Enjoy the many local highlights
Located near the heart of the state, the Contemplative Resource Center (CRC) welcomes you to Bandera, Texas, the “Cowboy Capital of the World.” Named after the Bandera Pass, a natural route about 12 miles north of town, this rural gem is only 1 hour from San Antonio and 2 hours from Austin, making it an accessible haven and the perfect place for reflection, repose, and rejuvenation. It truly is a Hill Country highlight!
Our center for health and wellness adds a mindful, relaxing element to the already engaging mix of things to do in the area. In fact, many interests converge among these rolling hills! You’ll be charmed by the exceptional flora, fauna and folklore of this historic community and natural landscape. Or head out for leisure activities such as hiking, rodeos, golfing, winery tours, antiquing, and river adventures.
Whether you want to study wildlife, explore a trail, go mountain biking, kick your heels up at a local saloon, or meditate on a patch of grass, the CRC welcomes you and offers myriad opportunities for self-discovery, recreation, and connecting to community and nature.
Why not follow the trill of the Bewick’s Wren and step outside your cabin and explore?
Hill Country Natural Wonders
There’s a lot to appreciate in Texas Hill Country, and the open spaces invite you to breathe deeply and soak in the splendor. There are many paths among the Ashe Juniper and Texas Live Oak trees to fresh insights and glimpses of freedom, and the rugged limestone and granite hills create an unforgettable landscape. The Llano Uplift, the second-largest granite dome in the United States, is a prime spot for appreciating the subtle dance of wildflowers, and the area’s karst topography is home to many caverns, including Bracken Cave, Cave Without a Name, Inner Space Caverns, and more.
Life is a river, always flowing, and the Medina River is a peaceful reminder to relax and let go of life’s stressful events. According to the Hill Country Visitor, the Medina River is one of the calmest rivers in Texas Hill Country, and can be enjoyed by almost anyone. CRC guests will love tubing, canoeing and kayaking in the Medina, Guadalupe and Frio rivers.
Other nearby gifts of nature include:
- The Hill Country State Natural Area, which can be accessed directly from the CRC property.
- Bandera City Park, where Cypress trees line the riverbanks.
- Bear Springs Blossom, a 125-acre nature preserve.
- Enchanted Rock, the second largest granite dome in the United States, and a great place to watch the sun set atop the Llano Uplift.
- Bandera Natural History Museum, which features a pollinator garden.
Day Trips
Our mindfulness center is the ideal place to launch a day trip. Fredericksburg is about an hour’s drive from the CRC and is known for its wine and food. There are more than 50 wineries and tasting rooms in the area, and no shortage of things to do outdoors, where the winding country roads enliven the senses with a full-spectrum tour of nature. Experience life on a Texas-German farm at the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site; learn about Mexican free-tailed bats at the Old Tunnel State Park Bat Cave; or go geocaching at Pedernales Falls State Park. If ethical land stewardship interests you, you’ll appreciate the Bamberger Ranch Preserves.
Austin, the Texas state capital, is also considered to be the Live Music Capital of the World®. Located at the intersection of four major ecological regions, Austin is very biologically diverse, and visitors will appreciate the scenic area’s many moods. Places of note include the Blanton Museum of Art, which features a “compact collection of visual art genres;” Mount Bonnell’s summit views; and Mayfield Park’s tranquil garden acres. Children will be fascinated by the dinosaur footprints at Zilker Botanical Garden, conveniently situated in the downtown area.
Founded as a colonial outpost in 1718, San Antonio is the state’s oldest municipality. Its historic Riverwalk, a city park and network of walkways along the banks of the San Antonio River, provides many opportunities for shopping and exploring. The world-famous Alamo, Sea World and Fiesta Texas Theme Park are prime venues for families to co-create new memories. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, trek through the 450-acre safari-style drive through at the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, which features more than 500 animals from 45 different species.
Evolved Exploration
The CRC and The West 1077 Guest Ranch work in concert to provide supportive, resourceful experiences for all guests in an environment that honors nature and personal unfoldment. Immerse yourself in all that Bandera, Texas, and the surrounding area has to offer. We look forward to your visit!
How to Find the Contemplative Resource Center
Please visit our sister site for detailed information on how to find us. We look forward to your visit!
