GET LOST IN THE SIERRA
Nestled in California’s Sierra Nevada, just an hour outside of Reno, is a 660-acre guest ranch sharing the time-honored experiences of backcountry horseback riding, fishing, and ranch life with generations of guests.
Established in 1962 in Quincy to cater 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, an outdoor swimming pool, lawn games, campfires, yoga, mountain biking, and access trails 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 activities, but it 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, or the 5-Day Family Getaway, which maps out your kid-friendly stay.
“We do offer guests packages, and we also can customize your stay,” Precourt notes.
Though you’ll find an authentic ranch experience, you won’t be eating cans of beans around a campfire.
Executive chef Scott Burns brings California cuisine to Greenhorn for up to three delectable meals a day for guests — sometimes even on the trails. Hop in the saddle or catch a ride on the chuckwagon for an upscale trailside dinner under a canopy of firs and pines.
Burns is as comfortable roasting a whole pig on a spit as he is whipping up vegan fare, and all with a focus on using local ingredients. The kitchen crew will even cook your freshly caught trout.
Evenings at Greenhorn are meant for campfire s’mores and live music and dancing at the ranch’s old-school saloon. Enjoy specialty cocktails or indulge in a wine or whiskey tasting.
Under new ownership, the ranch’s 12-room lodge and 16 private, creekside cabins recently were redesigned and remodeled, with modern mountain décor featuring gorgeous photographs, textiles, and leather furniture that complement the original buildings’ wood and stone work.
Greenhorn Ranch offers a unique 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,” says Precourt.
For details, visit Greenhornranch.com.
