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On the ranch, you know winter’s over by the orange poppies spilling in every direction. And the knobby-kneed calves following their mothers’ flickering tails. A few months later, you see spring’s fat clusters of almond hulls dry and split in the summer sun, revealing ripened nuts — and the sense that fall is just around the corner.
At Tejon Ranch, seasons aren’t abstractions on a calendar. They’re subtle, daily shifts in the land that you see, hear, smell and feel in your bones. For us, they’re a calling, each day, to our life’s work. A sustainable give and take with this extraordinary land.
The Cross and Crescent
Considered the oldest livestock brand in the country still in use, our mark traces back to Spain around 997 A.D. Conquistadors brought the brand to Mexico, then cattle carried it to Rancho el Tejon.
Ranching
Once herded by vaqueros, and now by modern-day cowboys, cattle still roam our wild and open spaces. Leasing our land for this purpose assures its continued health. In California, grazing plays an important role in limiting the severity of wildfires by reducing fuel loads. This is a beneficial partnership that continues a way of life dating back to 1843. It’s a beautiful sight, too, spotting an occasional herd — from the grasslands of the Antelope Valley to the snow-capped mountains of the Tehachapi Mountain Range.
Vineyards and Orchards
Although sheep and cattle were our first focus, farming began in the 1890s, with 20 acres of oranges, 20 acres of figs and 15 acres of vineyards. Today that tradition continues with a little less than 6,000 acres devoted to pistachios, almonds, wine grapes and alfalfa. Our almonds are quite the world travelers, shipped to 22 countries.
In our valley floor vineyard, we grow grapes for table wine, while the warm days and cool nights of our mountain vineyard are ideal for fine wine. As a member of the California Association of Winegrape Growers, the Ranch subscribes to sustainable growing practices — farming in harmony with the natural environment.
Smart Farming
Just a few examples of our environmentally friendly practices
Air quality
We don’t burn tree trimmings. Instead, we shred them into chips that generate electricity. Vegetation between tree rows helps reduce dust.
Water & energy conservation
We capture stream runoff, store water in our own water bank, and whenever possible, use recycled water and gravity-fed drip irrigation.
Reduced pesticides
Natural controls, like nesting boxes for owls and other bug-hungry migratory birds, help minimize pesticide use.
Equestrian
Between our well-tended arenas, barns and miles of equestrian trails, guests and residents (and especially their horses) will feel very welcome at Tejon Ranch. At an elevation of 3,500 feet (with summer temps averaging 15 degrees cooler than the San Fernando and San Joaquin valleys), the Tejon Ranch Equestrian Center offers an ideal climate for boarding, training, trail rides and all kinds of events and riding disciplines. Our equestrian program is currently undergoing changes — for more information, please contact Christine Haze at chaze@tejonranch.com.
Hunting
Tejon Ranch is the home of many wildlife species, including Rocky Mountain Elk, California Mule Deer, wild pigs, turkey, pheasant and quail. At 270,000 acres, it’s the largest private hunting ranch in California — and considered one of the country’s most desirable. Keeping stewardship of the land and wildlife always top of mind, we work closely with California’s Department of Fish and Wildlife to maintain balance between our big and small game species. Guided hunts and memberships are offered only to outdoorsmen and women with the highest hunting ethics.
Filming
Behind our gates, landscapes are reminiscent of distant locations ranging from Tuscany to Africa. Which is why Tejon Ranch has attracted hundreds of filming projects, from major motion picture and television shows to print and film ads, including eight commercials for the Super Bowl. Just 1.5 hours north of Los Angeles, the Ranch offers 420 square miles of scenic locations that include rolling hills, rugged mountains, sweeping valleys, grassy plains, oak and conifer forests, orchards, vineyards, lakes, streams, high deserts, cattle country with corrals and miles of private roadways. Contact our full-service film department at 661.663.4284 to discuss your next project.
Explore the Ranch
From peak to valley, wildflowers to water projects, this video series,
On the Ranch, shares both the beauty and utility of our land.
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On the Ranch: Old Headquarters
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On the Ranch: Rose Station
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On the Ranch: Lebec Hotel
