Hiking

All hikes are guided and traverse various areas of our 3,000-acre property, from meadows and streamsides...to high up into the boulder-garden foothills of Mt. Kuchumaa where the red-tails and ravens soar. Hiking boots or hiking shoes with lugged soles are required on all mountain hikes.

Very Challenging

Three-Day Extended Hiking Program

For a group of committed, advanced hikers. Each guided hike ranges from 5 to 11 miles. Day pack with food and water provided. Offered the first full week of each month (November through March). (Progressive, 3-8 hours a day).

2008 / 2009 Extended Hiking Program

2008 Week of…
November 1
December 6

2009 Week of…
January 3
February 7
March 7

Seven-Mile Mountain Breakfast Hike

A group-paced hike of 3.5 hours over steep, rugged terrain-2.5 miles out, stop for breakfast, and 3.5 miles back. Breakfast is provided in a daypack.

Five-Mile Mountain Hike

Adds another 1.5 miles to either the 3.5-mile Pilgrim or Professor mountain hikes.  For advanced mountain hikers.

Challenging

Mountain Hike (Pilgrim Trail)

A 3.5-mile guided mountain hike climbing 800 feet up Pilgrim Trail, returning downhill via River Trail to complete the loop.

Mountain Hike (Professor's Trail)

A 3.5-mile mountain hike over moderately steep terrain with a 700 ft. elevation gain before completing a loop.

Mountain Hike (Alex's Oak Trail)

A gradual 2-mile loop to a lone oak tree and granite outcrop with special views of the Ranch.

Mountain Hike (River Trail)

More gradual than Pilgrim, with equally spectacular scenery. All hikers turn back after 30 minutes (or sooner if desired) and return the way they came-making this route an ideal introduction to the mountain.

Moderate

Scenic Hike to Alex's Oak

Two miles at a slower, pleasant pace. Includes instructions for uphill and downhill safety and proper technique.

Organic Vegetable Garden Breakfast Hike

A 4-mile, 2.5-hour roundtrip trek over rolling hills to Tres Estrellas, our organic vegetable farm. Enjoy a garden breakfast and tour with our resident horticulturist. If you don't wish to walk, van transportation to Tres Estrellas is offered one day during the week and may be arranged through the concierge.

Meditation Mountain Hike

Slow, silent 2.5-mile hike.

Meditation Woodlands Hike

A moderate-pace 2-mile walk through lowlands at the foot of Mt. Kuchumaa and a peaceful oak grove to Kuchumaa Passage.

Rolling Hills Hike

A 2-mile lowland hike over undulating terrain. The perfect hike for someone who is not quite ready for the mountain or would like a lighter day.