Loving the land at Reville Peak Ranch near Austin

Many folks who made a bundle on early dotcom businesses in the Austin area built mansions on the lake or dabbled in new tech start-ups. Vol Montgomery headed for the woods. An outdoor enthusiast, he bought 1300 acres of rugged Hill Country land in 1999 and opened Reveille Peak Ranch in 2010, a facility that attracts families as well as elite mountain bikers and marathoners who train there.

Quarry Lake is an inviting spot for water activities.

While Reville Peak Ranch has become an exceptional facility for mountain bikers, trail runners, and fitness trainers, it also appeals to people of all ages who appreciate nature and love the outdoors.  It showcases the Hill Country spirit of adventure by combining education and a love for the land into a variety of activities.

Just an hour’s drive from Austin, the ranch overlooks Lake Buchanan and Ink’s Lake in the chain of Highland Lakes. Located on the Llano Uplift, the ranch’s geography includes trails on the granite dome, through fields with plentiful wildflowers, and across dry creek beds.

Trails are available for all experience levels.

Numerous educational and recreational facilities make it a great place for a family day trip. Interesting geological formations, outstanding panoramas, and abundant plant and animal life provide an ideal setting for scheduled nature classes for all ages--or just exploring on your own.

Here’s what the average visitor will find: Fishing is easy in stocked waters 200 feet deep. Canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards are available for rent. Other amenities include a two-story, 10,000 square foot covered pavilion overlooking the lake, full-service commercial kitchen, koi ponds and twin waterfalls, sand volleyball court, and observation deck suitable for live entertainment. The spring-fed Quarry Lake is available for SCUBA diving and swimming. There’s even a wedding-perfect mountain overlook graced by a rustic wooden cross that Montgomery himself experienced.

Experience the serenity of a mountain top retreat.

The heart of the property is the trail system—more than 62 miles of combined single track and boulevard trails, plus 9 mile, 6.2 mile, and 3.2 mile loops of low-moderate trails (one is stroller friendly), 15 miles of newly developed single track trails, and plenty of natural obstacles from rugged limestone outcrops.  Reville Peak Ranch has hosted several major events for mountain biking and running, but Montgomery encourages all outdoor enthusiasts to experience the variety of trails on the property.

Wildflowers bloom profusely in spring.

All facilities, which guests have called “elegantly rustic” and “environmentally savvy,” are constructed with natural and recycled materials. Environmentally and geologically sensitive areas on site may be accessed on guided tours. View the land as it’s been for centuries—natural, beautiful and unchanged—and look for native wildlife including birds, deer, gray foxes, rabbits and armadillos.

Camping is available at 250 primitive sites or six RV spots, but if you want a bit more comfort after your outdoor adventures, accommodations are available in nearby Burnet or Austin.

Gate fee is $10 per adult and $5 for kids 12 and under. Reveille Peak Ranch is located at 105 CR 114. Be sure to bring your camera.

Photos by Larry and Beverly Burmeier