Adventure by Day, Stars by Night: Horseshoe Canyon Ranch
Horseshoe Canyon Ranch (HCR) is the Natural State’s new outdoor adventure resort. Nestled in the beautiful Ozark Mountains near the iconic Buffalo National River, this scenic chasm has been renowned for rock climbing and horseback riding for nearly thirty years. It has now expanded its facilities to include activities for outdoor adventurers of all ages.
Runway Group, a holding company founded by Tom and Steuart Walton, purchased HCR in 2024. Former owners Barry and Amy Johnson sought out a buyer who shared their vision for the Ranch. They knew the group would carry on and even expand on their dream.
With the additions made by the new owners, HCR is an ideal destination for outdoor adventure. Guests can rent one of the thirteen cabins, which accommodate three or seven guests each, or pitch a tent in one of the twenty-five new reservable campsites nestled among large boulders and a nearby stream. The upgraded camping area features a bathhouse with four showers, six toilets, custom picnic tables, and fire rings at each site. Either option provides a perfect home base for your stay.
Horseshoe Canyon remains a haven for Arkansas rock climbing. Not only will the annual world-renowned 24 Hours of Horseshoe Hell competition continue, but the new owners have also added a spring climbing event, the Arkansas Climbers Festival. Climbing routes continue to be developed for both entry-level and advanced climbers.
In addition to the 900+ rock climbing routes at HCR, the Ranch offers an Alpine-style Via Ferrata, Italian for “Iron Path.” It’s an excellent introduction for those interested in trying the sport of climbing. HCR provides all necessary equipment, making it an accessible way to experience the thrill of the sport without technical climbing skills or prior training. The unique double lanyards attached to the harness ensure the climber is always securely connected to a fixed point.
Follow up the Via Ferrata with a ride on the “Iron Horse.” At half a mile long, this is the longest zipline in Arkansas. Riders soar through the air at speeds of fifty miles per hour, taking in a bird’s-eye view of the canyon below.
But the most talked-about addition? A network of world-class mountain bike trails. Rock Solid Trail Contractors, the team behind the trails at Mount Nebo and other renowned locations, dedicated themselves to constructing a trail system worthy of the Ranch’s setting.
To utilize the natural contours of the landscape while preserving the environment, the Rock Solid crew favored hand-cut trails wherever possible. Although more labor-intensive, this technique is gentler on the terrain than machine construction.
“It creates a different ride feel,” explains Alberto Santiago, head of HCR trail maintenance. “Hand-cut trails preserve the natural contours of the landscape and are more ecologically sensitive to what’s already grown naturally there.”
HCR’s trail network now boasts twenty miles of mountain biking paradise, with four green beginner trails, nine blue intermediate trails, and four black advanced downhill trails. From the kid-friendly Johnson Express Trail to the fast-paced black diamond Mangled Mullet, all levels of riders will find trails to explore. The system includes a new skills progression area with jumps and roller features, allowing riders to hone their technique before tackling more advanced routes.
While the Ranch no longer offers horseback rides, the former barn has been converted into a bike shop and now serves as the hub for rentals and gear. Among the fleet: the Specialized Levo full-suspension e-mountain bike, available in all sizes from extra-small to extra-large, including kids’ models. If you’ve been considering an e-bike, this is the perfect place to give one a try. Even if the idea has never crossed your mind, after covering just part of the trail system, and climbing 2,000 feet of elevation, you may be ready to give the motorized option a spin.
After an action-packed day, enjoy a hearty meal at the rustic Lodge restaurant. Then pull up a chair in an open meadow and take in the celestial show in this designated International Dark Sky Park as you plan the next day’s adventure.
For more information or to make your reservation at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, visit horseshoecanyon.com.
