News & Announcements
Cowboy Festival Trail Rides
Posted on August 13, 2025Sign up for a 45-minute trail ride ($50) during the Cowboy Festival. The first ride is at 10:30 am; the last ride of the day is at 2:30 pm. Riders must be age 8 or older; 18 years old and under must be accompanied by an adult. Spaces are limited and may not be available the day of the event.
You’ll ride through history on trails used by Empire Ranch cowboys for over 145 years while taking in the lush rolling hills and wide open spaces surrounding the Ranch Headquarters.
Cowboy Festival Steak Fry
Posted on August 13, 2025Join us for a Steak-Fry on Friday, October 31st at 4 PM! $45/plate. We will be serving up Grilled Tri-Tip Steak, Cream Corn, Potatoes, and Dinner Rolls with Texas Sheet Cake for dessert! Musician Andy Hershey will entertain you as you relax and enjoy dinner in the historic Adobe Hay Barn. Get your tickets now.
Become an ERF Docent!
Posted on August 4, 2025Are you interested in learning more about the Empire Ranch and sharing your knowledge with visitors to the Empire Ranch? Then join us for the next ERF Docent Training Class on Saturday, September 20, 2025 from 9 am to 3 pm.
Volunteer docents conduct monthly tours of the Empire Ranch House that provide a general introduction to the history of the Empire Ranch, its buildings and its people. Each docent provides an average of four monthly tours annually. Upon completion of the Docent Training Class each docent receives individual tour training.
If you’re interested in participating as a volunteer docent, click here to register for the September 20th class. For questions or additional information contact Alison Bunting, Docent Coordinator, alisbunting@gmail.com.
Cowboy Festival
Posted on August 1, 2025Experience the spirit of the Old West at the 24th Annual Empire Ranch Cowboy Festival on November 1, 2025! Enjoy a fun-filled day packed with Western demonstrations, live arena action, kid-friendly activities, cowboy cooking, and great entertainment.
Click on READ MORE to view the 2024 program. Information about the 2025 planned events will be posted soon.
Volunteer Days
Posted on July 30, 2025Dedicated volunteers have been key to preserving the historic Empire Ranch House and Headquarters. Please join us on Saturday, September 6, 2025.
To volunteer, please submit a Volunteer Opportunities Form, and we will contact you with more details!
Monte Walsh
Posted on July 30, 2025Plan to attend the September 27, 2025 outdoor showing of Monte Walsh (1970) directed by William A. Fraker and starring Lee Marvin, Jean Moreau, and Jack Palance. Free. Bring your own seating, food & flashlights. Snacks and water will be available for purchase.
The set for the “Slash Y” ranch, featured in the film, was located on Empire Ranch property, south of ranch headquarters.
National Day of the Cowboy
Posted on May 10, 2025Over 350 guests enjoyed the National Day of the Cowboy celebration on July 26, 2025. Click on the READ MORE link to view the final program.
South Barn Roof
Posted on March 28, 2025Recently a strong gust of wind significantly damaged the roof on the north end of the South Barn. To contribute for the supplies needed for the roof repair click on READ MORE.
Spring Trail Ride, April 5, 2025
Posted on February 6, 2025Over 100 riders joined us 4/5/25 to enjoy saddle time on the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area! Departing and returning to the Historic Empire Ranch Headquarters! The temperatures were perfect, the views were outstanding and the smiles will last for days!
Gift Shop Member Discount
Posted on February 6, 2025Did you know ERF active members receive a 10% discount at our gift shop? To join or renew your membership click on the READ MORE link below.