The Quarter Circle U Rankin Ranch
Heading South in the Sierra For Western Fun and Memories
By Carmel L. Mooney

In a day and age where family values sadly take a backseat to our frenzy paced existence, one family has found a formula for success that hasn't changed a bit in 137 years. In fact, people from all over the world return faithfully each year to reconnect and savor their simple recipe for the good life---for a taste of timeless perspective hidden in the mountains of eastern Kern County. When Walter Rankin established the 31,000 acre cattle ranch in 1863, its unlikely he had any inkling to the legacy he'd leave behind for six plus generations and multitudes of enamored visitors.

Nestled deep in the Walker Basin of the Tehachapi Mountains, this working cattle ranch exudes a magic all its own while the Rankin family extends warm hospitality, sumptuous family style country meals, and unparalleled outdoor fun.

Every year from March until October, Bill Rankin, his wife Glenda, and four children open their lovely ranch and home to appreciative visitors who experience the uncomplicated pleasures of life, riding horses through the swaying willows and meandering streams, feeding baby farm animals, country line dancing, fishing rainbow trout from the stocked lake, and taking hay rides through the meadow under a bright blue sky.

The ideal western destination whether it's a hike to the stream for a picnic, a trail ride on quarter horses like Valentine and Mustache, boat races, an old fashioned barbecue and hay ride, line dancing, horseshoes tournament, herding cattle with the wranglers, trailblazing, playing tennis or chatting with the other visitors during happy hour on the patio. In the evening you'll gather at long country style dining tables to savor a ranch style buffet feast with the Rankin family. Specialties and comfort foods like Tamale Pie, and Apple Cobbler are favorites among return guests.

Guests often thrill at sampling their catch from the lake cooked to perfection by the kind and talented staff. Lunches offer favorites like spaghetti, salad and big homemade dripping ice cream cones. After dinner couples and families often gather in the recreation room for light-hearted fun such as mock horse races where the parents wager on their little jockeys for prizes, and the clans gather to learn square dancing or play pool, ping pong, bingo and other games. Around 10 P.M. the fresh air and exercise seems to catch up with many cowpokes as some guests begin wandering back to their comfortable cabin guestrooms to rest up for the morning's trail rides and horseshoe tournaments that follow a hearty ranch breakfast.Parents can't help but appreciate the quality of care and attention to detail given to all the activities and children in the youth programs.

All visitors are amazed at the captivating history at every turn from the original family ranch home built nearly a century and a half ago, to the remnants of the Pony Express Stop, and priceless family treasures throughout, like the great-great grandmother's pioneer wedding dress hanging by the gift shop door, grandmother Helen's charming country watercolors adorning the walls, and the original 1800's kitchen furniture decorating the dining room. Head wrangler David Staats' gentle patience and knowledge of the horses and the ranch leads the riding groups with wit and wisdom. Even his own ancestry began generations ago in the Walker Basin area.

The only thing lacking at the Quarter Circle U Rankin Ranch is more time. When its' time to leave, smiles laughter, and lifelong memories exchange for moist eyes and hugs as the visitors and Rankin's say goodbye. Visitors leave as more than guests, becoming extensions of the family. As a matter of fact, for more than three decades, the Rankin Ranch has become a guest family favorite for birthdays and family reunions. Even the guests forge tight bonds and lasting friendships amongst themselves. Once you go, you will return. I guarantee it! Open range, golden rolling hills and mountains coupled with gentle afternoon breezes as comforting and predictable as the hospitality and smiles make this the most relaxing and memorable adventure a family could ask for. Some memories are etched deep in your heart and can't adequately be put into words. This is one of them.

The Quarter Circle U Rankin Ranch is located about 45 miles northeast of Bakersfield in the Central California Mountains at the southeast corner of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range. You can reach Rankin Ranch by calling (661)867-2511 or visit their website at: www.rankinranch.com