Horse and cattle ranches have played a significant role in California’s history since the late 18th century, influenced by Spanish vaquero culture that shaped the American cowboy tradition. Today, over 40 million acres of public and private ranch land remain across the state.
Several historic ranches now offer guest experiences, allowing visitors to engage in activities such as horseback riding, cattle drives, and horsemanship lessons. Marble Mountain Ranch in Siskiyou County provides an all-inclusive “saddle and paddle” program with trail rides and rafting on the Klamath River. Greenhorn Ranch, located in the Lost Sierra forest at 4,400 feet elevation, features horseback riding, fly-fishing, archery during the day, and Western-themed entertainment at night. Its all-inclusive season runs from May through October.
Kennedy Meadows Resort & Pack Station in Tuolumne County offers seasonal cabin stays with daily horseback rides and access to long-distance pack trips along the Pacific Crest Trail during summer months. Hunewill Ranch near Yosemite National Park is California’s oldest working guest ranch; it was established in 1861 by Gold Rush prospector Napoleon Bonaparte Hunewill and remains family-operated for six generations. Guests can participate in activities such as colt gentling and square dancing.
V6 Ranch in Cholame Valley offers riding clinics and a Cowboy Academy where guests can take part in cattle drives alongside experienced wranglers. Stays include accommodations at Parkfield Lodge in Monterey County with locally sourced barbecue meals.
Rankin Ranch has operated as a working cattle ranch since 1863 on its 31,000-acre property in Kern County. It is known for home-raised beef and outdoor recreation like biking trails, hiking, swimming, and fishing.
Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort provides luxury accommodations on its 10,500-acre Santa Ynez Valley property with options ranging from horseback riding to spa treatments. Circle Bar B near Goleta combines traditional ranch activities with modern comforts such as spa services and gourmet dining while offering scenic rides through the Santa Ynez Mountains.
Crazy Horse Ranch outside Palm Springs focuses on horsemanship lessons using rescue animals and private trail rides for visitors seeking hands-on learning or overnight stays.
