If you have never been, Baron Ranch is a beautiful slice of the Central Coast that is open to hiking, wildlife viewing, and bird watching. This land is owned and operated by the Resource Recovery and Waste Management Division (RRWMD). If this is all news to you, we invite you to learn more in this crash-course, Baron Ranch 101!

In 1991 the RRWMD purchased a 1,083 acre agricultural/open space property known as Baron Ranch along the majestic Gaviota Coast. RRWMD has restored 50 acres of native riparian, coastal sage scrub, and chaparral habitats with almost 40,000 new native plants, including over 11,000 trees, and over 300 sensitive plants.

Wildlife present at the ranch includes bobcat, deer, black bear, coyote, mountain lion, rattlesnake, raccoon, migratory birds, reptiles, amphibians and several raptor species. Two of our favorites are the California red-legged frog, and the southwestern (or Pacific) pond turtle, both considered sensitive/protected species. The Ranch provides critical aquatic and upland habitat for these two species.

The Baron Ranch Trail is open to the public to allow the community to enjoy the natural beauty of this ecological treasure. The 6-mile loop trail is currently open Saturday through Monday from 8:00 a.m. to dusk. You can read more about Baron Ranch here or check out the video below!

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