Stay at this historic, wildly beautiful West Texas resort on 30,000 acres

THE CHRON - he clay pigeon explodes in a satisfying puff of orange dust against the endless blue sky, and I can't help but grin. My first successful shot at Cibolo Creek Ranch comes after several embarrassing misses, but our guide just nods approvingly and loads another round into the shotgun.

This is exactly the kind of authentic Texas experience that draws visitors to this remote corner of West Texas, where the Chinati Mountains rise like ancient sentinels and the Chihuahuan Desert stretches endlessly toward Mexico. fter six years of brutal drought in the desert, the rains had finally returned to this remote corner of West Texas, transforming the landscape into an emerald oasis that hasn't been seen in a decade.

"If I were a visitor, I would watch rainfall and then plan my trip whenever it rains here, because it's worth seeing," Cibolo Creek Ranch Manager Tom Davis said. "It's going to be as green as it's been in a decade. If you're going to come this summer, this is the time to do it."

The timing couldn't be more perfect. As the "cowboy core" trend sweeps the travel industry, with destinations like ranches and rodeos experiencing newfound demand, Cibolo Creek stands ready to deliver the most authentic West Texas experience available.

Located in the foothills of the Chinati Mountains and spanning 30,000 acres of rugged beauty, Cibolo Creek offers something that most destinations promising cowboy experiences simply cannot. It offers authentic Texas history dating back to the Civil War era, coupled with understated luxury amenities that satisfy travelers and celebrities alike.

"It really is like stepping back in time," Davis said. "The authenticity makes it very primitive in its appearance, but we have modern luxuries because it's a five-star resort."