Caldwell Ranch

A working cattle ranch since the early 20th century, The Caldwell has been thoughtfully redesigned into a private mountain retreat, maintaining its agricultural and conservation roots. Today, the ranch supports ranching, recreation, hunting, and large gatherings, with improvements designed to accommodate guests in comfort while preserving the integrity of the land. The ranch occupies some of the most scenic and biologically diverse terrains in the Davis Mountains, with elevations ranging from 5,227 to 6,561 feet. This high-elevation Sky Island setting creates a cooler, wetter climate than surrounding desert lowlands, resulting in forested slopes, rich grasslands, seasonal creeks, and dramatic canyons.  

Cherry Creek runs through the heart of the ranch, carving a network of steep canyons and deep ravines that define the landscape. Mountains across the ranch are connected by an extensive interior road system providing access to overlooks and remote areas, including Robbers Roost, Friend Mountain, and Three Points. Other prominent canyons include Bicycle, Grapevine, Buckley, and Newman. The eastern boundary of the ranch forms the western rim of Madera Canyon, owned by The Nature Conservancy and often referred to as the Bryce Canyon of Texas. This context to the Preserve ensures protected viewsheds, dark skies, and long-term conservation value across a vast, contiguous landscape. 

Location

Caldwell Ranch is located in the highest elevations of the pine- and oak-covered Davis Mountains on the coveted Scenic Loop along Highways 118 and 166.  This iconic West Texas ranch lies just 12 miles west of McDonald Observatory and 25 miles from Fort Davis, home to Davis Mountains State Park, Fort Davis National Historic Site, and some of the darkest skies in Texas.  Adjacent to the 33,000 acre Davis Mountains Preserve owned by the Nature Conservancy, the ranch has over 13 miles of common boundary with the Preserve and sits amongst a landscape of ranches protected by Conservation Easements. 

Improvements

Extensive quality improvements have been completed across Caldwell Ranch within the past decade. The primary headquarters and guest facilities are located in a private, hidden valley several miles off the Scenic Loop, offering seclusion while supporting ranch operations, recreation, and large gatherings. 

LODGING & GUEST FACILITIES 

• Main Bunkhouse: great room, 2 Kits., 2 Powd. BAs, 2 BR / 2 BA, covered porch
• New Guest House (adjacent topool): 2 guest rooms w/ private BAs
• Adobe Guest House: 2 BR / 2 BA, LR, wrap-around porch
• Teepee Guest House: 3 BR / 2 BA, LR, full Kit., glassed porch
• Cowboy Guest House: 2 BR / 1 BA, LR, full Kit.
• Private Guest House: 3 BR / 2 BA, LR, DR, full Kit.
• Historic Lodge (private): 4 BR/2 BA, LR, DR, full Kit., screened porch, rock patio 

RECREATION & GATHERING 

• Solar-heated 75’ swimming pool and landscaped grounds
• Snack Bar: commercial Kit., dining for 36, LR, 2 BA, wrap-around porch
• MantinaPavilion: entertainment area, bar & BBQ, 6 BA/showers, 6 tent sites
• Cantinita: historic structure remodeled into bar with covered porch
• Gym w/ massage room, BA, sauna, and outdoor pickleball court

AGRICULTURAL & RANCH INFRASTRUCTURE 

• Remodeled barn w/ storage, shop, and 2 BAs
• HQ cattle pens and chute; chicken coop and greenhouse
• Approx. 33 miles of newfencing with 3additional working pens 

UTILITIES, WATER & SYSTEMS 

• 14 fire standpipes distributed throughout property 
• 400-amp commercial electric service w/ backup generators 
• Security systems at Lodge and Snack Bar; cameras at select residences 

Habitat

This Sky Island ecosystem supports a rich mosaic of grasslands, woodlands, and riparian corridors. Mile-high grasslands dominated by cane bluestem, blue grama, side-oats grama, and muley grass are interspersed with forested slopes and canyon bottoms. Native tree species include Emory, gray, chinkapin, and grave oaks; alligator juniper; pinon pine; cottonwood; Arizona ash; Mexican walnut; cherry; willow; and madrone. Seasonal creeks, and shaded north-facing slopes create cooler, wetter microclimates that support lush vegetation uncommon in West Texas. The combination of elevation, water, and intact habitat contributes to the ranch’s scenic character and long-term ecological resilience, making Caldwell Ranch one of the most biologically rich landscapes in the region. 

Wildlife

The ranch maintains a strong resident population of Rocky Mountain elk, desert mule deer, and white-tailed deer, particularly within the wooded slopes. Aoudad are found along the steep canyon walls and rugged terrain, while mountain lions and black bears are present as both resident and transient animals. Smaller species include javelina, fox, ringtail, coyote, bobcat, and feral hogs. The Davis Mountains are renowned for neotropical migratory birds, and the Ranch lies directly within this important migration corridor. Seasonal visitors include numerous species of hummingbirds, tanagers, warblers, and grosbeaks, while resident species such as Montezuma quail thrive in the higher elevations and grasslands. 

Water

The Caldwell benefits from a combination of groundwater, seasonal surface flow, and a fully integrated water delivery system designed to provide reliable access throughout the year.

Cherry Creek runs south to north through the ranch, carving deep canyons and supporting riparian habitat during seasonal flows. Numerous draws and tributaries feed into the creek system, creating natural wildlife corridors and shaded canyon environments that hold moisture longer than surrounding uplands.

The ranch-wide water system includes approximately 40 miles of buried pipeline supplied by 6 electric and solar-powered wells. Approximately 85 strategically placed water troughs provide dependable water access across the property.