If you go to the Tejon Ranch Conservancy website they have this quote:
“There is no other place like Tejon Ranch in California...and perhaps in the world.”
I have to say it is true, it is true.
It is immense at 270,000 acres, the largest contiguous private property in California.
It is diverse lying at the boundaries of multiple ecosystems as diverse as the Sierra Nevada and the Mojave Desert.
It is magnificently beautiful. Especially when there is weather happening!
The Ranch is private property but through the hospitality of Tejon Ranch Conservancy you can explore it for yourself. I highly recommend you do. Hopefully this post will inspire you to sign up to visit the Ranch.
The hike today was in Big Sycamore Canyon. It was a moderate five mile in-and-out hike.
A major storm had hit the day before and the storm was clearing out the day of our hike. Driving to the Ranch from the south, Mt. Pinos was stunning covered in new snow. There were low lying clouds in the direction of where the hike is so I was excited for the possibility of some awesome views. I was not disappointed.
I enjoy entering the Ranch from the gate we used because there is an experimental wind turbine that in the vastness of nothingness looks out of place. It is so surreal, it reminds me of the planet Tatooine where Luke Skywalker grew up in the first Star Wars movie.
The hike starts out with a gentle grade f or a long while in a mix of Oaks and Sycamores. As you get farther into the canyon the grade gets a little steeper.
There are enough interesting sights along the way that you tend to stop, check them out, and catch your breath.
Is it me or do you see a Dolphin too?
With the low clouds and a bit of fog the colors of the canyon were very rich.
The turn around point is a small meadow with a half built abandoned cabin and an open barn. They have a picnic table in the meadow that makes a nice place to rest, talk, and have lunch.
When we got back to the car, Reema our excellent guide, drove us over to the entrance of Little Sycamore Canyon. It is ironic that some of the biggest Sycamores we saw that day were at “Little” Sycamore canyon.
As we packed up to head off the ranch the clouds continued to give us a beautiful send off.
It was a great day on the Tejon Ranch. I highly recommend you give it a try. The Conservancy has a great outreach program and you can check out the calendar of events here!
Have a great week!
Bob Kent
www.bob-kent-photography.com