Explore the Ranch

Explore Our Beautiful Ranch

There is plenty to do around the Long Valley area (Vya, NV) with its glimpse into the Western American past. Just come to enjoy exploring or relaxing at our ranch or the outlying areas. Experience the breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, enhanced by the ability to view the wide open spaces and purple mountain majesties.

Take advantage of our dark skies right here at the ranch and nearby! In April, 2019, the Nevada Massacre Rim Wilderness Study Area (less than 10 miles from our ranch) was designated a Dark Sky Sanctuary (only seven in the world with this exclusive designation), which is a place that has an “exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is protected for its scientific, natural or educational value, its cultural heritage and/or public enjoyment.“ According to Friends of Nevada Wilderness, the Massacre Rim WSA stands out because it is so far from any major populated areas, making light pollution there next to immeasurable. People lucky enough to venture here on a clear moonless night will not only see the enormity of the Milky Way but will also be awestruck to view our neighboring galaxy, Andromeda, with the naked eye.

TD Ranch--Pamplona

If you’ve ever had the penchant to participate in the Running of the Bulls, save yourself the cost of airfare to Spain and participate in this ranch event. During the cattle grazing months, a couple or more bulls will frequent our property. Bring your running shoes, red cape, and courage to high tail it away from the charging bulls and the possible irritated maternal bovine. First aid supplies will be provided free of charge. Enter at your own risk!

Ground Squirrel Hunting

Every spring thousands of ground squirrels emerge from hibernation. Unfortunately, they are quite destructive to crops and property with their multitude of holes posing ankle twisting hazards to humans and serious injury to horses and cattle. Thus, the annual Squirrel Roundup, held every year in nearby Cedarville, is quite popular among hunters far and wide. We also have our own ground squirrel roundup here at the TD Ranch.

Cattle Drives and Roundups

You just might catch a glimpse of our neighbors' cattle drives and roundups in the Long Valley area. Watch for local cowboy and cowgirl neighbors doing their job on horseback as it has been done since cattle were introduced to the area, the old-fashioned way… "Movin’, movin’, movin, keep them doggies movin’."

Cattle drives usually take place in April/May and roundups are October/November. In between, we generally have cattle on the ranch where they are moved from pasture to pasture.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBNAqT9axoY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lr3ky918lrM

https://youtu.be/fSSNFWYt87Y

Wildlife Viewing

Bring your camera and binoculars to capture some of the Nevada wildlife, including wild horses (yes, they’re here!), pronghorn antelope, coyotes, quail, rabbits (cottontail, jack, pygmy), mule deer, and the occasional elusive bobcat and mountain lion. There are many forms of wildlife passing though our spring areas, located north of the ranch house. Check out the videos of the wildlife we have on and around the ranch.

Wild Horses:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rXuaUDeueI

Stallion:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9SsW4BurJk

Pronghorn:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAxzAj13sXM

One of the local wild mares and her foal.

And if all that isn't enough to keep you busy....

Astronomy--Look up at night and be astonished at all of the stars that most city folks back home will never see due to light pollution. If you've never witnessed the glowing band of stars arching across the night known as the Milky Way, you will be amazed. It's easily observable here with its estimated 200-400 billion stars. It is quite a sight! Also, look to the east for a spectacular view of the full moon rising.

Bird Watching--From raptors including eagles, hawks, falcons and owls, to grouse, quail, and other sagebrush birds, binoculars come in very hands to view the wonderful avian life. Since starting the ranch, we now have several families of bluebirds that have adopted us and our very own covey of quail. Now with our pond completed, we have fly-ins of swans, mallards, and other ducks and geese.

Hiking--Our ranch property has many trails and canyons to explore. Bring your hiking shoes and a day pack.

Horseback Riding--Our lovable horses Bandit, Buddy, Cherie, Shawnee, and Buster the mule, love to meet new people, especially those who might have a snack or two for them. Be careful...they will try to smooch you for a tasty treat!

Photography--Our picturesque rock outcroppings make a beautiful background for pictures as do our fields of sage, aspens, and junipers. Witness unobstructed views across the valley of the buttes and mountains, including Paint Mountain (Massacre Mound), with its continual color changes throughout the day. These views are best enjoyed while sitting on one of our porches with a cerveza or any other adult beverage of choice in hand.

Rock Hunting--The joy of being a rock hound is in the pure thrill of discovery. You may even find some petrified wood or Native American artifacts on the ranch.