Bridgeport, CA
Hunewill Ranch
About the ranch
Located on the northeast side of Yosemite National Park, the Hunewill Ranch has attracted guests since 1931.
The ranch is situated in the lovely green, wide-open meadows of the Bridgeport Valley, highlighted by the spectacular Sawtooth Ridge.
There are 12 cottages (24 rooms) each with a private bath and porch, as well as the cozy Ranch House Suite. Guests dine in the lovely two-storey Victorian building.
Built in 1880 and surrounded by tall poplars, the beautiful setting and relaxed western atmosphere enhances guests' experiences of the horseback riding adventures, the great meals, the cozy lodging and the varied activities.
Affiliations
Dude Rancher's Association, Holistic Resource Management Institute, California Cattleman's Association, Eastern Sierra Land Trust
Also offers
Guest capacity
45
Best for
People of all ages
Months open
May-Nov
Watch the ranch
Hunewill Ranch: A Hidden Cowboy Paradise in California Awaits!
History & hosts
The Hunewill Ranch was founded in 1861 by Napoleon Bonaparte Hunewill who supplied lumber and beef to the mining towns of Aurora, Bodie and Lundy.
Hunewill Ranch is proud to be the oldest working guest ranch in California and one of the oldest family ranches in the American West.
2024 will be our 163rd year in the Bridgeport Valley and our 93rd year as a guest ranch!
The fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh generations of the Hunewill Family still raise cattle and ride with guests through the meadows of this Sierra paradise.
Ranch founded
1861
Guest ranch since
1931
Owners
Hunewill Family
Managers
Megan Hunewill, Betsy Hunewill Elliott, Jeff Hunewill
About the managers
While the fifth generation manages the ranch, the entire family works on the ranch, or they give input and support even if they are not actively working on the outfit. Because of growing up on the ranch, family members have an intimate knowledge of the place, and education away from the ranch has brought new ideas and innovations to help keep it a viable business.
Your manager
Accommodation types
Ranch rustic
Gene Kilgore's notes
Community
The Hunewill Ranch supports local fundraisers and events.
Family members participate in local ranch rodeos.
Conservation
Sustainability is the key policy at the Hunewill Ranch.
Decisions made about the resources, such as the land, the livestock, the people and the various enterprises, need to pass testing guidelines to ensure the health of the whole under management.
This is based on the principles of Holistic Management founded by Allan Savory.
When to go
The entire season (from the end of May through the beginning of November) offers a wonderful variety of weather.
Nights are always cool and days can range from the 50s to the 80s.
Why we love it
- Described as "Other-worldly" in a guest review, Hunewill Ranch boasts spectacular scenery, a fascinating history and riding for all levels on "responsive and mellow" horses.
- Hunewill is a real family-friendly ranch: younger children who are capable of being led on horseback are led by the babysitter who is provided to watch your child while you are riding – this child care is included in your child's rate, so you can go off and enjoy your rides without a worry.
- If you can't bear to leave your trusty steed behind when you go on vacation, Hunewill welcomes guests' horses too!
- They have lots of exciting events for the whole family, like cowgirl weeks, adults-only weeks, cattle experiences (drives and gathers) and holiday celebrations throughout the year.
What to consider
- If you enjoy a post-ride tipple, be aware that the ranch doesn't provide alcohol, however you're welcome to bring your own.
- Pull-on cowboy boots only permitted for horse riding: for your comfort and safety, no yard boots, hiking boots, lace-up boots, zippered boots or tennis shoes are allowed. If you don't own any cowboy boots, they have a 'boot closet' with limited sizes of used boots for borrowing.
