Imagine a place in the forest, your playground, completely off the grid, inhabited by hundreds of farm animals, surrounded by mountains, in its own valley with streams and ponds filled with fresh spring water and no neighbors for miles.

Come Alive in Nature.

  • Explore the Ranch on Electric Bikes

    Ride effortlessly through meadows, trails, and forest paths on our quiet, eco-friendly electric mountain bikes—perfect for all ages and a great way to take in the landscape.

  • Stargazing Under Crystal-Clear Skies

    With zero light pollution, Rancho Grande offers stargazing nights guided by local astronomers. Learn the constellations, gaze through telescopes, and marvel at the cosmos (additional fee applies)

  • Fish

    Cast a line for fish, we have large catfish and Blue Gill. All fishing equipment provided and worms are stocked in the Greenhouse.

  • Birdwatching & Nature Discovery

    Bring your binoculars—or just your curiosity. The ranch is home to owls, hawks, songbirds, deer, and other wildlife. Quiet observation becomes a daily adventure.

  • Meet the Animals Up Close

    Feed, brush, and bond with the animals of Rancho Grande—from bunnies and goats to donkeys, ponies, and Albert the camel. This is hands-on joy for animal lovers of all ages.

  • Swim & Paddle the Ponds

    Swim in our freshwater ponds or take a boat, kayak, or canoe out for a peaceful float. It’s classic outdoor fun in the middle of serene mountain beauty.

  • Hike Through Untouched Wilderness

    Discover trails that wind through pine forests, climb to ridge-top views, and pass by hidden clearings. Hikes range from short strolls to adventurous treks. See the Alltrails.com website for more information about this trail and others close by clicking below.

    https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/howard-creek-trail

  • Horseback Rides Through the Forest

    Take a guided ride through hills and valleys on horseback. Led by experienced wranglers, these rides are offered at an additional charge and provide an unforgettable perspective of the ranch.

  • Indoor Fun for Lazy Days or Quiet Nights

    Our entertainment barn is packed with activities—arts & crafts, games, books for all ages, the latest video consoles, a pool table, a grand piano, and so much more. It’s a perfect place to unwind or play together.

  • Play Ball

    We have a regulation size baseball field to play on. It's a very flat area suitable for any kind of sport imaginable. It's also a beautiful baseball field, surrounded by mountains in the middle of a forest.

  • Greenhouse

    Plant something here and enjoy the art of gardening. We will be sure too keep your seedlings healthy and send you a picture off the plant as it grows.

  • Trampoline

    Jump to the sky in our Trampoline and have fun. Be sure not to break anything.

  • Basketball

    “Full half court play on this playground basketball court” but make sure Simon the German Shepard isn’t around. He eats the basketballs. The forest Service fire patrol staff engaged in a game on a visit to the ranch.

  • Biology

    Get a jar of pond water and bring it back to the Rock Room and examine what paramecium and amoebas look like under the bright lenses of our microscope.

  • Lego, scrabble, monopoly and so much more

    construction toys and board games fill the rafters of our entertainment room. It’s a cozy place for a late night game on a cold night, fireplace included.

  • The General Store

    The Rancho Grande General Store filled with a collection of things “with somethings for all people”.

  • Playground

    Secure fenced in grass area for younger children to play with many vintage trucks and other playthings.