OUR STORY
The Covered S Ranch is a family owned ranch in West Texas. The ranch is located on Highway 84 between Post and Snyder, southeast of Lubbock, and northwest of Abilene, TX. The Covered S is a 23,000-acre working ranch with Black Angus cattle, horses, and wildlife. The ranch’s terrain includes mesquite, cedar, rolling plains, rugged canyons, and open pastures. In the daytime the skies are vast and “the stars at night are big and bright.” Our one-of-a-kind accommodations, which can host up to 50 guests, are thoughtfully woven into the ranch’s landscape. Ranging in size from one-bedroom suites to a five-bedroom home, we offer four distinct styles of lodging: Hacienda suites, a bunk house, homes, and R.V. spots for glamping. The design echoes home more than hotel – with deluxe amenities, custom furniture, and decor that showcases a distinctive Western heritage.
Located just off the caprock of the Llano Estacado, the Covered S offers year-round unique activities on an authentic 19th century homestead. We balance Western adventure with lavish all-inclusive amenities. Start the day with chuck wagon style breakfast. Then hike, hunt, or rent a helicopter ride. Bring your own four-wheeler or horse for some adventure or just sit and experience the awe-inspiring view of Flat Top Mesa from the porch of the Hacienda.
Located just off the caprock of the Llano Estacado, the Covered S offers year-round unique activities on an authentic 19th century homestead. We balance Western adventure with lavish all-inclusive amenities. Start the day with chuck wagon style breakfast. Then hike, hunt, or rent a helicopter ride. Bring your own four-wheeler or horse for some adventure or just sit and experience the awe-inspiring view of Flat Top Mesa from the porch of the Hacienda.
Management
Sam Pharies has been the manager of the Covered S since 2014. Sam was raised on the Historic Bell Ranch near Tucumcari, NM. When Sam was not required to be in school, he was out working with his Dad. He learned to ride, rope, weld, and run just about any piece of equipment you might find on a ranch. He attended Clarendon College majoring in Ranch and Feedlot operations. Sam is a huge asset to the Covered S. In 2018 Cooper joined the Covered S family as Sam’s wife, and June of 2019 Raylee Brook blessed the ranch with her presence.
Sam Pharies has been the manager of the Covered S since 2014. Sam was raised on the Historic Bell Ranch near Tucumcari, NM. When Sam was not required to be in school, he was out working with his Dad. He learned to ride, rope, weld, and run just about any piece of equipment you might find on a ranch. He attended Clarendon College majoring in Ranch and Feedlot operations. Sam is a huge asset to the Covered S. In 2018 Cooper joined the Covered S family as Sam’s wife, and June of 2019 Raylee Brook blessed the ranch with her presence.
Don Hofman, or “Grandad” as he is more often called these days, is a name you will see in several places at the Covered S. Don and Abby married and started ranching on the Texas/New Mexico state line as soon as WWII ended. Abby had deeps roots in ranching because her father had worked on the historic Slaughter Lazy S ranch in the early 1900’s. Her dad was Don’s mentor, inspiration, and partner until his death in 1956. Don and Abby worked very hard through some challenging years in the 50s to get a small herd of cattle and some land. In 1968 they were able to purchase a small ranch in Central New Mexico. In 1970 Don became the Manager of the fabled Bell Ranch north of Tucumcari, NM. During the years Don and Abby were at the Bell their grandchildren were able to be part of the rich heritage of the true cowboy. Don’s youngest grandson, Chet Pharies, fell in love with ranching and the cowboy way of life at the Bell. When Don retired from the Bell, he bought a small ranch west of Tucumcari. During these years Chet was able to work side by side with his grandad, learning all the aspects of owning and running a ranch. When you are at the Covered S it is very apparent that Grandad became Chet’s idol. Chet dreamed of owning his own ranch someday. In 2013, Chet had the opportunity to buy the Covered S. At the age of 85, Grandad sold his small ranch and went into partnership with Chet & Melinda Pharies and Greg & Cheri Poe to form the CT Land and Cattle Co. Chet’s dream had become a reality. The traditions and heritage of ranching are now being passed down to another generation. Chet’s vision is to maintain the heritage and traditions of ranching while incorporating modern day technologies. Chet has created an environment at the Hacienda and Arena that will take you back to the old west. Both venues contain relics of his family and the past, yet incorporate all the modern conveniences. Chet loves to have people come and experience ranch life.