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Homer Wilson Ranch
The Homer Wilson Ranch was one of the largest ranches in the area before the park was established, and the headquarters/main house is still well intact.
Plan Around Homer Wilson Ranch
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Homer Wilson Ranch Details
The Homer Wilson Ranch was one of the largest ranches in the area before the park was established, and the headquarters/main house of the ranch is still intact. The original ranch covered over 28,000 acres and its two main stock were sheep and goats. Homer Wilson and his family lived in the main house that you can explore today. There is another smaller, and less well-preserved, structure that housed the ranch hands. The main house has a double roof, which, as the story goes, is because Mrs. Wilson wanted a reed ceiling with adobe mud on top. Mr. Wilson thought that concrete would be much sturdier than adobe mud, so he built Mrs. Wilson's roof, and then placed his own on top. The roof was made of sheet metal which made it leak-proof. The airspace between the two roofs kept the house cool in the summer and warm in the winter. To access the ranch there is a short trail down from the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive that also connects up with two popular hiking trails; the Blue Creek Canyon and the Dodson. Remember that the easy trail going down towards the house needs to be retraced to return to the road, so make sure you feel up to the task of going back up the hill after you've finished exploring.
Difficulty
Low
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Nearby Parks Around Homer Wilson Ranch
Compare nearby parks around Homer Wilson Ranch when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Homer Wilson Ranch
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Homer Wilson Ranch while the map context is still fresh.
0.2 mi away
Blue Creek Ranch Overlook
Stop here for a view of the valley and one of the last remaining historic structures.
0.7 mi away
Sotol Vista
Sotol Vista is the best place to watch the sunset over the Chisos Mountains.
0.7 mi away
Sotol Vista Overlook
This stunning vista offers a view of the entire western side of the park from its high position above the desert.
1.2 mi away
Upper Burro Mesa Pouroff Trail
The Upper Burro Mesa Pouroff Trail is a moderate 4.5 mile out and back trail that leads to the top of a dry waterfall.
2.4 mi away
Ward Spring Trail
The Ward Spring Trail is a moderate, 2.9 mile out and back trail and the trailhead can be accessed at mile marker 5.5 on the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive.
