Kevin’s Sunrise Adventures: Rankin Ranch

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — It’s a destination many dream of, a place that lets you unwind from social media, text messages, and the fast-paced life of the city, this is Rankin Ranch.

It’s a story that began over a century ago when Walker Rankin settled on the Lan in 1863. Drawn by the promise of fertile soil and as we know the abundant sunshine.

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“There is 4 generations that have come before me and already 1 after and hopefully a lot more so having the opportunity to keep that going but also to share it with people is a special thing,” Rankin Ranch spokesperson Amanda Rankin said.

Rankin Ranch has always been a working ranch, raising it’s signature white face Herford Cattle and selling hay. In fact, you will still find Bill Rankin on his old tractor and bailer in the fields each spring.

Rankin ranch spans over 42,000 acres you used to have to explore by horse back, but today were going by helicopter.

As we flew around the ranch, it was breath taking to see the rolling hills and the beauty of Walker Basin. We even spotted cattle running along the trails. It’s all this beauty that moved the Rankins to share it with others.

“So my grandma opened guest ranch in 1965 for people to come on vacation here she built our original six cabins, the rec room, pool, she had the vision for agritourism to go with our cattle business,” Rankin said.

In 2025, they will celebrate 60 years of country hospitality and for those who come to this happy place, not only are memories made, but so are lasting friendships.

“I would literally come here anytime of the year, just because of the people who own it, the Rankins. The family atmosphere is just got to be one of the most incredible places that I have ever been,” visitor Dani Rupel, from Ontario said.

It’s a weekend full of games, dancing, picnicking, and horseback riding through the meadows and creeks of the ranch. A way to clear your mind and reset, as you will find no cell service while visiting.

“You get to make like new friends with everybody when you eat with them or hang out with them by the pool or go horseback riding with them, it’s really fun,” guest from Irvine Chelsea Miller said.

Bill and Glenda Rankin are 4th generation farmers here on the ranch, and love being part of every families stay on the property. Keeping that country hospitality alive for all who visit.

“I love the little girls that come, ‘oh they don’t want to go to the creek and paly with the frogs and one girl came back and said mom I caught 5 frogs.’ They get to be children again,” Owner of Rankin Ranch Glenda Rankin said.

During your stay, the kids will love the petting zoo. Here you will feed the animals who call the ranch home and trust me they love the attention.

It’s paradise in the grass lands, and for Amanda Rankin, she wouldn’t have it any other any other way.

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I enjoy the two components of having cattle ranch, to live in a beautiful open place like this, but also, the guest ranch to bring the social side of meeting new people from all over the world.

So, whether you want to jump in the pool, splash or take a nice stroll in the meadow. Rankin Ranch prides it’s family tradition of bringing a peaceful place for everyone. Putting difference aside and coming together as one for a weekend of fun and togetherness.

“I think my mother-in-law just wanted it to be a place that people from the city could come and enjoy country life, and the simple things of life, and that’s what we want,” Glenda Rankin said.

So, the next time you want a slice of nature, hospitality, relaxation and country living, head on up to Rankin Ranch. Here you are not a guest, your family.

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