header photo of Dog and Pony Ranch

Day Visits

Guests at scenic photo spot

Take a day trip to our dog-friendly ranch in the Sierra foothills near Sacramento. Guests can bring their pups to run off-leash and explore 60 private acres of fully fenced land on miles of trails with beautiful scenic views.

When you arrive at the hilltop guest house, the ranch owners/hosts will provide a brief orientation tour about the many fun things to do on the ranch including the dog-friendly swimming pond and private hiking trails. Next you and your dogs will get to meet the barn animals (horses, mini donkeys and chickens). After animal interactions have been safely enjoyed, you have free time to explore the ranch with access to guest house and game room people-amenities too.

Our online availability calendar is always up-to-date so book your preferred time for a day visit. We only permit ONE FAMILY/GROUP AT A TIME whether overnight or day guests so no worries about running into other guest dogs on the private ranch (there is a locked gate to prevent drop-ins). All friendly dogs welcome including all breeds and sizes!

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More Info about your Day Visit

Taking the llamas for a walk on 60 acre ranchDay Visit guests get access to the many activities that overnight farm-stay guests have enjoyed on our private 60-acre ranch for many years. After a brief welcome orientation tour (with opportunity to use the guest bathrooms, get water for the dogs, put lunch in guest fridge, etc,), guests have time to hike the trails, swim in the pool-like pond, relax in the hot tub, and play various games such as foosball, ping pong, darts, basketball, horseshoes, cornhole, and more. Our ranch is extremely dog-friendly so almost all of our guests bring their dogs to enjoy the ranch with them, though you're welcome to come without dogs and enjoy playing with our dogs and barn animals.


Dogs watching chickens at the Dog & Pony RanchTo ensure safety, we do barn animal intros soon after guests' arrival. We've had 100's of successful interactions of guest dogs with our barn animals who have learned that guests/dogs mean special treats! Many dogs get their curiosity appeased after getting close to our barn animals while others who aggressively bark/jump may need to remain on leash in the barn area. This is also a time for people to enjoy petting and feeding treats to our horses, mini donkeys and chickens (please ONLY give the special treats we provide).

Availability and Bookings

NOTE: After 10 wonderful years, 2024 is our final year of overnight rentals at the Ranch and our calendar booked up quickly! There are still Day Visits available in 2024 between overnight guests and will open more in 2025. More info in our Jan 1st phase-down announcement e-newsletter.

Day Visits make a fun day trip from Sacramento or the SF Bay Area: drive to Jackson in the morning, enjoy your afternoon at the Ranch, and then drive home in the evening with dinner along the way. Or spend the night in Jackson before or after your visit and have time to explore the Gold County. We've also provided info on nearby lodging with distance to the Ranch, dog-friendly, etc.

» Book a Day Visit