He was safe and never spooked and had enough 'go' to make the rides exciting! Children who are capable of being led on horseback are led by the babysitter. Home California Dude Ranches Hunewill Guest Ranch. Let us put your perfect ranch holiday together - give us call on 01798 865 946 or send us an email from the below link -, Have a question about this ranch? We continually update the Equitrekking Travel Deals page and blast it out first in Equitrekking's free monthly e-newsletter. And last, but certainly not least, is Betsy and her husband, Jon Elliot. 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 cattle were branded with the letter H, which eventually became known as the Circle H brand. During your stay you will be able to enjoy their tasty Rankin Ranch beef. built the present-day Hunewill Victorian-style ranch house. is located north of Yosemite National Park in the green, mountainous Bridgeport Valley of California. Guest. This is far more than just a dude ranch. Warm and breezy, the sun felt intense at 8300 feet. As part of her studies, she had to work at a resort, or in this case, a guest ranch. The children played with goats and dogs, practiced roping, helped with simple chores: they were a vital part of ranch life. by Darley Newman There are "City Slickers" type cattle drives put on for tourists. Terri recounted the exploits of some of its colorful residents. Box 368 Bridgeport, CA 93517. The majority of cabins have two connecting rooms with private baths and comfortable porches. Tel: 760-932-7710 We spent quite a bit of time with Stan. This event gets our guests working as a team, planning strategies, and experiencing good old fashioned fun. 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. Daughter Megan and her husband, Justin, are head wranglers. Children blossom here! Napoleon Bonaparte Hunewill's ancestors were French Huguenots from Alsace-Lorraine. I was taken aback by her enthusiasm. You are going to see breath taking scenery and vistas that allow you to see for many miles. You will arrive at the ranch on Tuesday for dinner, ride Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, and leave Saturday after breakfast. Riding and cattle work are the main activities at this ranch, there is fishing and rafting nearby but it's not connected to the ranch's weekly schedule. Amy (staff), Megan and Denise Hunewill dressed in 19th century hoop skirts. This same family has been coming to the ranch for more than 30 years; the ranchs roots have become part of their family tree. The California Ranch Two weekend cattle drive adventures per year. Episode 304: Western Lander, Wyoming; Montana's . Hunewill Guest Ranch is located in California on the eastern slope of the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains bordering Yosemite National Park. Stanley Hunewill loved the ranch and cowboy way of life. 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. The cattle drive takes place rain, snow, or shine, so be prepared for all types of weather! Dressed in 19th century hoop skirts for a more historical feel, the Hunewill women recount the early history of Napoleon Bonaparte Hunewill. We saw how tough those times must have been for both man and beast! Guests will participate and learn many traditional cowboy skills. After a breakfast of eggs Benedict and potatoes, it was saddle-up time. When floods destroyed the mill in 1861, N.B. Napoleon Bonaparte Hunewill's ancestors were French Huguenots from Alsace-Lorraine. Remnants of the past intermingle with present times. My rides ranged from 12-15 people in my intermediate group. It refers to guests as the Greater Hunewill Family. Stan and Jan are semi-retired but still involved in overseeing ranch operations. Dress is informal as you might imagine. The horses are their partners and horsemanship is the main focus. They run free in the great outdoors, use their imaginations, climb trees, get dirty, and find ways to be useful. Our guests move 600 hundred head of cattle 60 miles from Bridgeport, California to our winter ranch in Smith Valley, Nevada. I wanted to experience a cattle drive. Though her family still holds fast to these traditions, they are a rarity. I am also into fishing and there are great opportunities within a few miles of the ranch. The lumber was logged by N.B. I was just getting to the point where my body stopped complaining. Guests and employees are treated like family. There was also talent night with participation from a few guests, including a little girl who sang a Beatles tune. This historic agreement protects critical habitat for wildlife like mule deer, American . They sit at an elevation of 6500 feet just east of Yosemite Park in the Bridgeport Valley of California. Hunewill Guest Ranch 9 reviews Unclaimed Horseback Riding See all 7 photos Write a review Add photo Location & Hours Suggest an edit Bridgeport, CA 93517 Amenities and More Accepts Credit Cards Good For Kids No Bike Parking Ask the Community Ask a question Yelp users haven't asked any questions yet about Hunewill Guest Ranch. The ranch does not provide alcohol but my table mates brought wine. You will arrive Saturday for dinner and depart Saturday after breakfast. All rooms are non-smoking areas. The V6 Ranch sits just down the road from the tiny town of Parkfield, population 18, and is conveniently located just a four-hour drive from Los Angeles and San Francisco. This time of year an added bonus is seeing the cows with their baby calves. I touched Elmo lightly and clucked. We ride primarily in big open green pastures that are bordered by the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains. Drive 30 minutes north of Santa Barbara and youll find The. Rate includes meals, horseback riding, and lodging. It was constructed with pegs, not nails. Sadly, working cow ranches are rapidly disappearing as a way of life so spending time there is something to be valued. Member of the Dude Ranchers' Association Just minutes away from the premier guest ranch are more than 75 renowned vineyards and wineries and the charming Danish village of Solvang. We split up into our groups and rode out. Horses and riding groups (Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced) are available to suit anyone's level of skill and ambition. It is a perfect location for a family vacation, a company retreat, a family reunion, or a . Episode 303: A Desert Dude Ranch in Summer; Carver Family Cattle Drive - Watch on YouTube. Photo credit: Dorina Lindberg, Because of guests questions about the Hunewill history, Megan, Betsy and Denise (daughter-in-law) conduct walking tours of the ranch buildings. Theres a great deal of work and responsibility involved in her job. The Hunewills are one of the region's longest-established ranching families. I got all of that and more. The valley is surrounded with vibrant fall colors framed by a backdrop of the mighty Sierra Nevada. I would recommend him for beginning and advanced riders. You must have intermediate to advanced riding skills to participate in this experience. 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. As we motored past the Hunewill Ranch, it seemed quietly in mourning as a result of Sallie's passing. Bodie was a small mining town at the time, but would later become a California boomtown, complete with a red light district. The interior wood and furniture were shipped from San Francisco. They sit at an elevation of 6500 feet just east of Yosemite Park in the Bridgeport Valley of California. It took him six months to sail from Maine and around South Americas treacherous Cape Horn until finally landing in San Francisco. Box 368 Bridgeport, CA 93517. Copyright 2013-2023 American Roundup. Megan is the fifth generation of her family to lead this cattle drive, and her children, the sixth generation, now help out too. The breakfast warning bell clanged at 7am, but I was up at least an hour earlier. Most of all the Hunewill family treats guests like family. It involves moving 600 to 750 cattle 60 miles from Bridgeport, California, to Smith Valley, Nevada. Herding cattle at Hunewill Ranch. Dinners were 4 star. I wanted to experience a cattle drive. I did not ride but my daughter did and she loved it - including the all-day ride option on Wednesday where she got to see even more fantastic scenery. P. O. Twelve-year-old Ronnie Wyman has been coming to the Hunewill Ranch for seven years. After a satisfying day with the herd you will return each night to the ranch for a hot meal and a warm bed. Guests are invited to participate in Cattle Drives, Dude Ranch Weekends, Cowboy Academies, and more all in the heart of California. Younger daughter Betsy performed a tap dance duet with her mother, which was absolutely delightful. So, when you pull up alongside the old Victorian house and see Welcome Home written on the big rock, youre home. Horseback riding takes center stage on the ranch. This property is mainly a working cattle ranch with over 1200 head of cattle. Wranglers and Greenhorns break bread at the same table. I hope to see Elmo next summer. The highlight of our stay was the morning cattle drive where we moved 50 cattle over three miles back to the barn. Privacy Policy | Terms of Use. For the best deals on travel insurance, be sure to use the DRAs preferred provider! Hunewill Ranch, P.O. 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. Hunewill Ranch is home to the best horseback riding vacations in California. Hunewill Ranch Cattle Drive November 8-14, 2020 Enjoy the ultimate old-west experience on Hunewill Ranch's 111thcattle drive! Todays trail-riding guests can choose from several ranch packages, including the Memorial Day Weekend Package, Spring Cattle Work, the Horse Lovers Package, the Buckeye Canyon Roundup, the Autumn Getaway Weekend, and the Annual Hunewill Ranch Cattle Drive. Babysitting is provided for children under the age of six during riding hours. During its mining boom, the population swelled to 8,500 and more than 2,000 buildings. Click here for more info on Hunewill Ranch, For the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, check 01798 865946 She and her son, Jay, are both employed by the Hunewills, but dont feel like employees. As we wandered through the grounds on a cool, bright morning, it was difficult to imagine winter conditions of 20-foot snow drifts and sub-zero temperatures. With a temperate climate year-round and ever-changing seasonal activities, any time of year is the perfect time to visit. took his family east over the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the mining town of Aurora. The old Victorian-style ranch house is surrounded by Lombardy poplar trees planted by N.B. Horseback riding is the main attraction at Hunewill Ranch. In 1872, N.B. Learn how you can join in the fun on a California cattle drive vacation and about other great cattle drive holidays! It was easy to be transported back to 1879. Fishing is the most popular activity at Twin Lakes. . Interestingly, she pointed out that more miners died not of mining accidents or gunshot wounds, but from pneumonia. Thanks Hunewill for making my cowgirl dreams come true! P. O. With a temperate climate year-round and ever-changing seasonal activities, any time of year is the perfect time to visit. Their season runs from late May to mid November. Guest. Hunewill Ranch made her happier beyond my expectations! As we drove up to the old Hunewill Ranch House near Bridgeport, Cal. 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. After all, Hunewill is a working cattle ranch. Jan Hunewill related how she "came onto the scene" in the 1950s when she visited the guest ranch, then got a summer job there and eventually married the owners' son. The Hunewill family and the wranglers they employ made us feel really welcome and safe. She also entertains guests around the campfire with sing-a-longs and dances on talent night. Just got back from the Hunewill Ranch at the first of June, my first time there and I had a wonderful time. This stay is geared towards intermediate to advanced riders. While her dad once slept out along the drive, today, guests are taken back to the ranch each night to hot showers and comfortable beds. Where do I start? He was always mindful of surroundings, looking around, but was never spooked. The beautiful scenery and the tradition of the cattle drive combine to give our guests the experience of a lifetime. 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 cabin heaters are a thoughtful touch. Kindness, respect, patience, work ethic, and a sense of humor prevail. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Sign up to our E-Newsletter. Alice and Frank had four children, one of whom died in infancy. Breakfast was hearty, lunch was always hot and the coffee was great. 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. This working cattle ranch allows guests to experience the Cowboy Side of California with authentic Cattle Drives, Cowboy Academies, and spectacularly scenic trail riding. Stan and Jan are described by both guests and employees as the greatest people on earth!. Most of the original buildings still stand including the farmhouse, now turned into guest rooms and the dining/ kitchen areas. He hauled granite rocks from the nearby foothills to build the cellar and two-foot-high foundation. Its a shared fun, experience. Hunewill Guest Ranch is located north of Yosemite National Park in the green, mountainous Bridgeport Valley of California. Hunewill Guest Ranch This work will be geared towards riders with intermediate to advanced riding abilities. Box 368, Bridgeport, CA 93517. info@hunewillranch.com 760-932-7710 775-465-2201 - winter hunewillranch.com Rock Creek Pack Station Just four hours north of the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles and an easy three hours south of Reno, Nevada, is Bishop California. Many world-class fishing areas are within a 10-minute drive. We end our season with one of our most popular events of the year. There is something for everyone at the ranch, whether you come with your family, friends, or on your own. Its good to remember your horses name since the wranglers call out their name, not your own, as the horses are saddled up. Its what separates this guest ranch from others. Ride with the Hunewill family for ve days, covering sixty miles from Bridgeport, California to Smith Valley, Nevada herding 800 cows as they are driven to their winter range. Sorry, no reviews or feedback have yet been accepted to this item. While the rest of the group waited for their mounts, Elmo and I got acquainted by walking small circles. Guests are encouraged to tell the wranglers the length, difficulty, and type of ride theyre interested in. The first day was limited to walking and trotting only, ensuring all riders felt comfortable with their horses, but this was not nose-to-tail riding. Please let us know your preferred departure dates and number of people travelling and we will send a quotation to you. He found a promising location around Buckeye and Robinson Canyons. As our guest, you can participate in the timeless traditional ranch life of the American West. The long distances covered, the need for periodic rests by riders and animals, and the establishment of railheads led to the . After six years of placer-mining (that is, mining free gold, rather than lode deposits) on the Yuba River, he amassed a sizable fortune in gold nuggets and dust. Six generations of Rankins have lived and worked on our 31,000-acre cattle ranch. My wife and I booked the fall color ride and spent four wonderful days at the ranch seeing fall begin in the Eastern Sierras. Mountain biking is also popular. We had arrived for a 5-day stay at Hunewill Ranch, one of the oldest family owned ranches in California, founded in 1880. In 1928, he married a schoolteacher named Lenore. Hunewill Guest Ranch is located north of Yosemite National Park in the green, mountainous Bridgeport Valley of California. He responded in kind, and we were flying. Copyright 2023 | Hunewill Guest Ranch - All Rights Reserved Hunewill Guest Ranch Fall cattle drive, cattle working week and a ranch roping clinic. more. An added bonus is the beautiful fall lighting and the glow of autumn colors. Need more ideas? We even have a challenging trailer loading competition where guests and their cow savvy horses load cattle into a stock trailer. Box 368 Bridgeport, CA 93517 Phone: (760) 932-7710 You can then send them to us to obtain a quotation or register and save them to look at again at a later date. It has been a working cattle ranch since the late 1800's, and a dude ranch since 1931. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. As our guest, you can participate in the timeless traditional ranch life of the American West. 01798 865946 And it has. By 1862, hed built a house, filed for water rights, and begun operating two sawmills. . Beyond the valley, the mountains rise sharply, reminiscent of the Tetons. Drive 30 minutes north of Santa Barbara and youll find The Alisal Guest Ranch & Resorts 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. In 1883, N.B. Mono County is located east of San Francisco, near Yosemite National Park and Lake Tahoe, on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. the cookies. Around 25 guests saddle up in November with Megan Hunewill and her family from Hunewill Guest Ranch to drive around 600 mother cows through canyons surrounded by dramatic tall mountains, along the Walker River, to their ranch in Smith Valleys wide open sagebrush and high desert terrain. Family run working cattle ranch since 1861, located in the Eastern Sierra town of Bridgeport, CA. The beautiful scenery and the tradition of the cattle drive combine to give our guests the experience of a lifetime. We just returned from 5 days at this ranch and enjoyed the whole experience. Memories are created as riders walk, trot, and lope in the wide open spaces of Bridgeport Valley. Elmos name was called out, and I approached a 15ish hand sorrel gelding with a blaze. 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