Things to Do at Rancho Grande: Explore a Private Ojai Ranch

Imagine 200 private acres in Los Padres National Forest—an off-grid mountain playground filled with friendly animals, hiking trails, spring-fed ponds and room to roam. At Rancho Grande, every day can be as active or as peaceful as you choose.

Come Alive in Nature.

  • A small beige shed with a sign that says 'Bike Repairs Done Here!' and another that says 'Bike Shop' with a few bicycles parked in front. The shed has a window and various signs related to biking, with a partially open door showing bike-related tools inside. There's a roof with some dry leaves on it and a muddy, gravel ground.

    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.

  • Three telescopes set on rocky ground outdoors with mountainous terrain and cloudy blue sky in the background.

    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)

  • A young boy smiling, holding up a fish he caught while standing on a dock near a body of water with mountains and green trees in the background, wearing a sun hat and casual clothes.

    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.

  • A young girl wearing a large white sun hat and a pink t-shirt stands outdoors on a sunny day, looking down at a goat with large antlers that is approaching her.

    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.

  • Two guests paddling small wooden boats across a Rancho Grande pond surrounded by trees and mountains.

    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.

  • A man and woman standing together outdoors in a mountainous landscape, smiling with mountains in the background and tall grasses in the foreground. The woman wears sunglasses and a denim jacket, and the man wears a hat and dark shirt.

    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

  • Two women riding horses on a dirt trail in a wooded area, with mountains in the background and clear blue sky.

    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.

  • A wooden game room with multiple mounted animal heads, including deer and elk, a large television, and a display of various board game tiles and pieces in drawers, with windows showing trees outside, and a pool table in the foreground.

    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.

  • Empty baseball field with a dirt infield and a chain-link backstop, surrounded by rolling hills with patches of snow and sparse vegetation under a clear sky.

    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.

  • Inside a greenhouse, there are shelves filled with various potted plants, gardening tools, and boxes. The structure has a glass roof with metal support beams, and ceiling fans are hanging from the ceiling. Sunlight filters through the glass, illuminating the plants and items inside.

    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.

  • A person jumping on a trampoline with a colorful ankle strap, with the ground and scattered leaves visible below.

    Trampoline

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

  • Five individuals wearing yellow jackets and green pants playing basketball on an outdoor court surrounded by trees with fall foliage. Two are holding basketballs, one in conversation, and the others standing nearby. A basketball hoop is visible in the background.

    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.

  • Close-up of green algae cells viewed under a microscope.

    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.

  • Scrabble tiles spelling out the phrase 'RANCHO GRANDE YOUR HOME ON THE RANGE' on a clear plastic board.

    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.

  • Interior of a rustic gift shop with clothing, books, and miscellaneous items on wooden shelves and tables, including framed art, plush toys, mugs, and decorative objects, under a wooden ceiling with hanging displays.

    The General Store

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

  • Colorful backyard with a pink gazebo, a vintage style horse ride, a green fence, and a red retro-style woman figure sign that reads 'Children Drive Slowly'. There are trees, green hills, and a glass greenhouse in the background.

    Playground

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