Holt River Ranch History

The Holt River Ranch is a working cattle ranch and has been in the same family since 1906.Dr. Glenn Rogers is the fifth generation to own the ranch and is carrying on a tradition of land stewardship. Recently, Glenn received conservation awards for his efforts in range improvements, complimentary to wildlife and livestock habitat. Holt River Ranch is located in the historic Post Oak Bend of the Brazos River. References to Post Oak Bend and the Ranch abound in historical texts and literature. John Graves mentions Post Oak Bend several times in his classic book," Goodbye to a River". Mention is also made in Mary Whatley Clarke's book "Palo Pinto Story". A lesser known book, "Post-Pioneers" by Juanita Lewis Hindman, devotes much of the book to life on the Holt River Ranch during the 1920's. At one time numerous Indian tribes lived along the four miles of Brazos River frontage bordering the Holt Ranch.

There are two beautiful camping areas near the river with large live oak trees and fire pits. Over 33 miles of hiking trails and roads on the ranch traverse some of the most scenic country the North Texas Hill Country has to offer. Steep rock cliffs, some over 60 feet tall, are hidden in the wooded areas throughout the expansive trails. Abundant wildlife make Holt River Ranch their home. Spring offers an awesome array and diversity of wild flowers, decorating the already gorgeous landscape with a myriad of colors unique to the pristine and pastoral Palo Pinto countryside.

Howdy!

Deer Hunting

The Holt River Ranch has been on a level two MLD management program for four years. This program has increased the quality of Whitetail Bucks and extends the season to the end of February. Hunters do not use personal tags since permits are issued for each deer harvested

Turkey Hunting

A large population of Rio Grande wild turkeys populates the great habitat which includes large pecan and oak trees, food plots, and four miles of Brazos River frontage.

Dove Hunting

Approximately eight hundred acres of dove fields are complemented by several thousand acres of nearby nesting habitat, making Holt River Ranch one of the prime dove hunting opportunities in Palo Pinto County. There are a large number of native birds, and hunters reported a great season in 2007. A new Holt River Ranch tradition, started in 2007, is a big opening day cookout. Season hunters have access to all dove fields and can utilize the beautiful camping areas on the river throughout dove season.

Duck Hunting

A long stretch of gravel bars and shallow water attract an expansive array of water fowl, including migratory ducks. The hunting area has easy access and has produced a number of memorable hunting experiences.

Hog Hunts

A large number of wild hogs provide exciting hunting opportunities.

Cabin

A cabin is available by reservation and has all of the amenities. It has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen and laundry, a front porch, and comfortably accommodates 6-8 guests. A fire pit and game hanging equipment is conveniently located outside the cabin.

Fishing

Largemouth bass and catfish fishing trips in the river are a specialty of John Bryan's Guide Service. These trips offer a relaxing experience in some of the most pristine waters available anywhere. The fishing is good and the scenery is great.

Nature Experiences

Bird watching, star gazing, hiking, camping, and wildflower tours are available upon request.

Airboat

Airboat rides provide an opportunity to see miles of the upper middle Brazos River country at a faster pace.

...down the slick fast water into Post Oak where redbirds sang from both shores and big rocks glided past beneath the keel, the ones the little man at Possum Kingdom had warned me of ...
from Goodbye to a River
John Graves