V6 Cattle Drives
Head out with the V6 Ranch wranglers for a bona fide cattle drive!
Upcoming V6 Cattle Drives
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![V6 Dude Ranch California Cattle Drive]()
APRIL 4-7, 2024
SOLD OUT
Ride through wildflower studded landscapes and views that stretch the width of California. Spend cool spring evenings stargazing around the campfire. -
![V6 Dude Ranch California Cattle Drive]()
May 3-6, 2024
SOLD OUT
Fully unplug on our May Cattle Drive, with full days spent on the back of a horse moving cattle through the remote reaches of the scenic V6 Ranch. -
![V6 Dude Ranch California Cattle Drive]()
MAY 30-JUNE 2, 2024
SOLD OUT
Long days aboard a trusty ranch horse, moving cattle throughout the rugged and scenic V6 Ranch. Enjoy evenings around the campfire at the remote Mustang Camp. -
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SEPT 26-29, 2024
SOLD OUT
Move cattle on the most remote parts of the V6 Ranch’s 20,000 acres, exploring untouched, golden California landscapes.
For the last 30 years, the Varian family have invited guests to help move cattle on the most remote, rugged and scenic terrain on the V6 Ranch.
SOLD OUT IN 2024
What to expect
On the first day guests will meet at the V6 Blue Oak Camp for a welcome dinner and a chance to get to know the V6 Ranch crew and fellow riders before heading up the mountain. Early on the second day guests will be paired with their horse for the duration of the drive and will ride seven miles to the remote Mustang Camp. Each day guests will spend up to six hours in the saddle gathering and moving cattle throughout the far reaches of the ranch. On the fourth day there will be a lighthearted sorting competition before working their way back down the mountain and heading home. Groups will be around 20 people.
Accomodation
Bring a tent or sleep out under the stars! Guests provide their own camping gear, which will be transported for you up to the remote Mustang Camp.
There are also three glamping tents available for $400 each. These tents are available on a first come first served basis.
There are hot showers, bathrooms and running water at Mustang Camp. There is no electricity, no wifi, and very limited cell phone service available at camp. The perfect setting to unplug and relax.
Food
Each day breakfast and dinner will be cooked by the V6 Ranch crew over an open oak flame on the V6 Chuckwagon. Enjoy these delicious, hearty homestyle meals around the campfire at Mustang Camp, while lunch will be packed to eat out on the trail.
Sample itinerary
Day 1:
3:00pm to 7:00pm: Arrival and set up your camp for the night at the V6 Blue Oak Horse Camp
7:00pm: Welcome Dinner at the V6 Blue Oak Horse Camp
Day 2:
8:00am: Breakfast at the V6 Blue Oak Horse Camp and pack lunch
9:00am: Load your gear and luggage in the trailer to be hauled up
10:00am: Take off on your adventure!
12:00pm: Lunch on the trail
4:00pm: Arrive at Mustang Camp and set up your campsite
7:00pm: Chuckwagon Dinner at Mustang Camp
Day 3:
8:00am: Breakfast and coffee around the V6 Chuckwagon and pack lunch to eat out on the trail.
9:30am: Saddle up and ride out with the V6 Ranch Crew to gather cattle.
12pm: Break for lunch out on the trail before finishing the day’s gather
4pm: Head back to camp for some R&R
7pm: Dinner from the V6 Chuckwagon and time to relax and enjoy live music around the campfire.
Day 4:
8:00am: Breakfast and coffee around the V6 Chuckwagon and pack lunch to eat out on the trail.
9:30am: Saddle up and start the ride home, sometimes bringing some cattle along with the group. We usually get in a fun round of sorting.
2:00pm: Arrive at V6 Blue Oak Camp and say our good-byes until next time!
Keep in mind that schedules will vary significantly depending on the work that needs to be done each day.
Price
$1,500 per person
$500 deposit required at sign-up. Gratuity not included.
Includes: All meals, V6 Ranch Horse to ride all weekend, campfire music, experienced wrangler instruction, and wonderful conversation and stunning scenery!
Glamping tents, Bunkhouse rooms and Lodge Rooms are not included.
“My first cattle drive with Jack and Zee was 14 years ago. Everything came alive with ranch history stories, learning how to ride up/down hills, amazing food and camping out – the most amazing experience of my life. Experienced trust of the horse beyond my wildest dreams… V6 Ranch, Varian Family, V6 horses – the BEST…”
- Bonnie K.
“I discovered my "Inner Cowboy" several years ago and the V6 Ranch was the perfect place for me to experience the cowboy ranch life. As I've gained skills, (riding, roping, herding) the wranglers have been patient, encouraging and good humored. What I love about the V6 ranch is that it is a family, multigenerational run ranch, and the family is just terrific. Kinda inspirational really.”
- Cy L.
More info
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All 2024 Cattle Drives are currently sold out.
Join our waitlist here.
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Due to the small group sizes on V6 Ranch Rides, cancelations have a significant impact and we must adhere to a strict cancellation policy. Please reach out to us at info@v6ranch.com to make any modifications to your reservation.
Reservations may be canceled or moved up to 60 days prior to your arrival less a 10% processing fee.
Reservations that have been moved to a different date are non-refundable and may incur an additional fee.
Moving a reservation within 60 days of the arrival date results in a $200 processing fee and the new date becomes non-refundable.
Reservations can only be moved one time.
Reservations that are canceled within 60 days of your arrival date result in a forfeited deposit.
Reservations that are canceled within 30 days of your arrival date result in a forfeited deposit and a 10% processing fee.
If you cancel once your final balance has been paid, there are no refunds.
There are no moving reservations once your final balance has been paid.
Guests who depart before the end of a scheduled reservation are responsible for the total original stay amount.
We strongly recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance.
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V6 Ranch Cattle Drives are open to guests of all riding skill levels.
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Kids ages 7 and up are welcome.
For the safety of our horses we unfortunately cannot accommodate guests over 250 lbs.
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V6 Ranch Cattle Drives have a group size of approximately 20 guests.
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An experienced V6 Ranch Horse is provided for all riders, however if you would prefer to bring your own horse there are plenty of stalls, feed and water available. Horses must be in good shape and have shoes as terrain can be steep and rocky.
Learn more about our V6 Ranch Horses here.
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V6 ranch rides and events are held rain or shine
On a ranch in California, there is no better day than a rainy day! The ranch is BEAUTIFUL in the rain and we will do our best to ride around the rain.
Develop your ranch skills on this working cattle ranch, with coaching from working cowboys.