Slide Ranch552

A one-time dairy farm, Slide Ranch is celebrating its fourth decade as an environmental education center. Managed by the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, most people who come here feel as if they've discovered something very special.

Nestled just inside the Marin cliffs off highway 1, the ranch offers a series of programs that allow visitors to participate in organic farming and animal care. Here, you can milk a goat, observe bees make honey, search for worms, turn compost, and care for a variety of animals. You can explore nearby tidal pools or trek into the surrounding unspoiled hills on miles of hiking trails.

The Ranch draws its visitors from a variety of ethnic groups and neighborhoods, and the mix proves an equally valuable part of the experience for participants.

Group Programs The Ranch will set up workshops to suit the needs of your group. Call 415.381.6155.

Family Farm Days: A chance for you and your family to spend the day together exploring Slide Ranch, learning where our food comes from, and gaining an appreciation for the delicate coastal farm and wilderness ecosystem. You can milk a goat, collect eggs from chickens, sample from the organic garden, or participate in a variety of farm crafts. Advance registration is required by calling Call 415.381.6155.

Bring a picnic lunch to eat in the garden.
Fee: $15/person; $60 for families of 4 or more.
Hours: Saturdays, 10am to 2pm.

Overnight programs: A camp-out that includes two days of farm and wilderness exploration, farm chores, and a campfire and night-hike. Participants sleep in tents and use a geodesic dome for cooking, eating, and food storage. The campsite is rustic, with an outhouse and no running water or electricity. A propane stove and gas lights the Dome.
Fee: $50 per person per night.

Campgrounds: The group campsite, a ten minute walk from the farmstead along a coastal trail, is located on a flat grassy bluff overlooking the ocean. It offers a Yurt, a sweat lodge, and a geodesic Dome useful for cooking, eating, and storing food. A propane stove and oven, plates, cups, utensils and pots and pans are supplied. An outhouse and gas lights are available at the site, though there is no running water or electricity.

Day Camps: Slide Ranch also offers summer day camps for children ages five to 12. Camps focus on giving kids a farm and garden experience. Campers get to milk goats and sheep, feed chickens, care for an organic garden, and participate in farm crafts and activities. Each day includes exploratory nature games and craft activities, such as papermaking, spinning wool, and making bread, butter, and cheese. Most activities take place in groups no larger than eight children with one experienced teacher.

Ranch Rangers (ages 5 to 8):
Hours: 9am to 1:30pm
Fee: $325

Junior Farmers (ages 8 to 12):
Hours: 9am to 3pm
Fee: $360

Junior Counselors work closely with a Slide Ranch teacher to provide encouragement to younger campers. Applicants must have attended Summer Camp in the past, attend a one-day training session, and be able to attend all five days of camp. To apply, request an application by phone at 415.381.6155. Slide Ranch will contact you for an interview.

Junior Counselor (ages 12 and up):
Hours: 8:30am to 2pm
Fee: $50