EXPLORE CUYAMA
Nestled in between glowing Central California mountain ranges, national forests, wildlife refuges and national monuments, Cuyama Valley is a place like no other. Take time to explore our mountains, hike through historic cave paintings, plan a trip to see the superbloom in a National Monument, book a farm tour or wine tasting, or just relax and enjoy a meal with a view. Come and discover all that The Hidden Valley of Enchantment has to offer.
Mother Nature
Visit Carrizo Plain National Monument to explore salt flats, grasslands, see the San Andreas Fault, hike to cave paintings, and see some of California's best wildflowers!
More info here!
Welcome to the Backcountry Ramblers Club! Join Sam, our lead bartender and local wilderness expert, as he ventures through canyons and valleys with his trio of backpacking goats, uncovering hidden stories and immersing himself in local wisdom when not mixing drinks at the Buckhorn Bar. Explore the wonders of the Cuyama Valley with guided hikes led by Sam through the Los Padres National Forest. Experience our region's hidden treasures firsthand as Sam guides you through its unique ecosystem, preparing trailside non-alcoholic cocktails using seasonal plants that celebrate our natural landscape.
Join us for an immersive e-bike adventure along Aliso Canyon Road, nestled amidst the Los Padres foothills, and offering breathtaking views of the valley. These guided trips are made possible through our partnership with Pedego Bakersfield, who will accompany you throughout the journey, providing expert assistance every step of the way. From adjusting your seat to acquainting you with the controls, they’re dedicated to ensuring your ride is both smooth and unforgettable.
Guided rides will be hosted Sunday May 12th and 19th with more to come as we head into summer.
Birdwatch at Bitter Creek Wildlife Refuge, a roosting and foraging habitat for the endangered California Condor.
Take an afternoon to dirt bike, ATV, or mountain bike through Ballinger Canyon.
HIKE IN LOS PADRES NATIONAL FOREST
Hike in some of the most pristine natural surroundings in Central California. Check out suggested routes at AllTrails (app and website), trails.com, and hikelospadres.com. We suggest McPherson Trail, accessible via Aliso Park.
MOUNTAIN BIKE
Mountain bike along designated trails and roads in Los Padres National Forest. The closest to us is Bates Canyon Road / Sierra Madre Road.
PICNICKING
Picnic all throughout The Hidden Valley of Enchantment for a meal with a view. Picnic baskets and meals are available to complete your spread at The Buckhorn!
Stargaze at one of the best places to view the night sky in California.
Take a day trip to Ojai on CA Scenic Route 33 or through Los Padres National Forest on Lockwood Valley Rd.
Visit Carrizo Plain Ecological Reserve and keep an eye out for local wildlife! Access permits for the south ranch area, open to the public, are required for all visitors. Permits are available at the main entrance kiosk off of Highway 166.
Take a self-guided tour of the cave paintings in Carrizo Plains National Monument.
Spend your night under the stars at this stream side campground just off one of our favorite scenic routes to The Buckhorn.
Hike or camp in Aliso Park the closest access point to Los Padres National Forest from New Cuyama.
Neighbors
Blue Sky Center is a rural, place-based nonprofit organization with the mission to strengthen the community of Cuyama Valley by supporting entrepreneurs and building regional creative and economic resources. Take a tour of the organization's huts (available for stay), the workshops of local artists/businesses, Warrior Wagons, High Desert Print Co. and GM Fabrications, and The Cuyama Airstrip, all located on Blue Sky's property.
Cuyama Oaks Ranch is 82 acres with beautiful views and a petting zoo! The petting zoo is open Thursdays - Mondays from 10am - 12pm and from 3pm - 6pm. There are 10 pigs, 19 goats, 200+ chickens, 7 ducks, 5 turkeys and 1 tortoise on the ranch. Please contact Nathan at Cuyama Oaks via text or email for appointments: (740) 258-8561 or cuyamaoaksranch@gmail.com.
Local horse ranch specializing in equine experiences including their Equine Connection Experience, focused around bonding with a horse you are meaningfully paired with and providing the experience of being a ranch hand for a day, as well as their Horseback Archery Experience, providing the opportunity to unleash your inner warrior for a day. Both experiences are tailored to all experience levels and are recommended for a minimum of 2 hours for 1 - 2 people. Additional time is required for additional participants. Call 661-319-2644 or email heather@hcrgaitedhorses.com to book one of these unique experiences with views of Los Padres National Forest.
CUYAMA AIRPORT
Fly into The Hidden Valley! Small private planes can land on the private airstrip just .5 miles from our front door, on Blue Sky Center’s property.
Take a picnic to grill, dive into the community pool, or skate at Cuyama's new skate park in Richardson Park.
Tour a local pistachio farm and taste their many amazing pistachio flavors for purchase in their general store.
Sign up for a farm tour or participate in one of the many courses available through Quail Springs, ranging from natural building workshops to permaculture design courses.
Visit a climate-appropriate, dry-farmed vineyard and olive farm to get a taste of what Cuyama Valley has to offer. Each Saturday at 2:00pm, Condor’s Hope is offering Spring in the Vineyard, a two-hour experience including a vineyard tour, wine tasting, and homemade appetizers. Interested in visiting another day of the week? Reach out to Condor’s Hope directly. Please note: reservations are required for all visits.
Book here.
Schedule a guided horseback ride or pack trip into Los Padres National Forest at a historic family-owned ranch.
Please feel free to pick up our map of Cuyama and/or any of our brochures for Aliso Park, Carrizo Plain, or Ballinger Canyon,
courtesy of Blue Sky Center, in The Buck Stop Coffee Shop.
Please feel free to pick up our map of Cuyama and/or any of our brochures for Aliso Park, Carrizo Plain, or Ballinger Canyon, courtesy of Blue Sky Center, in The Buck Stop Coffee Shop.
