Rankin Ranch California
One of California's most famous cattle and guest ranching families running an old-time, working cattle ranch for six generations over 125 years. Hospitality reigns supreme! Enjoy wonderful, easygoing Western hospitality and kindness. Lots of space, peace and quiet. Emphasis is on family fun and there is an array of sporting activities and western games to engage in to make your holiday one to remember.
Freya, at The Riding Company, also went to visit Rankin Ranch during her California trip. "The cabins at the Rankin Ranch were well appointed with lovely views. They had everything you'd need in them and were conveniently situated just a few minutes from the main house. The larger Chimo cabins were newer, larger and had beautiful views over the hills. The horses at Rankin Ranch would be suitable for any age and experience and were very well trained. Riding was nose-to-tail riding over the hills and was varied but not as challenging as some of the other ranches. Perfect for beginners and children. The ranch had a wonderful homely feel to it and the days were well structured so that there was never nothing to do, although you could opt out if you wanted some quiet time. Brilliant for families, which is why so many are keen to return."
Riding:
Riding is definitely one of the favorite activities at the ranch (twice a day, every day except Sunday when we ride in the morning only). There are adult and children rides (minimum age for horseback riding is six years). Wonderful lunch rides down the creek are weekly activities for adults and teens. Take your lunch in saddlebags and ride out. You'll find a cool, quiet spot to picnic in a beautiful, natural setting.
Most rides are leisurely so you can enjoy the spectacular scenery. All rides are guided by wranglers. David Staats, head wrangler, grew up in the area and has lots of cowboy tales. He is very knowledgeable also of the native plant and wildlife on the ranch. Many of our guests have never ridden before; some own their own horses. David will find the "perfect" horse for you.
Other Activities:
OTHER ACTIVITIES enjoyed by guests are hiking in our mountains and meadows (we're happy to pack a lunch for your adventure), bicycling on our quiet country roads; swimming in the heated pool (heated mid-May through September), and relaxing in our new hot tub; trout fishing at Julia Lake is great fun for all ages (we'll cook your catch); and there's tennis, shuffleboard, ping pong, volleyball, horseshoes and more.
Kids activities:
The Rankin Ranch offers a relaxing atmosphere, hospitable staff, and great children's programs: a petting farm, arts and craft activities, hikes, treasure hunts, and swim meets. Counselors are on duty from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm with planned activities for children ages 4 to 11. Kids love making wooden boats to race in the creek, and kites to fly in the meadow....there's never a dull moment! More fun plans await the children each evening before and after dinner.
Itinerary:
A typical daily schedule at Rankin Ranch
6:30 AM - Horses are wrangled in from the meadow to the corral..."early birds" are welcome to watch.
7:30 to 9:00 AM - BREAKFAST is served in the GARDEN ROOM (most ranches have a set time for breakfast, but we feel you're on vacation, so get up early or "sleep-in"...it's your choice. Coffee and juice is available after breakfast hours.
8:00 to 11:30 AM - MORNING HORSEBACK RIDES Mountain and Meadow Terrain
We post the riding schedule the previous evening.
Separate Adult and Children Rides...adults may ride with their children.
9:30 to 12:30 - CHILDREN'S PLANNED ACTIVITIES (During Regular Season Only)
12:30 PM - Lunch is served on the TERRACE (Sunday Barbecue in the Meadow)
1:45 to 4:00 PM - AFTERNOON HORSEBACK RIDES
1:45 to 3:30 - CHILDREN'S PLANNED ACTIVITIES (During Regular Season Only)
5:30 PM - Children meet in the Recreation Room for a fun activity before dinner.
Adults meet at Lightner Square for PATIO PARTY
6:30 PM - Dinner in the GARDEN ROOM
Any special celebrations...birthdays, anniversaries, etc. are celebrated with a cake and gift following dinner.
8:00 PM - EVENING ACTIVITY in the Recreation Room
*Please Note: The only day that varies is SUNDAY - horseback riding in the morning only, and hay wagon ride and barbecue in the meadow for lunch.
CHILDREN'S PLANNED ACTIVITIES: Arts and Crafts (boats, kites, Indian Day, Cowboy Art Contest), Nature Hikes, Scavenger Hunts, Talent Shows, Ranch Olympics, Swimming, Pizza Parties, and much more.
DAYTIME ACTIVITIES: Trout Fishing, Hiking, Swimming, Hot Tub, Shuffleboard, Ping Pong, Horseshoes, Archery, Tennis, Badminton, Volleyball, Petting Farm.....OR JUST RELAXING!
EVENING ACTIVITIES: Hay Wagon Ride and Barbecue in the Meadow (usually Wednesday or Thursday evening), Square Dancing and Western Line Dancing (Friday or Saturday night), Bingo, Talent Show, Horse Races (fun inside game), Pool Tournaments, Fooseball Tournaments, and Cards and Games. Activities are scheduled each evening during the Regular Season, and every other evening during the Off Season. You are welcome to join in or "do your own thing."
Accommodation and dining:
Charming mountain cabins (seven duplex units) accommodate singles, couples, families and groups.....up to 48 guests.
Rooms are wood-paneled with high open-beamed ceilings; carpeted, heated, and air conditioned; each room has a small sitting area; private entrance and bath; accommodations can be reserved as a single room or two connecting rooms. All rooms have a comfortable queen bed, twin bed, and a day-bed. Each single room easily accommodates a family of four or five, but if you want to spread out, the connecting room is available. Our larger "deluxe" cabin, the CHIMO, features a spacious floor plan with two queen beds, sitting area with two sofas (queen "sleepers" which gives you a total of 4 queen beds in the room), table and chairs, and plenty of room for fun family get-togethers; large bathrooms with separate tub, and tiled-shower; microwave and refrigerator for extra snacks; and the most spectacular view of our lush green meadows and hay fields.
Daily maid service, and three beautifully prepared meals free you to enjoy every minute of your stay.
Before dinner, adult guests enjoy the evening Patio Party in Lightner Square in the shade of the Mulberry tree. Many guests bring their own adult beverage (as the ranch does not have a liquor license) to this quiet gathering...a fun time to relax and visit with other adults. Delicious homemade dips, with chips, and mixes await you on the glass-topped table...Roberto's Guacamole is everybody's favorite! The GARDEN ROOM, where breakfast and dinner is served, is a beautiful, spacious dining area furnished with family antiques and wicker. Each evening you'll find candle lit tables, linens and fresh flowers....these special touches add to your dining enjoyment. Amid Rankin Ranch cowboy photos, guests enjoy hearty ranch-style meals....complete with a variety of fresh vegetables, top quality meats, and homemade breads and desserts. Lunch is usually served on the terrace overlooking the pool.
Accommodation:
Regular season: April 8th to 29th, May 27th to 30th and June 9th to September 5th
Daily rates:
- Two Adults, one room, each person - $205.00
- Single Adult (Each per day) - $215.00
- 3rd and 4th Adult in room, each - $180.00
- Two or more children uder 12, in room separate from parents, each - $180.00
- Children 6-11, in room with parents, each - $155.00
- Children 4 and 5, in room with adult, each - $130.00
- Child, single occupancy - $215.00
- Children under 4 in room with adult, each per day - No charge
Off-season: April 29th to May 27th and September 5th to October 2nd
Daily rates:
- Two Adults, one room, each person - $170.00 (Fri-Sat), $150 (Sun-Thurs)
- Single Adult (Each per day) - $185.00 (Fri-Sat), £165.00 (Sun-Thurs)
- 3rd and 4th Adult in room, each - $150.00 (Fri-Sat), £130.00 (Sun-Thurs)
- Two or more children uder 12, in room separate from parents, each - $150.00 (Fri-Sat), £130.00 (Sun-Thurs)
- Children 6-11, in room with parents, each - $120.00 (Fri-Sat), £110.00 (Sun-Thurs)
- Children 4 and 5, in room with adult, each - $90.00 (Fri-Sat), £80.00 (Sun-Thurs)
- Child, single occupancy - $185.00 (Fri-Sat), £165.00 (Sun-Thurs)
- Children under 4 in room with adult, each per day - No charge
Rates quoted above do not include tax.
1 week stays deduct 5% from quoted charges.
1 night stays add 10% to quoted charges.
Deluxe cabin add 15% to quoted charges.
Activities:
Lunch and Afternoon horseback ride - $40.00 per person
Sunday barbecue lunch and hay wagon ride - $20.00 per person
Extra horseback rides (pendig availability) - $30.00 per ride
Holidays can generally be of any duration and start on any day (except where specified).
Make a reservation / enquiry.
These prices are guidelines only. Please contact us for an exact quote since prices will vary depending on the season, the amount of riding you wish to do and whether you are travelling alone or with a group. To calculate the equivalent cost of your holiday in another currency, please visit XE.com's Universal Currency Converter.
Flights:
Rankin Ranch is situated approximately 2.5 hours from Los Angeles
Flights from London Heathrow to Los Angeles can be made with British Airways, American Airlines, Virgin Atlantic Airways, United Airlines and Air New Zealand.
Hire cars are available at the airport.
Alcohol:
The Rankin Ranch does not hold an alcohol licence so if you wish to drink during your stay you will need to bring your own.
Horse Riding:
Minimum age for horseback riding is 6 years.
Maximum weight for horseback riding is 250 pounds.
Hats are NOT provided at this ranch so we recommend that you bring your own.
Babysitting:
Can be arranged at an extra charge with advanced notice
Environmental issues
You can calculate the CO2 emission of your journey to USA at Climate Care and compensate for your 'environmental footprint'. If you let us know how much it is we will be happy to pay this on your behalf.
In the office, we use paper from sustainably managed forests and recycled material where possible.
We encourage you to travel onwards from your arrival airport by rail when possible, and will book seats on your behalf.
How to book
To make a non-binding enquiry or a provisional booking, please fill in the reservations & enquiries form. Once we have checked availability, we will send you a quote with a holiday reference number by email. To secure your holiday, a deposit is required of £200 per person (or half the cost of the holiday, whichever is lower) and forward any insurance premiums to the insurance company. You should book your flights at this stage, and forward details to us so that we can organise your transfers. The balance of payment must be received by us not less than eight weeks before departure. Payment instructions.
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Insurance: all riders must be fully insured. We can recommend this travel insurance policy. The application form may be printed out to send with your premiums direct to the insurance company.
Please read our Terms and Conditions.
