bring your ATV or four-wheeler.

Can I bring my dog?
Pets are welcome on the ranch but pets are not allowed to roam unsupervised. Pole Canyon is a working ranch so cattle are not to be disturbed.

Can I backpack on the ranch (sleep outside the camping area)?
No. Overnight backpacking, bikepacking, or horsepacking is not allowed.

Can I filter water from the ranch water sources for drinking, or do I need to bring all my own water?
No water should be used from ranch water sources outside the camping area. For hiking, you need to bring all your own drinking water.

How long are the hiking/equestrian trails? Can I get a nice long hike or ride?
The ranch includes about 6,000 acres. That's the equivalent of about 9 square miles. With our extensive network of trails, yes, you can get a long hike or ride.

Is Pole Canyon Ranch equipped for RV camping?
Yes. We have pull-through RV sites with water and electricity (20, 30 & 50 amp available) for $25 per night. Eight sites have 20/30/50; eight sites have 20/30. A dump station is available for $5 per use. Pole Canyon operates on a first-come, first-serve basis with respect to camp sites.

Are there tent pads (designated spots for tents)?
No. Pole Canyon does not have a designated area for dry camping but plenty of open space is available.

Is drinking water available?
Yes, drinkable water from our well is available at the campgrounds from outdoor hydrants.

Is there a bathroom at the campground?
Yes! We have a very nice bath house with three full bathrooms, including showers. It is accessible to all campers, and those here for day use.

Can I bring a group for camping (like a scout troop or 4H club)?
Yes. Our fee is $20 per tent site, or $25 per night for an RV site with water and electricity.

Is the $10 per person day use fee in addition to the camping fee?
Guests staying at the ranch (in the Guest House or camping) are charged the $5 per person ranch access fee, not the $10 per person day use fee. This is charged for any access past the camping/Guest House area.

Is there a charge for horse pens?
Yes. Our fee is $5 per night per pen. We have 36 pens available, each designed to hold one horse or mule. Most pens are 12 feet square. Pole Canyon operates on a first-come, first-serve basis with respect to pens. Negative Coggins test required. Water is available to all pens. Pens are to be left cleaned and tubs turned upside down. Manure is to be dumped into the field on the east side of the RV area.

Is there a cancellation fee?
Yes. The cancellation fee is equal to one night's charge for your reserved lodging (e.g. Guest House cancellation fee is $175; RV campsite cancellation fee is $25; and dry camping cancellation fee is $20). This will be deducted from your refund for canceled reservations.

Is there cell phone reception in the camping area?
Only AT&T, and it is somewhat spotty.

Can I grill at the campground?
You need to ask us if there is a fire ban in effect for this area. We do not have fire rings at the campground. Please bring your own fire ring. If a fire ban is in effect, you can use an elevated grill that you bring, but no ground fires.

How do I check in?
Pole Canyon Ranch operates on a self-check-in basis. A "check-in" mailbox is located at the north end of the RV camping area. Guests should take a registration envelope and complete the Release from Liability form if accessing the ranch in any way. There is also a Fee Schedule in the envelope to figure the proper fee for the visit. If your reservation is not fully paid, place your payment along with the completed documents back in the envelope and place it in the "check-out" mailbox located next to the "check-in" mailbox. There is also a trail map in your registration envelope for your use.

How does the Guest House work?
Our Guest House is a fully-furnished home with two bedrooms, a sleeping loft, two bathrooms, a kitchen, and a large covered deck. The cost is $175 per night for up to four people, and $15 per night for each additional person, with a 2-night minimum. The maximum number of guests is 10, at $265 per night. Two nights' deposit ($350) is required for reservations. Check-out time is 10 AM and check-in time is 2 PM. Cancellation fee of $175 will be deducted from your refund for canceled reservations. There is a three-week (21 days) cancellation policy for reservations. Deposits will not be refunded within the 21-day reservation period for bad weather. Emergency situations will be considered for refunds.

Is there a cancellation fee?
Yes. $175 will be deducted from your refund for canceled reservations.

Does the Guest House have air conditioning and heating?
Yes, the Guest House has air conditioning and heating.

Are sheets and blankets provided?
Yes, all towels and bed linens are provided.

Is food provided?
No. Please bring your own food. We do provide coffee pots and coffee.

How close are you to Caprock Canyons State Park?
We are 8 miles southwest of Quitaque, and the park entrance is about 3 miles north of Quitaque. So we are about 11 miles from the park entrance.

Where is the closest grocery store?
Merrill Foods in Quitaque is a full grocery store. Allsups in Quitaque is our local convenience store.

What are the GPS coordinates?
The GPS coordinates of the ranch entrance are: 34.299063, -101.130465.