Description
The Buffords Ranch encompasses over 900 acres of 100% privately owned land in Kern County, California, situated approximately 22 miles southeast of Bakersfield and about 125 miles from Los Angeles. Easily accessible via State Route 58 and Caliente-Bodfish Road, the ranch lies within the historic Walker Basin—a scenic valley in the Southern Sierra Nevada, framed by Breckenridge Mountain to the west and Piute Mountain to the east. The property features a diverse landscape of open grasslands, rolling hills, and rugged backcountry, accented by mature oak, pine, and cottonwood trees. Unique natural and cultural features include historic gold mines, Native American pictographs, and a year-round creek. Well-equipped for both residential and ranching operations, the property includes two double-wide mobile homes, a red cabin, multiple utility sheds, a stocked pond, and a range of ranch equipment such as a backhoe and bulldozers. The ranch also supports active livestock operations with both horses and cattle.
STUDIO ZONE distance calculation
- Considered "on location"
- Union crew travel: Production would need to provide lodging
- Bufford ranch lies approximately 55 miles north and 12 miles west of the studio zones northern boundary
Nearby Landmarks
- Twin Oaks: Approximately 20 minutes north of the ranch.
- Lake Isabella: About 30 minutes to the west.
- Caliente: Approximately 15 minutes to the north
Buffords Ranch – GPS Coordinates
- Latitude: 35.4096792° N
- Longitude: -118.5223091° W
NEAR BY HOTELS
1. Quality Inn & Suites Bakersfield
- Distance: Approximately 27 miles west of Caliente
- Amenities: Free breakfast, outdoor pool, fitness center
- Address: 2400 Camino Del Rio Court, Bakersfield, CA 93308
- Price Range: From $90 per night
- Located approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes away
- 2. Fairfield Inn & Suites Bakersfield Central
- Distance: Approximately 27.5 miles west of Caliente
- Amenities: Complimentary breakfast, indoor pool, business center
- Address: 3540 Rosedale Highway, Bakersfield, CA 93308
- Price Range: From $99 per night
- Located approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes away
- 3. Comfort Suites Bakersfield
- Distance: Approximately 27.5 miles west of Caliente
- Amenities: Free breakfast, outdoor pool, fitness center
- Address: 3115 Camino Del Rio Court, Bakersfield, CA 93308
- Price Range: From $70 per night
4. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bakersfield
- Distance: Approximately 27.5 miles west of Caliente
- Amenities: Restaurant, outdoor pool, fitness center
- Address: 3100 Camino Del Rio Court, Bakersfield, CA 93308
- Price Range: From $99 per night
5. Courtyard by Marriott Bakersfield
- Distance: Approximately 27.5 miles west of Caliente
- Amenities: Bistro, outdoor pool, fitness center
- Address: 3601 Marriott Dr., Bakersfield, CA 93308
- Price Range: From $90 per night
Hotel Options Near Wheeler Ridge, CA **preferred**
Wheeler Ridge is approximately 60 miles (97 kilometers) south of Buffords Ranch located in Caliente, CA 93518.
The drive typically takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes via I-5 S, depending on traffic conditions.
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.