V6 Cattle Drives
Join the V6 Ranch Wranglers for a true working cattle drive
Upcoming V6 Cattle Drives
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Sept 25-28, 2025
SOLD OUT
On perfect fall days, move cattle on the most remote parts of the V6 Ranch’s 20,000 acres, exploring untouched, golden California landscapes. -
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April 30-May 3, 2026
SOLD OUT
Join the crew for long, scenic days in the saddle as you help gather and move cattle through the remote backcountry of the V6 Ranch. Camp under the stars, eat like a cowboy, and experience real ranch life. -
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May 7-10, 2026
Head out with V6 wranglers to rugged, high-country terrain, ride up to six hours daily helping gather cattle and camp in remote Mustang Camp under spring skies.
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May 28-31, 2026
SOLD OUT
Immerse yourself in real ranch work as you move cattle across 20,000 acres of golden hills, enjoy hearty chuckwagon meals, and sleep beneath the stars.
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October 8-11, 2026
On pristine fall days, help drive cattle through the remote, golden landscapes of the V6 Ranch, ending with a lighthearted cattle sorting competition and memorable campfire evenings.
This isn’t a staged adventure, it’s a hands-on ranch experience.
What to expect
You’ll spend four days riding into remote country, working alongside our wranglers to gather and move cattle, and camping beneath the stars.
Arrival: Meet the V6 crew for a welcome dinner before heading up the mountain.
Drive: We’ll pair you with the perfect horse for your adventure and ride 7+ miles to Mustang Camp where you’ll camp the next two nights. Each day ride for 5-7 hours moving cattle across 20,000 acres of rugged terrain. On the last night enjoy music around the campfire with a local musician.
Your registration covers all meals, drinks, activities, and live music.
Accommodation
Bring a tent or sleep out under the stars!
Bring your own camping gear and we will transport it up to Mustang Camp.
There are also three glamping tents available for an additional fee. These tents each sleep up to three people and are available on a first come first served basis.
Mustang Camp has hot showers, bathrooms, and running water. There is no electricity, no wifi, and very limited cell phone service available at camp. The perfect place to unplug, unwind, and fully immerse yourself in ranch life.
Food
After a full day riding, there’s nothing better than gathering around the campfire for a warm, home-cooked meal.
Each morning and evening, the V6 Ranch crew prepares hearty, delicious meals cooked over an open oak fire on the V6 Chuckwagon. You’ll enjoy these meals together around the campfire at Mustang Camp, perfect for sharing stories and relaxing after a day in the saddle.
Each day you’ll pack a lunch to take with you on the trail, so you can refuel while exploring.
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!
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
Keep in mind that schedules will vary significantly depending on the work that needs to be done each day.
Pricing
$1,600 per person
$500 deposit due at signup
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.
Frequently asked Questions
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Choose your dates. You can see all available Dude Ranch Getaway dates here.
Request registration form. Request a registration form here. We will reach out shortly and help you complete your registration.
Complete registration & pay deposit. Fill out and sign the V6 Ranch registration form, V6 Ranch Release and pay a $500 deposit.
Pay your balance. Your balance is due no later than 30 days prior to arrival.
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Due to the intimate group sizes on V6 Ranch Rides and the unique challenges of operating a small, family-owned business, cancellations have a significant impact on our business. Therefore, we must adhere to a strict cancellation policy.
General Policies
All reservations may be canceled or moved up to 60 days prior to arrival, minus a 10% processing fee.
Reservations may only be moved once. Once moved, reservations become non-refundable and may be subject to additional fees due to rising costs.
We understand that unexpected situations can arise, and for this reason, we strongly recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance to protect your investment. You can get a quote or sign up here: Travel Guard Insurance.
If you have to cancel or move your reservation within 60 days our policy is:
Within 60 Days of Arrival
Rescheduling within 60 days of arrival is allowed, but a $200 processing fee will apply.
The new reservation date becomes non-refundable once it is rescheduled.
Reservations that are canceled within 60 days of your arrival date result in a forfeited deposit.
Within 30 Days of Arrival
No refunds will be issued for cancellations made within 30 days of arrival.
Reservations cannot be moved within 30 days of arrival.
Other Important Terms
Early departures are not eligible for refunds. Guests are responsible for the full amount of the original reservation.
V6 Ranch Rides are held rain or shine – weather does not affect our ride schedule.
Medical or family emergencies do not qualify as exceptions to our cancellation policy.If you are bringing your own horse, please note:
If your horse becomes injured, sick, or otherwise unable to participate these not qualify as exceptions to our cancellation policy. Depending on availability, we may be able to provide one of our ranch horses for your ride. Additional fees will apply. Reach out to us to check availability.
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V6 Ranch Cattle Drives are open to guests of all riding skill levels.
Bear in mind that days will be long and terrain challenging.
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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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On V6 Cattle Drives the group size is around 20 people.
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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.
A deep-dive into cow-working and roping skills with instruction from professional cowboys and cowgirls.