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We know you love to trail ride on your own beloved trail mount. But for a change of pace, consider a vacation where an attentive staff takes you riding all day, then pampers you at night. Alisal Guest Ranch in Solvang, California caters to all your needs, plus offers a wide range of activities for you and your traveling companions.
Location: Solvang, California, in the Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Barbara wine country.
Overview: The Alisal Guest Ranch, in the Santa Ynez Valley, has been a working cattle ranch since 1810 and has been a guest ranch since 1946. Raimundo Carrillo owned the ranch as part of a Spanish Land Grant in 1843.
What sets it apart: The Round-Up Vacation Package, offered from early September to early June. Riding, unlimited golf, access to the fitness center/spa, tennis, and fishing are included in the regular price of the room. This package applies to only two people per room and is nontransferable.
Your hosts: Joan and Palmer Jackson.
The horses: The ranch herd is made up of horses are Quarter Horses that are purchased by head wrangler Tony Thompson. All horse care is done on-site at Alisal, from shoeing to veterinary needs.
The trails/scenery: You’ll ride on more than 50 miles of scenic California trails, much of it on untouched natural beauty. Advanced riders can go on longer rides through the ranch’s 10,000 acres. Wildlife includes bald eagles and deer.
Accommodations: Seventy-three ranch-style accommodations, all with outdoor patios and working fireplaces. No telephones or televisions are provided, but you’ll have access to free wi-fi throughout the ranch.
Season: Open all year. Best times to go are April/May and September/October.
Contact: Alisal Guest Ranch, 1054 Alisal Rd., Solvang, CA 93463; (800) 4-ALISAL [425-4725] or (805) 688-6411; www.alisal.com.
