Entrenched with a history as captivating as the views it provides, the Pole Canyon Ranch spans an impressive and recently surveyed 5,457 +/- acres in Briscoe and Floyd Counties. A remnant of the original Quitaque (Lazy F) Ranch owned by George and Jim Baker of San Saba County, the Pole Canyon Ranch received its name from the unique juniper trees positioned closest to the periodic flow of the many creeks in it. By 1882, the Quitaque Ranch had amassed 140,000 acres and was sold to Charles Goodnight, also known as the Father of the Texas Panhandle, who retained ownership for another eight years before he disposed of his remaining half interest. As it has made its way through time, the family has found a way to harmonize form and function. The ranch headquarters offers up 16 RV hookups to those interested in soaking up the rugged beauty of the landscape, while a cattle herd of roughly 200 head attempt to tame the growing foliage. A three bed, two bath home frequently rented out as a guest rental is also front and center of the main drive, and seated behind it is an equipment and storage barn.
Positioned in the heart of the Caprock Escarpment, the ranch boasts a whopping 619 feet of elevation change. Panoramic views from these high tops reveal the stunning transition from the High Plains of the Llano Estacado down into the valley floor where grazing livestock and crop production have been made an integral part of West Texas culture. A dense canopy of redberry juniper and shinnery oak make up the majority of the elevated plains, while cottonwoods and willows are trickled throughout the creek bottoms. Lush plant communities thrive under the shade these trees provide, and those attentive will find the Big Four in grasses: little bluestem, big bluestem, Indiangrass, and switchgrass. Other notable grass species found throughout the ranch are buffalo grass, sideoats grama, and Bermuda.
Located just east of the main entrance to the ranch is over 228 acres of cultivation consisting primarily of Class II Motley loam and Shrewder fine sandy loam soils which have historically been utilized for winter wheat production. These acres have the ability to aid in any agriculture enterprise and are of significant importance as an attractant to the local population of wildlife. Both mule deer and whitetail call the ranch home, and reports of seeing over 70 deer grazing this field at once have been made. Several other smaller openings are found interspersed on the ranch, adding to the overall aesthetic appeal and potential to increase the number of cultivated acres as food plots or winter stockpiling for cattle. In addition, bobwhite quail are abundant residents of Pole Canyon Ranch, and the close proximity to the larger Los Lingos Creek benefits the overall biodiversity. Five ponds are located on the property, with the centermost pond being stocked with channel catfish and crappie. Other species of interest are aoudad (barbary sheep), hogs, and dove.
Between the magnificent canyon walls can be found a number of remarkable artifacts and works of the past as the Native Americans once called this region home. An incredible feature of the ranch is the 40+ miles of maintained trails. This expansive infrastructure allows the ranch to be fully enjoyed for all that it has to offer. Located 1.5 hours from Amarillo and under the same to Lubbock, both of which are home to international airports, the ranch is conveniently located for a weekend getaway or longer. Truly an offering of unparalleled beauty and uniqueness, form and function, the Pole Canyon Ranch beckons your company.
Property Features
-16 RV hookups w/ water and electricity
-3 full bath outbuilding for campers
-3 bed, 2 bath farmhouse
-Equipment and storage barn
-Blacktop road frontage
-228+ cultivated acres of Class II soils
-40 miles of interior trails
-5 ponds
-Variety of grass species
-600’+ of elevation change
-1.5 hours from Amarillo
-1.5 hours from Lubbock
-Nearby international airports
-Beautiful canyons
-Native American artifacts
-Mule deer
-Whitetail
-Bobwhite quail
-Aoudad (Barbary Sheep)
-Hogs
-Dove
-11 miles from CapRock Canyon State Park
-1.5 hours southeast of Palo Duro Canyon