events - horseback riding

Calendar of Events

Rankin Ranch is the perfect location for your vacation, whether it is a short couple’s getaway or an annual family trip. Each season brings something special, but regardless of the season, you will always find a peaceful country atmosphere in our little mountain valley. Springtime is beautiful with wildflowers, green hillsides, and a slower pace. As summer begins, the Regular Season is in full swing with our Supervised Children’s Program and all of the fun associated with summer. The autumn months bring “Indian Summer” weather with fall foliage and a slower pace once again. We offer several special events throughout the season such as Adults Only Week and 4th of July, and we are always excited to help with your special event or celebration…anniversaries, birthdays, family reunions… at the ranch.

Events - Riding HorsesWhen it’s time to go home, guests are sad to leave the ranch; that’s why they keep coming back year after year. We’re proud of our 60% repeat business. We now have second and third generation Rankin Ranch guests returning to enjoy the same wonderful ranch experiences with their families. We have a special relationship with our guests; we’ve always enjoyed sharing our way of life with our city friends. We’re in the business of making memories, and our guests tell us we’re doing a great job!

When you leave the ranch, the memories that you carry with you will continue to tug at your heartstrings and beckon you back to the beautiful Walker Basin. Treat yourself to a real vacation and plan a stay at the Rankin Ranch.
Michael Wade

For me, the best part was being able to spend time, real time, with my family, surrounded by caring and loving people. I have never been on a vacation where I felt like I was part of a wonderful extended family until our time at the ranch. We were able to spend time together, being outdoors and active and making new friends. Being away from the constant bombardment from the media, cell phones, computer, television, and video games, and getting back to the basics, back to what is really important; family and friends, made this vacation our all time favorite.
Nicole Portillo

2024 Season – March 18th to October 4th

2025 Season – March 28th to October 5th

 

Spring Vacations

Events - Spring VacationsSPRING VACATIONS
March 28 – May 26, 2025

Springtime wildflowers and green hillsides lure guests back year after year. With daytime temperatures ranging from the mid 50’s to mid 70’s and cool nights, it is a beautiful time of year. Weekdays are great for adult getaways with fewer guests, while weekends feature adult and family fun. Off Season rates apply during the spring months except for dates during “Spring Break”.

I’ve been hooked on Rankin Ranch since my first trip in April 2006. I’m a single person and was looking for a safe vacation spot that I could go by myself. Other “singles” vacations I looked into were just not my style. When I found Rankin Ranch it was exactly what I was looking for. I love to ride horses, the location is great and you can just relax and have peace. I came to the ranch alone, but wasn’t left out of anything…they have a way of making you feel at home and part of the family. I tell my friends that it’s great because you can spend time by yourself, but you also have opportunities to meet other people and be involved in ranch activities…I look forward to coming back every year.  Angelique

CRAFTY GETAWAYS
Scrapbooking Weekend – 2025 TBD
Quilting Retreat – 2025 TBD

2024 marks the 20th anniversary of hosting “crafty getaways” at the ranch. It all began in 2004 with our first “Creative Cowgirl Scrapbooking Weekend” and then expanded to include Quilting Retreats 2010. These retreats are limited to 12 ladies giving each lady plenty of space to do their handiwork. Your time away at the ranch will be productive, but relaxing as well. We transform our guest dining room into your crafting area and each lady has their own 3 × 5 table to work at. The doors open at 7 a.m. and don’t close until well after dark. You will enjoy lodging in our comfortable mountain cabins and three delicious meals each day. You can relax outside your cabin, down in the main lodge area and the original Rankin home. If you need a break, take a hike through the gorgeous mountains or down by Walker Basin Creek. This is your getaway…take it at your pace! See Rates Page for special rates.

RIDE & RELAX
March 19 – 22, 2024

Get extra time in the saddle the when you stay at the ranch from Tuesday, March 19th to Friday, March 22nd.  We will have a limited number of guests at the ranch in conjunction with our Spring Quilting Retreat.  Spring is a beautiful time to be in Walker Basin and you will have plenty of time to soak in the tranquility while out on the trail or relaxing around the ranch.  Off season rates apply.

SPRING BREAK
April 11 – 27, 2025 (Closed Easter Weekend April 17 – 21)

Enjoy “Spring Break” at Rankin Ranch this year. Parents and grandparents agree that Rankin Ranch is the perfect Event - Spring Breakfamily vacation both for fun and relaxation. Our Supervised Children’s Program has activities planned for the children throughout the day including-hikes, games, arts and crafts, and more. Moms, you don’t have to cook or clean, so you can enjoy your vacation too! Each day is filled with new and exciting adventures, whether it be horseback riding through our mountain cattle country; catching a Rainbow Trout at Julia Lake; or taking a haywagon ride out to the meadow for dinner and a horseshoe tournament. You can also enjoy playing games in the recreation room; lounging on the large grassy area; or reading that book that you just haven’t had time for. After enjoying dinner in the Garden Room, it is fun for all with our evening activities. As you head back to your cabins don’t forget to look up at the star filled sky. Regular Season rates apply during “Spring Break”.  The ranch is closed for Easter Weekend (Friday – Monday).

 

ADULT GETAWAY
May 12 – 16, 2025

We have set aside these dates just for adults to enjoy riding and relaxing at the ranch.  Singles, couples, and groups are all welcome.  Off season rates apply.

Dear Bill, Glenda, and Sarah…Thank you so much for the “retreat”. No phone, no TV, fresh air and seeing familiar faces. An opportunity to do a few small paintings and a roll of film to do more. Always a special time. Thanks to all for the “soul food”. Bob loved it (and needed it) and wants to come back. Can’t thank you enough   Love, Nancy and Bob (Bakersfield, CA)

MEMORIAL DAY
May 23 – 26, 2025Event - Memorial Day

Summer is nearing and everyone is excited to get away for Memorial Day Weekend. Rankin Ranch is the perfect spot for this long weekend. You will enjoy all of the activities that are offered during our Regular Season including fun family activities each evening and our wonderful Supervised Children’s Program. It is always a fun weekend for all ages, and a nice way to wind down the school year. Have you been trying to get together for a family reunion or trip with your grandkids? It can be challenging to coordinate everyone’s schedules during the busy summer months, but everyone is out of school for Memorial Day Weekend. Regular Season rates apply. During this time period we require a three night stay (Friday-Monday).

Summer Vacations

Event - Summer VacationsMay 30 – August 17, 2025
Summertime is wonderful at Rankin Ranch. Parents and grandparents agree that Rankin Ranch is the perfect family vacation both for fun and relaxation. Our Supervised Children’s Program has activities planned for the children ages 4-11 throughout the day including, hikes, games, arts and crafts, and more. Moms, you don’t have to cook or clean, so you can enjoy your vacation too! Each day is filled with new and exciting adventures, whether it be horseback riding through our mountain cattle country, catching a Rainbow Trout at Julia Lake, or taking a haywagon ride out to the meadow for dinner and a horseshoe tournament. You can also enjoy lounging by the pool or reading that book that you just haven’t had time for. After enjoying dinner in the Garden Room, it is fun for all with our evening activities. Each evening as you head back to your cabins don’t forget to look up at the star filled sky. Regular Season rates apply.

My wife, youngest son, and I recently visited your ranch. We really enjoyed our time at your beautiful facility. There were plenty of fun activities. Brendan really kept me busy with horseback riding, fishing, playing pool, ping pong and swimming. We particularly enjoyed the horse back riding. Your fine horses were really fun and very responsive, even for a group of novice riders like us. The grounds were very relaxing, the food was great, the cabin was homey and comfortable but the crown jewel in your operation was the friendly staff. We especially enjoyed the company of the wranglers Brian, Fernando, and Keli and Luis in the dining room. Our visit couldn’t have been better – don’t change a thing!   Greg R. – July 2013

SUMMER KICKOFF
May 30 – June 6, 2025running horses

Kickoff the summer with a great ranch vacation and save 15% off our regular rates.  That’s right from May 31st to June 7th we are offering a 15% discount with all of the great activities that you enjoy…horseback riding, swimming, supervised children’s program and more.  Book your spot today.

4th OF JULY CELEBRATION
July 2 – 6

4th of July at Rankin RanchFourth of July is a very special and patriotic time at Rankin Ranch. During the days leading up to the 4th, families are divided into Red, White, and Blue Teams. The day of the 4th at Rankin Ranch is one that you won’t soon forget. You can’t help but feel proud to be an American as you wake up to a patriotic wonderland. Everything from the Recreation Room to Dining Room has been decorated and even the horses are patriotic on the 4th of July.

It is a fun filled day with morning horseback rides as usual, but the afternoon brings “All American Family Fun”. Everyone wears their most festive Red, White, and Blue attire for our old fashioned Olympic Games featuring an obstacle course, potato sack race, water balloon volleyball, and much more. The haywagon takes you to a BBQ Dinner looking out over the meadows and mountains of Walker Basin.

Fun & Games Celebrating Independence Day at Rankin RanchCelebrating the 4th of July at Rankin Ranch has become a family tradition for many people. It’s not too late to begin a family tradition of your own! During this time period we require a four night minimum (July 2 – 6) due to all the special activities. Regular Season rates apply.

Any vacation at Bill and Glenda’s place is a treat and every summer month has its own special appeal, but 4th of July weekend was unforgettable: the Rankin Ranch family Olympics was all multi-generational teamwork and hilarity. Some highlights included sack races, cow pie (frizbee) tosses, and water balloon volleyball. Not to mention red, white, and blue everything! And the patriotic and historic skits put on by the kids!   The Palermo Family 2009

LABOR DAY WEEKEND
August 31 – September 2, 2024Labor Day Weekend - Horseback Riding

As summer winds down and you ready yourself for the upcoming school year, come visit Rankin Ranch for one last summer vacation with your family. This is the last weekend of the season that our Supervised Children’s Program is available. The children will have a wonderful time with all of the activities we have planned for them and this three day weekend will leave parents feeling relaxed and ready for the hectic school year ahead. Regular Season rates apply. During this time period we require a three night stay (Friday-Monday).

Fall Vacations

Events - Fall Vacations September 2 – October 6, 2024
Fall foliage with the changing of colors creates a special time of the year to visit the ranch. The warm cozy fire awaiting you in the recreation room is very inviting after your horseback ride in the meadows and oak covered hillsides. With daytime temperatures ranging in the mid 70’s and cool nights, it is a beautiful time of year. Weekdays are great for adult getaways with fewer guests, while weekends feature adult and family fun. Off Season rates apply.

ADULT GETAWAY
2024 Dates TBD
We have set aside these dates just for adults (age 18+) to enjoy riding and relaxing at the ranch.  Singles, couples, and groups are all welcome.  Off season rates apply.

CRAFTY GETAWAYS
October 7 – 11, 2024 Quilting Retreat

Quilting RetreatWe were delighted to host our first quilting retreat in 2010 and have been welcoming groups of ladies to enjoy some time together at the ranch ever since.  These retreats are limited to 12 ladies giving each lady plenty of space to do their handiwork. Your weekend away at the ranch will be productive, but relaxing as well. We transform our guest dining room into your quilting area and each lady has their own 3 × 5 table to work at. The doors open at 7 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. You will enjoy lodging in our comfortable mountain cabins and three delicious meals each day. You can relax outside your cabin, down in the main lodge area and the original Rankin home. If you need a break, take a hike through the gorgeous mountains or down the creek. We have enjoyed having local ladies from the Cotton Patch Quilters and Dam Quilters join us each spring. It is truly incredible to see their creativity and talent. This is your getaway…take it at your pace! See Rates Page for Quilting Retreat rates.

I really enjoyed my visit to the ranch in the fall.  All that you did for us…a special room for quilting, visiting, laughing, meeting your family, amazing food, and seeing and feeding the animals.  I had a GREAT time!  Marie K. – Quilter 2016

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