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California Dude Ranch Vacation
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At a Glance
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| HIGHLIGHTS | |
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| Famous For: | History, Horses, and Western Hospitality. One of California's most famous old-time working cattle ranches. The atmosphere is friendly and warm....guests feel like family. |
| Capacity: | 48 |
| Open: | March 14th to September 28th. With special arrangements, October is available for groups of 25 or more people. |
| Altitude: | Ranges from 3,500 ft. at ranch headquarters and up to 7,000 ft. in our higher grazing land on Breckenridge Mountain. |
| Location: | Central California in the beautiful secluded mountain valley of Walker's Basin at the southern tip of the Sierras - 1 hour drive northeast of Bakersfield; 2 1/2 hour drive north of Los Angeles; 5 1/2 hour drive south of San Francisco. |
| Reservations: | 661-867-2511 |
| Rates: |
Adults: AMERICAN PLAN.....Rates Include EVERYTHING: Lodging in Mountain Cabins, Three Full Ranch-Style Meals Each Day, Two Horseback Rides Each Day (one on Sunday), & All Ranch Activities $140 to $200 each per night
Children: $40 to $140 each per night. Children under 2 years of age FREE |
| Minimum Stay: | ONE NIGHT Most ranches require a minimum of 3 to 7 nights, but we know if you get a "taste" of Rankin Ranch life, even for one night, you'll be back! There is an Additional 10% charge for a 1 night stay. |
| Deposit: | $100 per person upon reserving dates |
| Payment: | Cash, Personal Check, Travelers Checks, VISA, MC, DISCOVER, AMERICAN EXPRESS |
| Closest Airports: | Bakersfield Meadow's Field - 50 miles; Los Angeles International Airport -125 miles |
| Transportation: | Free pickup in Bakersfield with a one week (7 night) stay. We can meet you at the airport terminal, train or bus depot. |
| Travel Agents: | YES |
| Guest Reviews: | Read reviews from travelers who have visited this ranch. |
| FEATURED AMENITIES | |||
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 ArcheryChildren's ProgramsExtensive Counselor Program - All Day or Camplike Program Children's Trail Riding6 yrs old 7 yrs old and over CuisineRanch/Western Dude/Guest Ranches |
Fishing Fly Fishing Lake Fishing on Property Stream Fishing on Property Type of Fish Trout HikingOn Your Own Horseback RidingLiquorBring Your Own Short Stays (1-4 days)Always |
Swimming PoolTennis On Property Wagon Trips | |
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| LODGING |
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| Charming mountain cabins (seven duplex units) accommodate singles, couples, families and groups.....up to 48 guests. Parents and children love spending time with us during the summer and holidays, while the spring and fall finds more couples and singles enjoying the peace and quiet during the Off-Season. Each cozy cabin is named for a special place on the ranch...Lightner Flat, Rankin Hill, Ruby Mine....and is nestled in evergreens and mountain lilacs with picturesque views of the surrounding oak covered mountains. "You start relaxing the minute you step out of your car," says George Westin. 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. Comforters on all beds will keep you toasty and warm after those brisk evenings of star gazing. The next morning, after a hearty breakfast (which is served anytime between 7:30 and 9:00 giving you the opportunity to "sleep-in" if you prefer), a full day of activities awaits you in this peaceful country setting. Daily maid service, and three beautifully prepared meals free you to enjoy every minute of your stay. |
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| RECREATION |
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| For years guests have come to Rankin Ranch to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and easy going lifestyle. Some sit by the pool and read a book as the world passes by, while others never miss a chance to horseback ride, and soak up the wonderful mountain sunshine and fresh clean air. 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. No horns or sirens here...just the sounds of water flowing over the rocks in the creek, and chirping birds! Most rides are leisurely so you can enjoy the spectacular scenery. "The heady scent of wildflowers and pine permeate the air as you ride along mountain trails past White Face Cattle lazily grazing in meadows, green from underground springs and creeks." (Valley Magazine) 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 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....be as busy or as relaxed as you wish. Our large oak-paneled recreation room provides hours of entertainment with a professional size Pool Table for those twelve years and older; there's Fooseball, and cards and games for all ages. Each season offers something special. Springtime wildflowers lure guests back year after year. Our beautiful scenery, and century old barns and buildings lend themselves to the annual "Art Week" for sketching and painting...May 19 to 24, 2002. Art lessons are FREE to guests...adults and children are all welcome to join in the fun. Summertime and holidays are filled with returning families. Fourth of July is a favorite time at Rankin Ranch...true patriotic spirit fills the air with "Red, White and Blue" galore! There's old-fashioned games for the entire family....sack races, egg-spoon run, water balloon volleyball and more, followed by a delicious All-American barbecue. The evening is not complete without our historical pageant....a display of AMERICAN pride, and a reminder to each of us how fortunate we are to live in the United States! Join us July 1 to 5 for this special celebration. During the summer, parents and grandparents love the supervised activities for children which gives adults time to relax and enjoy ranch activities while children are happily entertained. Each evening, during the Regular Season, there are planned activities for all ages. Square Dancing and Western Line Dancing usually on Friday or Saturday nights; Hay Wagon Ride and Barbecue in the meadow on Wednesday or Thursday evening; Pool Tournaments for adults with prizes for the winners; everybody loves the U Talent Shows...your children are the stars; Bingo Night...spend your winnings, Rankin Ranch Bingo Bucks, in the gift shop; and Fun Horseraces...children are the jockeys on stick horses and adults and teens bet on the winners with Rankin Ranch "Fun Money." Late evening walks in the summertime are delightful, too. However, you may prefer viewing the starlit skies from the comfortable chairs near your cabin entrance. Springtime and autumn offer a slower pace with cooler temperatures; our huge fireplace in the recreation room is a welcome sight after a brisk day of outdoor activities. Couples and groups especially enjoy these quieter times during our Off-Season months. FAMILY REUNIONS...family members drive and fly in from across the U.S. to be together...no telephones or interruptions...the ranch offers a relaxed atmosphere and the perfect opportunity for creating lifetime memories! Excerpt from a letter from the Burnham Family..... Keith and I want you to know how pleased and happy we were with our "Family" vacation at Rankin Ranch. It isn't easy to find a place that has something of appeal for all ages, from 1 year to 70 years, but I think you did it! Out of 29 people we didn't hear one complaint, and there were at least six of them who wept on the way home because they had to leave. It was truly a wonderful, memorable week for all of us, and we are deeply appreciative to all of you for making it so special. Again, many, many thanks for all that you have done! I am sure you will be seeing more of us in the years to come. Sincerely, Barbara SPECIAL CELEBRATIONS...We're delighted to help in any way that we can to make your graduation, birthday, anniversary, or any special occasion a happy celebration. We provide a free cake and a small gift from everyone at the ranch. If you have special needs (flowers in the room, party favors, a photographer, etc.) just let us know. |
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| FOR CHILDREN |
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| After being at the ranch for only four hours, eight year old Daniel White asked his mom, "do you think we can live here forever?" SUNSET MAGAZINE says...."It offers a relaxing atmosphere, hospitable staff, and great children's programs: a petting farm, arts and craft activities, hikes, treasure hunts, and swim meets." Parents and grandparents especially appreciate the seasonal children's program during the summertime and holidays. 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. Bob Schenker asked his young son, "How much do you think our trip to Rankin Ranch was worth?" We loved David's reply..."MORE THAN A MILLION DOLLARS!" |
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| FOOD/LIQUOR |
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| 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. Helen Rankin taught Rudy, ranch cook of twenty years, many of the old Rankin family recipes. Lunch is usually served on the terrace overlooking the pool...there's always a delightful afternoon breeze. |
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| BUSINESS/MEETINGS |
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| Rankin Ranch is ideal for small business meetings and retreats. Rick Pierucci of BJ Services first booked the ranch in 1997, and 2002 marks their 6th annual meeting held at the ranch. Rick says they always accomplish a lot; and they love the quiet privacy Rankin Ranch offers. We have accommodations for 28 guests (double occupancy, 14 rooms); a meeting room at no extra charge; access to telephones and fax machine; and best of all, complete privacy...you have the whole place to yourself. We can plan horseback riding, a hay wagon ride and barbecue, or whatever activities you wish...our schedule is planned around your needs. |
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| REGION/CUSTOMS |
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| The San Joaquin Valley is the gateway to southern California. We are proud of the progressive accomplishments this agricultural community has strived for and maintained. Food grown in Kern County, including Rankin Ranch beef, is exported all over the United States and the world. The renowned Bakersfield Business Conference which hosts leaders from around the world has been held in Bakersfield for eighteen years. George Bush Sr., Henry Kissinger, Colin Powell and Margaret Thatcher are among the well known speakers to attend this annual event. Kern County offers an array of outdoor recreational activities, Rankin Guest Ranch being one of it's "best kept secrets." Many valley residents don't realize they have a "dude" ranch in their own backyard; just a one hour drive to Walker's Basin where summertime temperatures are 10 to 15 degrees cooler than Bakersfield! The Famoso Drags, Lake Ming's boating and Mesa Marin's auto racing events have thrilled Bakersfield and out-of-town crowds for years. The Kern River Valley is a sportsman's paradise with fishing and boating at Lake Isabella, and "Class 1 to 5" white-water rafting excursions in the Kern River. Other attractions in Bakersfield and close proximity to Rankin Ranch: Buck Owen's Crystal Palace with country western music performed by famous artists; several wonderful Basque restaurants run by long time Bakersfield families; many large and small museums ...Pioneer Village, California Living Museum, Kern River Valley Historical Museum, and our own local museum at nearby Havilah; the Tehachapi area offers the Morning Cloak Botanical Gardens, and the famous Tehachapi (Walong) Loop for railroad enthusiasts; and during the snow season there's downhill skiing at Shirley Meadows on Breckenridge Mountain. The Kern County Board of Trade has information on all these and many other fun activities in our area. The versatile terrain of Kern County offers something for everyone. |
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| HISTORY/HOSTS |
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| Rankin Ranch "is a land of hay, deer and cool nights...it remains a cattle paradise." It is here in a secluded valley in central California that Bill, Glenda and their family share their love for people and the West. 2006 marks 41 years since the Rankins opened their door to guests, and 143 years of cattle ranching for this Kern County family. The history of their 31,000 acre cattle ranch dates back to 1863 when Walker Rankin Sr. settled in Walker's Basin. He married "the girl next door," Lavinia Lightner, on September 14, 1868. Both their families joined the thousands who headed West during the "gold rush days." The Lightners left Missouri in the spring of 1849. Abiah T. Lightner, Lavinia's father, was Captain of their wagon train. They journeyed for ten months, finally reaching California on the last day of 1849. Lavinia's younger brother was born the following morning, January 1, 1850. After a successful mining venture in Keysville, Abiah purchased his ranch in Walker's Basin in 1858. Walker Rankin left his father's farm in Pennsylvania in 1854. He, too, did well in the mines, and purchased stock (cattle) with his earnings. Eventually, he settled in Walker's Basin, and was the first to import purebred White Face Herefords to the valley. Today, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth generation Rankins still live and work on this same ranch. In 1954, after the death of her husband, Helen Rankin continued running the family cattle ranch; in 1965 she diversified and opened her ranch to guests. Since that time, we have welcomed thousands of people from all over the world to share our true western lifestyle. We're proud of our 75% repeat clientele. Many guests return every year, sometimes two and three times during the season. Some are second and third generation guests who came with their parents as children in the early days, during the 60's and 70's; they are now returning with their children and grandchildren. OUR RANKIN RANCH GUEST FAMILY CONTINUES TO GROW! The Schaffers have vacationed with us many times; their first family trip was in 1966. They plan to celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary here at the ranch in 2003. Doris says, "Time marches on, but Rankin Ranch doesn't seem to change which is what keeps your "old friends" coming back year after year!" George Bush from BETTER HOMES and GARDENS says..."Just driving up to the Quarter Circle U is worth the trip. The road snakes over and around the gold-and-green Tehachapi Mountains northeast of Bakersfield, then drops down into a valley seemingly as remote as Shangri-La." |
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| ITINERARY |
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| Many new guests inquire about other activities in the area when scheduling their visit, but few venture away from Walker's Basin once they arrive...and most wish they had booked a few more days at the ranch. Guests tell us they find the warm, friendly atmosphere, the horseback riding, and all of our fun ranch activities better than they ever expected. We are delighted with the number of guests that actually reserve their vacation for the following year before they depart. At the close of our season, we are usually 70% booked for the next year. 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." |
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