This is far more than just a dude ranch. We get really close with these people were riding with for 10 to 12 hours a day. Both N.B. Our Buckaroo Ride is a special program that includes games on horseback, lots of instruction, swim rides, searching for obsidian chips, and many hours of confidence-building time in the saddle. Vacation packages throughout the season emphasize riding, but also provide other unique activities, such as cattle work, dances, and talent nights. Getting them to go through an open gate was another. I was taken aback by her enthusiasm. Horses spend the night in a large field and in the morning are driven into a corner and then surrounded by a cowboy . I can handle a horse (I rode hunter/jumpers for over 12 years), though it had been a couple years since doing any regular riding. www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. You will arrive Saturday for dinner and depart Saturday after breakfast. Drive 30 minutes north of Santa Barbara and you'll find The Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort's 50 miles of riding trails, 100-acre spring-fed lake, two 18-hole championship golf courses, tennis courts, pool, spa, western-themed accommodations, fine dining, and endless ways to unplug and unwind. Visit Top 20 Ranches for Dude Ranch Vacations. Ping pong, horseshoes, and volleyball are available. . It's not uncommon for you to be able to help cowboys gather and bring in the herd to the corrals for vaccinating or branding. The ranch has become intertwined with many guests family history. Dinners were 4 star. Leslie is a rancher at Hunewill Ranch in Bridgeport Valley where her family raises cattle and operates a guest ranch. A family whose roots are anchored deep in the grassy meadows; a family whose values are exemplified by treating everyone the way theyd like to be treated. At night, the valley laid under a canopy of stars streaked with a ribbon of Milky Way. The highlight of our stay was the morning cattle drive where we moved 50 cattle over three miles back to the barn. Frank and Alices son Stanley was the first Hunewill cowboy. from Buckeye Canyon and was delivered by an oxen-drawn lumber wagon. The Hunewills have made some adjustments to make the cattle drive vacation more traveler friendly. The surrounding 26,000 acres in the mountainous Bridgeport Valley provides a unique riding atmosphere for all skill levels. After a breakfast of eggs Benedict and potatoes, it was saddle-up time. Its difficult to explain how strongly this family feeling comes across. Home California Dude Ranches Hunewill Guest Ranch. Land grants were issued to the Hunewills from Presidents Ulysses S. Grant, Benjamin Harris, and Grover Cleveland. The ranch does not provide alcohol but my table mates brought wine. The Autumn Cattle Gather in November is highly recommended for those who enjoy long days in the saddle.Safe to say, the main attraction is the horseback riding. The cattle drive puts you back in the Old West, driving cows over stock trails that have been in use since the 1860's. Hunewill Ranch`s They were hesitant on this cattld drive and refused to continue on. Hes an artist, as well as a fascinating conversationalist; a modern-day Charlie Russell. As we gazed around the dim interior, we noticed a family of owls sheltered in the cool recesses of shadowy beams. We tailor make all our holidays to suit you. The Hunewill family is not shy about displaying their talents as well. Getting them through the pastures wasnt a problem. Beginner groups walk and trot in the meadows and the intermediate and advanced groups lope on their rides. It was a logistical feat to arrange enough trailers and drivers to haul 35 horses and riders on unpaved, washboard roads to the gold and silver mining town, now a California State Historic Park. Guests feel theyre a part of a very special ranching family. Hunewill Guest Ranch Folks visit with one another and create their own entertainment. Tel: 01798 865946 Email: americanroundup@frontier-travel.co.uk. One guest, Sue Hovey, told us her husband was reluctant to ride, because he had no experience. The ranch was founded by Napoleon Bonaparte Hunewill, who came to California from Maine, lured by gold prospecting. After several cups of coffee, breakfast and a dose of ibuprofen, the aches dissipated. It took him six months to sail from Maine and around South Americas treacherous Cape Horn until finally landing in San Francisco. Terri recounted the exploits of some of its colorful residents. Horseback riding takes center stage on the ranch. You are going to see breath taking scenery and vistas that allow you to see for many miles. The long distances covered, the need for periodic rests by riders and animals, and the establishment of railheads led to the . Recommended Reviews Enjoy camping out under the stars for 1-2 nights (optional), chuck wagon meals, cowboy music, and long satisfying days in the saddle during this traditional end of summer cowboy event. The Hunewill Ranch is located in Bridgeport, California on the east side of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. #1 AttractionThe heart of the Season. Several species of trout are found in the rivers and lakes in the . and Esther had their only child, Frank. 20.8 miles from Hunewill Ranch Free parking Restaurant West Walker Motel View Hotel 60 reviews 23.2 miles from Hunewill Ranch Free Wifi Free parking View more hotels in Bridgeport Value Location Sleep Quality Rooms Cleanliness Service Trip type: Traveled with friends Value Sleep Quality Rooms Cleanliness Trip type: Traveled solo Value Location Once in a while cows will need to be "doctored" 'in the field. There are between 4 and 7 night ranch stays, cattle weeks, ladies only or adult only weeks. Rate includes meals, horseback riding, and lodging. My room was just what I needed. You'll stay in comfortable cottages near the horse pasture; allowing you to watch the horses come thundering in early each morning. While we visited with him, he quickly and casually drew us a picture of an Indian mounted on horseback. We always leave Hunewill Ranch plotting our next trip. Member of the Dude Ranchers' Association The cabins were comfortable although fairly basic, the food, which included 3 meals daily was excellent - esp. He and Esther journeyed back to San Francisco, this time crossing the Isthmus of Panama, which took three months. bread and other baked goods. Find the best dude ranches, cattle drives, and global riding vacations in Equitrekking's Vacation Guide. Their son, Stan, was born in 1934. Compared to other guest ranches, the ranch does not offer additional activities outside of riding so take that into consideration if you opt for the non-rider option. Some of our day rides venture into the nearby mountains to enjoy high mountain terrain, glacial lakes, and spectacular scenery. Mountain biking is also popular. Hunewill Guest Ranch is located in Bridgeport, California on the eastern slope of the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains bordering Yosemite National Park. He says hes living his dream. Napoleon Bonaparte Hunewill's ancestors were French Huguenots from Alsace-Lorraine. In 1880, N.B. I am absolutely in love with my horse, Ben. He hauled granite rocks from the nearby foothills to build the cellar and two-foot-high foundation. Beyond the valley, the mountains rise sharply, reminiscent of the Tetons. Experience the Cowboy Side of California on this 20,000 acre cattle ranch. The signature all-inclusive saddle and paddle or raft and ride vacation join the superb dining experience and our youth buckaroo program to create the best and most complete family dude ranch vacation. Herding cattle at Hunewill Ranch. Ride with the Hunewill family for five days, covering sixty miles from Bridgeport, California to Smith Valley, Nevada herding 600 cows as they are driven to their winter range. With over a hundred well-trained horses and a vast expanse of lush green meadows and scenic mountain trails, we create memories that last a lifetime. Children blossom here! Rankin Ranch is one of the oldest and largest family-owned ranches in California. Copyright 2004 - 2023 Equestrian Travel Brands, LLC. We had the opportunity to visit Hunewill Ranch, the oldest working guest ranch in California and one of California's oldest continuously owned family ranches. The Annual Hunewill Ranch Cattle Drive in November is for serious intermediate-to-advanced riders. Private horse corrals are provided for those who prefer to bring their own horse. In 1883, N.B. And it has. I got all of that and more. The sixth generation Hunewill children welcome and play with children of guests as though they were long lost cousins who have finally arrived. Being with Stan and Jan Hunewill is like being in a real-life Bonanza setting on the Ponderosa with Ben Cartwright and his three sons. Separated into groups by riding ability, we rode across open fields and crossed streams that lingered even in late August due to the heavy snow from the previous winter. Some of the jobs youll do include moving cows, parting cows from the herd, and preparing cattle for shipping to summer pastures. Bricks for the two chimneys came from a brick kiln in Bodie, now a famous ghost town. Hunewill Guest Ranch Fall cattle drive, cattle working week and a ranch roping clinic. The . The beautiful scenery and the tradition of the cattle drive combine to give our guests the experience of a lifetime. Denice Elliot, Jons sister, is responsible for the delicious, homemade pies and baked goods. The Hunewills three children, their spouses, and some of the grandchildren help in day-to-day ranch management. Bonaparte's father was in the War of 1812, and his grandfather served under George Washington in the Revolutionary War. Episode 303: A Desert Dude Ranch in Summer; Carver Family Cattle Drive - Watch on YouTube. Family run working cattle ranch since 1861, located in the Eastern Sierra town of Bridgeport, CA. The Hardy Quarter Horses of Namibia Breed Profile, Where to Ride in 2019: Droolworthy Riding Vacations, Horse Lovers Vacation at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, Hunewill Ranch Vacation & Cattle Drives in California. Laughter and friendships abound as kids play during their non-riding time. Many of the Hunewill guests are like my husband with almost zero riding experience. Whether you are looking to escape to wine country or cowboy country, the Dude Ranchers Association has 6 great dude ranch options to choose from in California! The cattle drive takes place rain, snow, or shine, so be prepared for all types of weather! Copyright 2013-2023 American Roundup. Guests are invited to participate in Cattle Drives, Dude Ranch Weekends, Cowboy Academies, and more all in the heart of California. Hunewill Guest Ranch Altitude: 6,500 ft Capacity: 40+ Guests Open: May-Nov Acres: 26,000 Min Stay: 3 Nights Rates: $200-$300/N Horseback riding is the driving focus at Hunewill Guest Ranch. I guess we will keep going there until we are too old to ride. Laura Deck spends a week on a rural California cattle drive that's been an annual tradition for more than a century. The Hunewill Ranch is a family-owned and operated outfit where great horseback riding is the featured attraction. He responded in kind, and we were flying. They are able to cater to all levels and also take kids over 6. by Dorina Lindberg Bridgeport Valley lies below the slope of the highway like a green carpet, a contrast against the dun-colored rock hills and sagebrush. We also met an interesting 20-year-old student from Jamaica named Renee who was majoring in hospitality. Ranch activities will vary depending on the dates you visit. Privacy Policy. Bridgeport Valley is an unspoiled recreational paradise where you will find trout fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and many other pastimes for the nature enthusiast. The Hunewill Ranch is a family-owned and operated outfit where great horseback riding is the featured attraction. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Horseback riding takes center stage on the ranch. There are a number of cattle weeks during the season so you would be well advised to be a reasonable rider as the days can be long and challenging. Learn how you can join in the fun on a California cattle drive vacation and about other great cattle drive holidays! The Hunewill family also makes sure the evening activities are just as fun. The old Victorian-style ranch house is surrounded by Lombardy poplar trees planted by N.B. When floods destroyed the mill in 1861, N.B. The riding here may be a bit slower up here..Other horseback activities include splash rides, a breakfast ride, moving cattle, an obstacle course and games on horseback. Greenhorn Ranch is a guest ranch in Californias Lost Sierra. This underlying thread of respect, acceptance, and welcoming spirit is alive and well in the sixth generation of todays Hunewill family. I squeezed the reins as we came up to the rest of the group and he slowed to a walk. Half day drives are offered throughout the year. 1065 County Road 306 Elk Creek, CA 95939 . The Guest Ranch has been around since 1931 and is even more popular than it was when it first opened. The Hunewills are one of the region's longest-established ranching families. During this time, N.B. You'll be able to learn cowboy skills such as gathering and sorting cattle. During the depression years, cattle prices were very low. Hunewill Ranch, a cluster of white buildings, is barely visible on the valley floor. We discovered later that guests, wearing huge grins, return to this ranch year after year. Great bed, a good heater, a hot shower and close to the dining room. 01798 865946 is a guest ranch in Californias Lost Sierra. Horseback riding is the driving focus at Hunewill Guest Ranch. Skip to Nav; Skip to Main; Skip to Footer; Created with Sketch. Hunewill Ranch Cattle Drive 2009. This will generally be in large and open pastures that are bordered by the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains. Mammoth Lakes is located an hour south of Bridgeport. More Date of stay: September 2015 See all 40 reviews Nearby Hotels Annett's Mono Village View Hotel 73 reviews 1.6 miles from Hunewill Ranch Children who are capable of being led on horseback are led by the babysitter. We made our way into town, stopping at points of interest while Terry told stories of life in Bodie. At 6500 feet, the temperature drops into the 40s at night, even during the summer months. Megan promised we would all be loping today. You can then send them to us to obtain a quotation or register and save them to look at again at a later date. Please see our partners for more details. 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