Horse and cattle ranches have been an integral part of California culture since the founding of the first mission in 1769. Spanish influences spurred vaquero culture, which set the stage for the iconic American cowboy. Today, the tradition remains strong with more than 40 million acres of public and private ranch land stretching across the Golden State.
Want a closer look? A handful of these history-rich properties are open to guests. Get a taste of the dude ranch lifestyle, participate in a high-stakes cattle drive, learn how to rope like a pro, and perfect your horsemanship at these unforgettable spots, listed north to south.
Marble Mountain Ranch
This action-packed, all-inclusive ranch in Siskiyou County offers a “saddle and paddle” where guests can ride horseback through scenic trails one day and raft the Klamath River the next. The family-friendly ranch also offers fly-fishing, shooting sports, and cowboy cookouts.
Greenhorn Ranch
Set in the Lost Sierra forest at 4,400 feet, this welcoming, all-ages ranch is focused on horseback riding, fly-fishing, and archery by day and Western line-dancing, signature cocktails, and campfire marshmallows by night. Embrace your inner prospector with a gold panning experience and whiskey tasting. Greenhorn’s all-inclusive season spans from May through October.
Kennedy Meadows Resort & Pack Station
This Tuolumne County ranch offers seasonal cabin stays (from the last Friday in April to Columbus Day in October) where guests can enjoy daily horseback rides followed by evening tipples at a 100-year-old saloon. Book in summer for a truly unforgettable experience: The customizable 8- to 14-day Kennedy Meadow to Tuolumne Meadows Pack Trip takes guests 70-plus miles along the Pacific Crest Trail on horseback. See Tilden Lake, Chittenden Peak, and Matterhorn Canyon from atop your trusty steed.
Hunewill Ranch
Experience California’s oldest working guest ranch, just 30 minutes from Yosemite National Park. Founded in 1861 by Napoleon Bonaparte Hunewill—a Gold Rush prospector originally from Maine—this historic Mono County ranch has stayed in the family for six generations. Originally established to feed gold-thirsty miners in nearby Bodie, it now welcomes guests to enjoy its rich heritage alongside outdoor adventure.
Set on 4,500 acres of alpine meadows and scenic trails, Hunewill features cozy cabins and hearty, home-cooked meals served in the founder’s Victorian home. Enjoy activities for all ages, including horseback riding, colt gentling, square dancing lessons, and creekside barbecues.
V6 Ranch
Set in rugged Cholame Valley about 30 miles northeast of Paso Robles, V6 delivers true Western adventure with riding clinics and a hands-on Cowboy Academy, culminating in a friendly skills showdown with a belt-buckle prize. Tap into your inner Lone Ranger with the Cattle Drive experience. You and your V6-raised quarter horse will help move the herd to their new seasonal grazing location by day and relax around the campfire come nightfall. Appropriate for all riders ages 8 and up.
Make your home out on the range (for a few nights anyway) with an all-inclusive stay at the nearby Parkfield Lodge in Monterey County and savor award-winning, oak-fired barbecue at its cafe.
Rankin Ranch
Discover authentic ranch life at this historic, 31,000-acre working cattle ranch in Caliente, family-run since 1863. Now with sixth-generation owners at the helm, the Kern County ranch is known for its high-quality home-raised beef, its many valley biking trails, and other classic outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and fishing for rainbow trout in Rankin’s onsite pond.
Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort
Roam the range in luxury at this 10,500-acre ranch in Santa Ynez Valley that has been welcoming guests since 1946. Choose from horseback riding, egg gathering, fishing, or family bingo—or add on golf or spa days. You also have easy access to charming Solvang and Santa Ynez wineries.
Circle Bar B
This 60-acre family-owned ranch was originally part of the Ortega-Stokes Mexican Land Grant in 1843. California looked a lot different back then, but now the part-ranch, part-resort lies just up the coast from Santa Barbara in Goleta.
Circle Bar B has the perfect balance of rough-and-tumble mixed with luxury. Head to the stables to take a ride through the Santa Ynez Mountains, enjoying views of the bright blue Pacific below. Afterward, indulge in a spa massage and enjoy a gourmet dinner before falling asleep in your four-poster bed.
Crazy Horse Ranch
Take your horsemanship skills to the next level at this family-owned ranch outside Palm Springs where the focus is on private lessons, trail rides, and rescue animals. Come for a Cowboy for a Day package or bunk down in one of the cabins for an extended stay.