Know Before You Go

Hunewill Ranch is located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Bridgeport, California. From weather conditions to packing tips and ranch policies, this section provides all the essential information to ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable trip. Get ready for the trip of a lifetime!

Packing List

The elevation at Hunewill Ranch is 6500 feet. Summer temperatures range from 30° nights to 80°- 90° days. We recommend that you bring a hat, sunscreen, rain jacket, and a warm jacket for our cool evenings. Dress is informal. The ranch does not serve alcohol but you’re welcome to bring your own. 

Suggestions for a one week stay:

  • REQUIRED: 1 pair of pull-on riding boots (smooth sole with a heel, no lace-up boots or zippered boots, please). We have a "boot closet" with limited sizes of used cowboy boots for our guests to use during their stay.

  • 4 pairs of jeans (2 for riding and 2 for evening/daytime wear)

  • Belt

  • Shorts & casual skirt if desired (skirt for Square Dancing, but jeans are fine)

  • 5 or 6 long sleeved shirts * (we recommend riding in long sleeves at this high altitude)

  • Several t-shirts *, comfortable casual tops, etc.

  • Bathing suit (especially for kids- we have swim rides)

  • Sweatshirt *

  • Raingear (check internet for weather conditions)

  • Jacket

  • 6-7 pairs of socks, including boot socks, and underwear (minimum)

  • 1 pair of pantyhose or bike shorts to help prevent chafing when riding

  • Sleepwear

  • 1 pair of walking/hiking shoes

  • 1 pair of shoes for evening wear (optional)

  • Chaps or Chinks (optional- not necessary)

  • Helmet (we provide riding helmets, but if you have your own you may prefer it. If you bring your own, the helmet can’t be a bike helmet. It must cover lower part of head.)

  • Hat with a stampede string (this is a string that holds your hat on your head) *

  • Chapstick *

  • Sunglasses

  • Sunscreen *

  • Band-aids/moleskin *

  • Any medications you may need

  • Riding gloves (optional)*

  • Camera

  • Flashlight

  • Water bottle (drinking lots of water is important at our altitude)

Please do NOT bring:

  • Pets that are not service animals

  • Any illicit drugs; we have a strict anti-drug policy

  • Candles, incense, or anything flammable

These additional items are recommended if visiting in the spring or fall:

  • Warm coat

  • Vest

  • Long underwear

  • Scarf or "wild rag" *

  • Warm socks

  • Warm cap or hat *

  • Warm gloves

* Available for sale in our gift shop.

Optional Items / Nice to Haves:

  • A cooler with drinks

  • Comfortable camping chairs

  • An outdoor blanket for relaxing in the grass

  • A bandana or neck gaiter

  • Energy bars or favorite snacks

  • A good book or a journal

Getting Here

Hunewill Ranch is located in Bridgeport, California, on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, bordering Yosemite National Park. Our address is 1110 Hunewill Ranch Road, Bridgeport, CA 93517.

Below is a list of approximate travel times and distances from key locations to help with trip planning.

Nearby Destinations

  • Yosemite National Park (Tioga Pass Entrance) – 45 minutes (45 miles / 72 km) (seasonal road closure in winter)

  • Mammoth Lakes, CA – 1 hour (60 miles / 96 km)

  • Lake Tahoe, CA/NV – 2 hours (100 miles / 161 km)

Nearest Major Cities & Airports

From: Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH), Mammoth Lakes, California

Estimated travel time: 1 hour (61 miles / 98 km)

  1. From Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH), take US-395 N.

  2. Follow US-395 N past the towns of Bishop, Big Pine, Independence, and Lone Pine.

  3. Drive through the town of Bridgeport on Highway 395 and watch for the Shell Gas Station on your left and the Twin Lakes Road sign.

  4. Turn left at Twin Lakes Road - 4.0 mi

  5. Left at Hunewill Ranch Road – look for the Hunewill Guest Ranch sign.

From: Reno-Tahoe Int'l Airport, Reno, Nevada

Estimated travel time: 2 hours 15 minutes (114 miles / 183 km)

  1. From Reno, get on I-580 S/US-395 S towards Carson City.

  2. Take I-580/US-395 to the intersection of US-395 and US Hwy 50 in Carson City.

  3. At the stop light, use any lane to turn left onto US-395 S.

  4. Continue on US-395 into California until you get to Bridgeport.

  5. Turn right on Twin Lakes Road and drive 4 miles, then turn left on to Hunewill Ranch Road.

From: Sacramento, California Area

Estimated travel time: 4.5 hours (195 miles / 315 km)

  1. Head east on Highway 50.

  2. Continue to follow US-50 E (heading towards South Lake Tahoe) - 95 mi

  3. Turn right at CA-89 (Luther Pass, before Meyers)- 11.1 mi

  4. Turn left at CA-88/CA-89 Continue to follow CA-88 to Minden and Gardnerville, Nevada. Entering Nevada - 11.9 mi

  5. Continue on NV-88 - 7.8 mi

  6. Turn right at US-395 (You will drive through Minden and Gardnerville, heading south on 395) entering California (You will be traveling through Topaz, Coleville, and Walker before you arrive in Bridgeport) – 67.1 mi

  7. Highway 395 is Bridgeport’s main street. Watch for the Shell Gas Station on your right and the Twin Lakes Road sign.

  8. Turn right at Twin Lakes Road - 4.0 mi

  9. Left at Hunewill Ranch Road - look for the Hunewill Guest Ranch sign.

From: Los Angeles, California Area

Estimated travel time: 6.5 hours (330 miles / 531 km)

  1. Take I-5 to CA-14

  2. Take CA-14 N toward Lancaster/Palmdale

  3. Turn right at CA-14

  4. Continue straight onto US-395 N (you will go through Lone Pine, Independence, Big Pine, Bishop, past the turnoff to Mammoth Lakes, and continue on through Lee Vining to Bridgeport) – 209 miles

  5. Drive through the town of Bridgeport on Highway 395 and watch for the Shell Gas Station on your left and the Twin Lakes Road sign.

  6. Turn left at Twin Lakes Road - 4.0 mi

  7. Left at Hunewill Ranch Road – look for the Hunewill Guest Ranch sign.

From: San Francisco, California Area

Estimated travel time: 5.5 hours (245 miles / 394 km)

  1. Head East on I-80- Approximately 80 miles to Sacramento, CA

  2. I-80 splits at Sacramento

  3. Continue on I-80-Business Route to US-50 East (signs for I-80-BR/US-50/Sacramento/S Lake Tahoe/Capital City Fwy) Get on US-50 East

  4. Continue to follow US-50 E (heading towards South Lake Tahoe) - 98.5 mi

  5. Turn right at CA-89 (Luther Pass, before Meyers)- 11.1 mi

  6. Turn left at CA-88/CA-89 Continue to follow CA-88 to Minden and Gardnerville, Nevada. Entering Nevada - 11.9 mi

  7. Continue on NV-88 - 7.8 mi

  8. Turn right at US-395 (You will drive through Minden and Gardnerville, heading south on 395) Entering California - 67.1 mi (You will be traveling through Topaz, Coleville, and Walker before you arrive in Bridgeport)

  9. Highway 395 is Bridgeport’s main street. Watch for the Shell Gas Station on your right and the Twin Lakes Road sign.

  10. Turn right at Twin Lakes Road - 4.0 mi

  11. Left at Hunewill Ranch Road - look for the Hunewill Guest Ranch sign.

From: San Diego, California Area

Estimated travel time: 7.5 hours (460 miles / 740 km)

  1. Take I-15 North to US-395

  2. Exit onto US-395 toward Bishop/Adelanto

  3. Continue north on US-395 (you will go through Lone Pine, Independence, Big Pine, Bishop, past the turnoff to Mammoth Lakes, and continue on through Lee Vining to Bridgeport) – 305 mi

  4. Drive through the town of Bridgeport on Highway 395 and watch for the Shell Gas Station on your left and the Twin Lakes Road sign.

  5. Turn left at Twin Lakes Road - 4.0 mi

  6. Left at Hunewill Ranch Road – look for the Hunewill Guest Ranch sign.

Facilities & Guest Services

Guest Laundry Facilities

A coin-operated washer and dryer are available for guest use. Detergent is available for purchase in our gift shop.

Guest Telephone Calls and Internet Access

Most major cell phone carriers have some service on the ranch, with stronger reception available along the ranch road. We also offer Wi-Fi access for guests who bring their own internet-enabled devices.

Gift Shop

Our gift shop offers a selection of Hunewill Ranch t-shirts, sweatshirts, gloves, mugs, and postcards, in addition to a selection of western gifts, hats, stuffed horses, jewelry and sundries.

Waivers & Releases for Non Family Members

Guests bringing a non-family member under the age of 18 must contact our office in advance for appropriate liability waivers and medical releases.

Cancellation/Deposit Refund Policy

In the event of a cancellation, please contact us as soon as possible. Late notice of cancellation reduces the likelihood of being able to fill your vacancy. Deposits will not be refunded unless we are able to fill the vacancy. If the vacancy can be filled, 50% of your deposit will be returned. Purchase trip insurance for unexpected life events. Deposits may not be transferred to another calendar year.

Professional Photographer

Memories that last a lifetime! Will Carnahan is our in-house photographer who has prints available for sale. Visit his website here.

Massage Therapist

We have a licensed massage therapist who offers wonderful massages and facials. To book a massage, contact Erin directly at (707) 689-4955.

Guests Bringing Private Horses

Please contact us if you plan to bring & ride your horse. A current Health Certificate, Coggins test and West Nile vaccination are required for all horses coming to the ranch.

Pets

Other than service animals, pets are not allowed on campus.

Fishing

For fishing information in Bridgeport, or to book the Hunewill Pond, call Ken’s Sporting Goods at (760) 932-7707 or visit www.kenssport.com.

Children

The minimum riding age for children is 6 years. Younger children who are capable of being led on horseback are led by the babysitter. A babysitter is provided to watch your child while you are riding. This child care is included in your child's rate.

Guest Refrigerator / Kitchen Amenities

A guest refrigerator is available for your use. Please label any personal items you store inside.

Microwaves and coffee pots are not in the rooms, but fresh, hot coffee is ready in the dining room by 6 AM each morning.

 FAQs

  • Check-out time for “Packages” is 1:00 pm after morning ride and lunch on departure date.

    Check-out time for “Stays” is 9:00 am after breakfast on departure date.

  • For your comfort and safety it is required that you and your family ride in pull-on cowboy boots. No hiking boots, lace up boots, zippered boots, or tennis shoes are allowed for riding. Although we suggest that you bring your own boots, we have a "boot room" with a large selection of used cowboy boots for our guests to use during their stay.

  • No, we have a strict no pet policy. Please do not bring your dog or other pets.

  • The minimum riding age for children is 6 years. Younger children who are capable of being led on horseback are led by the babysitter. A babysitter is provided to watch your child while you are riding. This child care is included in your child's rate.

  • Check-in time is between 3:00 and 5:00 pm on arrival date.

  • We do not offer day rides. We have a 3-night minimum stay. Check our calendar here!