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 converge. Located approximately 50 miles east of Bakersfield and 23 miles south of Lake Isabella, the ranch rests on the north side of Walker Basin. It is approximately 125 miles north of Downtown Los Angeles—about a 2 to 2.5 hour drive—and situated roughly 70 miles outside of the Los Angeles Studio Zone, making it scenic, production-friendly, 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 features a diverse landscape of open grasslands, rolling hills, and rugged backcountry accented by oak, pine, and cottonwood groves. The property is further distinguished by striking Rocky Mountain–style rock formations and dramatic natural outcroppings that add depth, texture, and cinematic scale to the terrain. Distinct natural and cultural features across the ranch include historic gold mines, Native American pictographs, archaeological sites, and a year-round creek.
Beyond its cultural and ecological significance, Bufford Ranch is fully equipped for active ranching and educational engagement. 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, preserving its heritage as a working livestock operation while serving as a resource for students, researchers, conservationists, and filmmakers.
Through its permanent conservation easement with the California Rangeland Trust, Bufford Ranch protects open space, wildlife habitat, cultural history, and vital water resources. As both a working ranch and field-study hub, it offers immersive opportunities in archaeology, rangeland science, ecology, and cultural history—making Bufford Ranch a truly exceptional setting where the past, present, and future of California’s landscapes converge.
Ernest Bufford
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.