Welcome to Bufford Ranch
Spanning over 900 acres of privately owned land in Kern County, California, Bufford Ranch is a working cattle operation and living field-study site where history, ecology, and conservation come together. Located approximately 50 miles east of Bakersfield and 23 miles south of Lake Isabella, the ranch rests on the north side of Walker Basin—about 125 miles south of Los Angeles—making it both scenic and accessible via State Route 58 and Caliente-Bodfish Road.
Set within the historic Walker Basin, a valley framed by Breckenridge Mountain to the west and Piute Mountain to the east, Bufford Ranch offers a diverse landscape of open grasslands, rolling hills, and rugged backcountry accented by oak, pine, and cottonwood groves. Unique natural and cultural features across the property include historic gold mines, Native American pictographs, archaeological sites, and a year-round creek.
Beyond its cultural and ecological richness, Bufford Ranch is fully equipped for active ranching and education. Facilities include two double-wide residences, a red cabin, multiple utility sheds, a stocked pond, and heavy ranch equipment such as a backhoe and bulldozers. The ranch supports horses and cattle, maintaining its heritage as a working livestock operation while also serving as a resource for students, researchers, and conservationists.
Today, through its permanent conservation easement with the California Rangeland Trust, Bufford Ranch protects not only open space and wildlife habitat but also cultural history and water resources vital to the region. As both a working ranch and field-study hub, it provides immersive opportunities in archaeology, rangeland science, ecology, and cultural history—making Bufford Ranch a truly exceptional place where the past, present, and future of California’s landscapes converge.
NEAR BY HOTELS
. Lake Isabella RV Resort & Hotel
- Location: Lake Isabella Blvd, Lake Isabella
- Highlights: Comfortable rooms and RV sites, pet-friendly, close to the lake and restaurants.
- Best for: Travelers wanting easy access to water activities and nearby amenities.
2. Kern Riverfront Lodge
- Location: Kernville (about 10 minutes from Lake Isabella)
- Highlights: Riverfront views, rustic charm, clean rooms with kitchenettes, and walking distance to shops and breweries.
- Best for: Couples or families looking for a peaceful riverside retreat.
3. The Kern Lodge
- Location: Kernville
- Highlights: Outdoor pool, BBQ area, charming mountain décor, next to restaurants and the Kern River Brewing Company.
- Best for: Those who want a comfortable, cabin-style experience near outdoor adventures.
4. Sequoia Lodge
- Location: Kernville
- Highlights: Beautiful mountain and river views, cozy rooms, and easy access to hiking and rafting.
- Best for: Nature lovers who want quiet surroundings and scenic views.
5. Barewood Inn & Suites
- Location: Lake Isabella Blvd, Lake Isabella
- Highlights: Modern, clean rooms, free Wi-Fi, and convenient to grocery stores and the lake.
- Best for: Budget-friendly travelers wanting simplicity and comfort.
6. Sierra Way Cabin Rentals & Airbnbs
- Location: Around Kernville and Wofford Heights
- Highlights: Private cabins, scenic views, full kitchens, and close to lake or river recreation.
- Best for: Groups, couples, or families seeking a more private or long-term stay.1. Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Wheeler Ridge
- Address: 5620 Laval Rd, Wheeler Ridge, CA 93203
- Distance from Pine Tree Rd: Approximately 60 miles (97 km)
- Amenities: Free continental breakfast, high-speed internet, non-smoking rooms
- Ideal for: Budget-conscious travelers seeking basic accommodations
- 2. Hampton Inn Arvin Tejon Ranch
- Address: 5601 Outlets at Tejon Pkwy, Arvin, CA 93203
- Distance from Pine Tree Rd: Approximately 62 miles (100 km)
- Amenities: Free hot breakfast, free WiFi, outdoor pool, fitness center
- Ideal for: Travelers desiring more amenities and comfort
- located approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
- 3. Best Western Liberty Inn
- Address: 5521 Dennis McCarthy Dr, Lebec, CA 93243
- Distance from Pine Tree Rd: Approximately 65 miles (105 km)
- Amenities: Free full breakfast, indoor heated pool, fitness center
- Ideal for: Families or guests preferring a full-service hotel
- located approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes away
- 4. Days Inn by Wyndham Lebec
- Address: 9000 Countryside Ct, Lebec, CA 93243
- Distance from Pine Tree Rd: Approximately 66 miles (106 km)
- Amenities: Free light breakfast, outdoor pool, free WiFi
- Ideal for: Budget travelers seeking basic accommodations
Buffords Ranch
The Legacy of Golden Ranch: History and Vision
Our mission began over 20 years ago with a commitment to protect and preserve land for future generations amid rapid development transforming California’s rural landscapes. Rooted in ranching, land stewardship, and animal husbandry, we focused on creating a conservation-minded ranch that resists urban sprawl, safeguards ecosystems, and supports agricultural traditions. Over the years, we’ve nurtured our 1,000-acre cattle ranch in Kern County through responsible management and conservation, fostering a balanced environment where livestock, wildlife, and native landscapes thrive together. Our ongoing work covers land conservation, livestock care, water management, and rural property preservation.
In recognition of our commitment, we’ve been honored with several awards, including:
- Conservationist of the Year (2024) – Celebrating our achievements in sustainable land use and stewardship.
- Charles Young Trailblazer Award (2023) – for leadership in land preservation and historical land conservation advocacy.
To support our mission, we now open our ranch to film productions, events, and educational activities, with proceeds funding conservation and sustainable farming. We believe the land is a legacy we hold in trust for future generations, hoping to inspire others to value and protect clean water, fresh air, and open spaces before it's too late.