Rankin Ranch - Caliente, California

Iain B.

This was one of the best holiday experiences we have ever had as a family.||We stayed for four days at Rankin Ranch. Each day, morning and afternoon, you can go for a horse ride in the meadows and hills of the Walker Basin that surrounds the ranch. The horse riding sessions are about one-hour each time, the wranglers make sure everything is OK for the horse, and you. If you ask, you can go for a trot or a lope. In the evening there are activities like pool tournaments that everyone can join in if they want. When you are not out on the horses you can relax in your cabin, go to the pool or talk to the other guests. There's no wifi or phone signal. All meals are included but you have to bring your own booze.||That's the factual part. What makes this place so special is the atmosphere. It is genuinely so welcoming and friendly. The family and their team could not have been lovelier and they make a simple place where you can go horse riding into something very special instead. We found that most of the other guests were not there for the first time. Indeed some had been coming back for thirty years. As the guests staying at the ranch slowly change with the passing days, you realise that everyone gets taken up by the warmth of this place. I went to ride horses and read, but found myself increasingly just talking to people - the team at the ranch and the other guests - and when I left I realised that I too would love to go back next year.||Oh, and the sunsets are awesome as well!

Chuck J.

I was looking back from the late 80s/90s and came across this place from the era! My company and I did some land surveying of rankin ranch 1988-1991 ish? What beautiful scenery and it's surroundings, which i am sure it has completely different now. Anyways, there were many property lines and markers that we came across from way back in 1800s that were still there with bearing trees surrounding corners that amazed me how accurate they were in those times. What an incredible experience I had going up into those mountains on the ranch. I hope someday I can travel back down to Ca and come for a vacation! This place brings me back to peace and quietness all the while working on the ranch land survey.

Sue M.

Rankin Ranch was our choice to go to on our first grandparents/grandchildren only vacation. Not far (3 1/2 hours) from the LA/Orange County area, accommodations with adjoining rooms, horseback riding and a kids' program, it seemed like the ideal situation for our three grandkids ages 10, 10 and 8. And it was! From our first moments there we were treated like family. The riding suited our beginner group just fine, and by the end of the stay we gave trotting a chance. A huge bonus of the trip was our being there over July 4th. The kids ( adults, too) did many red/ white/ and blue crafts, they performed in a patriotic/Western/Rankin family history evening show, and on Independence Day itself the guests, staff, and many extended Rankin family members participated in a fun lawn game competition, followed by a hayride and a delicious beef (Rankin Hereford cattle, of course) dinner out in the meadow and then homemade ice cream made by the patriarch, Bill Rankin, himself. I may be neglecting someone (forgive me) but heartfelt thanks to: Bill and Glenda Rankin, Amanda, Sarah, Shelby, Ben, Dani, Elizabeth, Josie, Alli, Destiny, Fernando, Nancy, and all the staff at the ranch. As we sadly departed the kids volunteered resoundingly..."Can we come back next year?"

Valentin K.

Couple of french folks on a road trip to the USA. We decided to stop by Rankin ranch for a night, and let me tell you that was the best decision we made. ||Friendly and helpful staff, beautiful scenery, rooms are really good and comfy. Food was delicious and seemed all home made. ||Would recommand to anyone looking for a good ranch experience.

Sue C.

I had a wonderful time at the beautiful Rankin ranch. It was my first time horseback riding and what a wonderful experience it was. The scenery was absolutely stunning and every ride was a different route. The Rankin family were so lovely and nothing was too much trouble if you had a query. They made me feel very welcome and it was like home from home. My room was very clean, comfort and spacious. Delicious fresh food was served each day and the cookies after lunch were so yummy.|Thank you Bill and Glenda for sharing all your amazing stories. A huge thank you to you all.|I hope to return one day.|

Shai B.

I stayed at the Rankin Ranch for 3 nights in May 2023.
There are not enough words to describe how much I enjoyed this place!
From the truly amazing view, the friendly service, the fun activities, everything was just wonderful.
The Rankin Family and their staff were so welcoming!
The wranglers did a great job during the horseback rides. Shout out to Shelbie, Destiny and Fernando!
The food was amazing! Home cooked meals and awesome deserts!
I met super interesting people who have keep coming back to this ranch.
After this time, I'm looking to become one of these people and come back here many more times!

Escape60219566451

This was the most perfect atmosphere to come and relax for a week. Fantastic place to unplug and get away. The ranch and staff took great pride in taking care of every guests need while making it a most welcoming place. I just can't wait to be able to come back with my family to share the experience with them.

Brooke R.

I cannot begin to say how incredible this place is, especially for families. I was unsure of how my kids would do in this environment, but the structured day camp style of kids care was absolutely what our family needed.

It is so clear that each member of the staff is dedicated to the mission of Rankin Ranch. They give visitors such a welcoming environment. You feel at home the second you arrive. Dinners are delicious, the trail rides are incredible, and there are plenty of ways to enjoy your stay.

Thing to Know Before You Go:
- Bring Shampoo/Conditioner - Towels and sheets are changed daily - Bring Bikes for the 7 mile loop - No Cell Service - WiFi available from 3-5pm - Bring Snacks - Bring Refillable Water Bottle