Five Tips for a Fun, Safe Hike at Tejon Ranch

Pro tips from Mike Campeau. Mike Campeau has been associated with Tejon Ranch for over 40 years in various outdoor programs.

Mike Campeau

Hiking Tejon Ranch is a great way to get exercise, get outside, and explore all that we have to offer. If you belong to our Explorer Membership you’ll have access to thousands of acres of our stunning hills and valleys, from sunrise to sunset. But, before you lace up your shoes boots and put on a backpack and come hiking, we have some tips to make your hike fun and engaging.

1. Prepare for the elements. Tejon Ranch can be chilly in the morning then blazing hot during the day, or sunny one moment and rainy the next. Bring extra water, food, and a hydration system. Wear boots with strong ankle support to handle the different trails at Tejon Ranch. We have wildlife trails, cattle trails, and meandering dirt roads or jeep trails each with their own varying degree of walkability. A walking stick might be helpful as well.
2. Bring a headlight and first-aid kit. Just in case you get injured or get stuck out on the trails after the sun goes down, each of these will come in handy. (Remember, there’s no overnight camping on the Ranch – you’ll need to get back to your campsite anyhow.)
3. Bring a GPS unit or SPOT device. Cell service can be limited in certain areas of the Ranch so bring a device that works without cell service. SPOT tracking provides a GPS trail of your route so you can be tracked if you get lost. Remember, we’re an actual working ranch and we have more than 25,000 acres to explore. We encourage wandering but not getting lost.
4. Bring your smartphone or digital camera. Even without cell service you can still use your phone’s camera. And trust us, you’ll need it. From rugged mountains, steep canyons, oak-covered rolling hills, and broad valleys, to an assortment of wildlife, there’s a lot to take in and capture with a camera.
5. Hike in the morning or late afternoon. These are the best times when the Tejon Ranch resident wildlife really put on a show. You might see California mule deer, black bear, Rocky Mountain Elk, and red-tail hawks soaring through the sky. It’s breathtaking to see a golden eagle get swept up in the wind currents. And as the sun goes down, stargazing at the Ranch is out of this world.

Tejon Ranch offers beginner and seasoned hikers an amazing backdrop to explore our legacy and heritage. We want to stress that you should be prepared before coming out and visiting us. Dress right, bring food and water and bug spray, sunscreen and a hat. But most of all? Have a great time exploring!

For more information on joining our Explorer Membership and getting access to the ranch to hike (as well as biking, camping, photography and other fun activities) contact Christine Hollis at (661) 663-4284 or chollis@tejonranch.com