RIDE AMONG THE ASPENS AT GREENHORN RANCH

As the aspens turn a golden yellow in the Sierra Nevada, escape to the mountains and a 660-acre guest ranch to share the time-honored experiences of backcountry horseback riding, fishing, and ranch life with generations of guests. 

Greenhorn Ranch was established in 1962 in Quincy, Calif. Catering to both greenhorns (novices) and advanced riders, the ranch has it all: ponds stocked with rainbow and brown trout, rivers for fly fishing, archery, skeet shooting, lawn games, campfires, yoga, mountain biking, and access to trail riding on more than 500,000 acres of public land. If you don’t know how to do it, the experienced ranch crew will show you. 

“This is above and beyond being a dude ranch,” says Teffany Precourt, marketing manager for Greenhorn. “This is about unplugging and reconnecting with the outdoors and your family.” 

The all-inclusive ranch includes twice-daily trail rides and other activities, but also offers unique packages to suit differing interests, such as the fly-fishing-focused itinerary that includes private fishing trips with Greenhorn’s Orvis-certified guide, whiskey tasting, and more. For the family staycation, book the Five-Day Family Getaway, which maps out your kid-friendly stay so you don’t miss any of the ranch’s amenities and activities. 

“We do offer guests packages, and we also can customize your stay,” Precourt notes. 

While Greenhorn’s proprietors aim to provide an authentic ranch experience, you won’t be eating cans of beans around a campfire. 

Executive chef Scott Burns brings California cuisine to Greenhorn, where he cooks up three delicious meals a day for guests — sometimes even on the trails. For a completely different experience, hop in the saddle or catch a ride on the chuck wagon for an upscale trailside dinner under a canopy of firs and pines. 

The evenings at Greenhorn are meant for campfire s’mores, live music, and dancing at the ranch’s old-school saloon. Enjoy specialty cocktails or indulge in a wine or whiskey tasting. For a mellower evening, cozy up at the roaring fireplace in the communal lodge, the perfect space to meet new friends while enjoying an old fashioned. 

Under new ownership, the ranch’s 12-room lodge and 16 private creekside cabins recently underwent a redesign and remodel. The mountain modern décor features gorgeous photographs, textiles, and leather furniture, which complement the original buildings’ wood and stone work. 

The team members at Greenhorn Ranch pride themselves on crafting an authentic Sierra Nevada experience for its guests — one away from the crowds, with rustic charm and modern amenities. 

“It’s a completely different world up here,” Precourt says. 

For more information, visit Greenhornranch.com.