Mountain Biking at Flat Rock Ranch in Comfort, Texas

As I was planning my drive from Arizona to the Austin area of Texas to explore the mountain biking in Hill Country, I saw a network of spaghetti-like trails in a place called Comfort. After a little more digging, I realized that this place – Flat Rock Ranch – was actually a pretty big deal and I definitely needed to check it out.

Flat Rock Ranch is a privately owned piece of property (if you can call 13,000 acres a ‘piece’…) that has slowly been transformed into a destination for mountain bikers. With over 35 miles of trails and set in a stunning location, it’s a unique place that is well worth the visit.

Jimmy, the great-grandson of the man who purchased the land in the late 1800s, has spent the last few decades mapping out and building an ever-growing network of trails (with, he would add, a lot of help).

He’s created an awesome place for riders to come from all over Texas and further afield. They also host races, have a little campground (with hot showers and hookups), and even a little community area with a BBQ for post-ride gathering.

I loved my experience at Flat Rock Ranch. I only wish I had stayed a little longer! If you’re planning on visiting, this post covers everything you need to know including what to expect and how to make the most of your visit out to Comfort, Texas.

Quick Facts & FAQs

Flat Rock Ranch is a working ranch. This means that you will probably see cows, goats, and sheep on or next to the trails. This is also one of the reasons dogs are not allowed. Please respect the livestock (don’t snuggle the baby lambs) and make sure all gates close behind you.

Why Mountain Bike at Flat Rock Ranch?

Because it’s awesome and beautiful! True, Flat Rock Ranch isn’t really close to anything, but if you’re traveling across Texas or you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, it’s definitely worth the drive.

I really enjoyed exploring the trails at Flat Rock and chatting with Jimmy about the history of the place. It’s unique, idyllic, and, most importantly, fun. Here are a few more reasons to plan a trip out to Flat Rock Ranch to ride:

FRR May not be for you if…

Of course, not all mountain bike trail networks are perfectly bermed and have hero dirt. Here are a few reasons why Flat Rock Ranch might not be for you:

Fees and Waiver

There is a day fee to ride at Flat Rock Ranch. They are:

• Adult day pass: $15
• Kids 13-18: $10 (12 and under are free, but must be accompanied by an adult)
• Military: $10
• 65+: $10
• Season pass: $240+

You can purchase a pass online or pay when you get there. Cash is accepted and they also have a QR code that you can scan that will bring you to the fee checkout page (there’s decent enough cell service for this). On weekends, there is usually a host at the trailhead ‘shack’ that can process payments as well.

If you have paid for camping (more on that below), you don’t need to purchase a day pass.

Also, you need to sign a waiver. There are paper waivers at the trailhead or you can scan a QR code and fill it out online.

It is a privilege to ride at Flat Rock Ranch. Please obey all rules (like wearing a helmet), pay the fee, and be respectful to the residents who live on the ranch as well as other trail users and livestock. Read through the rules and good-to-knows before heading out there and please, don’t ruin it for the rest of us.

How to Ride The Trails

For most of my mountain bike destination guides, I have recommended routes for exploring the trails. But at Flat Rock Ranch, the trails are directional and there are really only three main loops to do. These loops include:

• The lower loop (red arrow)
• The middle loop (green arrow)
• The upper loop (red arrow)

It’s a little confusing that there are two red loops, but they don’t cross over at all, so it’s really not confusing when you get there and see how the trails are laid out.

What IS a bit confusing is that there are BLUE ARROWS within the red arrow loops that (I think) designate the Enduro trails. These detours are a bit spicier and have steeper and rockier terrain than just following the red arrows.

It’s also worth noting that TrailForks isn’t completely accurate. You don’t really need any GPS navigation at Flat Rock because it’s very well-signed, but in case you like to reference TrailForks, just know that it’s not 100% correct.

Events at Flat Rock Ranch

Throughout the year, Flat Rock Ranch hosts a number of events from mountain bike marathons to enduro races. You can see a list of happenings on their events page. I would avoid visiting FRR during an event weekend if you don’t plan on participating.

Camping at Flat Rock Ranch

I loved camping at Flat Rock Ranch. There are several hookup sites (water and electricity) as well as a few dispersed sites with picnic tables and fire pits. I was the only person camping there, and it felt like I had the idyllic pasture all to myself.

For amenities, there are (clean) port-a-potties, hot showers, and a nice covered sitting area with chairs and a table. There’s also a communal fire pit and a BBQ, which would be nice to use if you’re camping with friends or you make friends with other campers.

One thing to note, though, is that cell service is pretty limited. I had one bar (Verizon) at the sitting area, but it was pretty spotty. Also, dogs are not allowed 🙁

Gear up for Flat Rock Ranch

Riding at Flat Rock Ranch doesn’t require any specific mountain bike gear or apparel other than the usuals:

• A helmet (required)
• Your mountain bike pack essentials
• A hydration pack (I went through 2.5L of water on each of my 17/14-mile rides)

---

Feeling ready to head out to Flat Rock Ranch? As I’ve mentioned above, I really enjoyed my two days of camping and exploring this unique and beautiful trail system. What Jimmy and his crew have created is very cool and I think FRR is worth a trip or stopover for any mountain biker. Have fun and enjoy!

---

Are you thinking of visiting Flat Rock Ranch? What questions do you have about mountain biking there? Are you already familiar with the trails? Leave a comment below!