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FAQs - frequently asked questions with frequently given answers...
Location
Where exactly are you located in relation to Yosemite?
Even though we are only 13 miles from Yosemite - "the way the crow flies" - driving time is about an hour to the Arch Rock entrance into the park and about an hour to the southern entrance into the park.  We are located about equal distance between those two entrances.   We are not inside the park - Indian Peak Ranch is for those who desire to get away from the crowds of Yosemite in the evening, yet at the same time want access to all the attractions of the Yosemite Park area. 

Indian Peak Ranch is almost as close to Yosemite Valley as many vacation homes inside the park boundaries.   Remember that Yosemite National Park is huge, and driving from one end to the other can take 4 to 5 hours or more.  One of the nice things about Indian Peak Ranch is that it is midway between the central (and what might be considered the main) entrance and the southern entrance to the park, which allows you to go to the Valley one day and Mariposa Giant Sequoia Grove the next day without driving the same route twice. 

How far is the ranch from the San Francisco bay area?
It depends where in the bay area and what the traffic is like.  From the San Francisco International Airport it is about 4 hours in good traffic. 

Climate
What is the best time of year to visit the ranch?
We feel that the best times to visit the ranch are in the spring and the fall, but realize that all of you have your own favorite time of the year.   In the spring you can witness the incredible display of wildflowers as you head off to see the magnificent water falls in Yosemite.  And fall brings extraordinary sunsets and all the spectacular color as the nights grow colder.  During the summer our days are hot, but evenings on the deck are an unforgettable experience as you are serenaded by the owls that surround you.  And in winter you can ski at Badger Pass and later back at the ranch......enjoy the snow capped peaks in the distance as you cozy up to the warmth of a blazing fire.

Do you get snow in the winter and will I need chains? 
We do get snow at the ranch but it is infrequent and short-lived.  But we do encourage our guests to be prepared and carry chains, especially if they are going into Yosemite.  The ranch is at a two thousand foot elevation.  In December of 1998 we had six to eight inches of snow which stayed with us for several days, requiring the use of chains on our half mile driveway to the top of the mountain.  We have had a light dusting of snow as early as November and as late as March.

How hot does it get in the summer?
During the summer months it is not uncommon to experience temperatures over 100 degrees.  However, for the most part it stays in the 90s which makes for delightful al fresco breakfasts under the wisteria-covered arbor and glorious evenings on the deck watching the sun set.

Privacy
How private is Indian Peak Ranch?
The ranch is very private with its own mountain-top location, unlike many of the homes located in the heavily developed suburb-like areas of Yosemite West, Wawona, and Foresta.  Indian Peak Ranch sits on 122 private acres.  Guests are rather surprised by the complete darkness and absolute quiet after sunset - just the sounds of coyotes, owls and crickets under a canopy of stars.  The owners live on the property but the houses are situated in such a way that you are unaware that someone is sharing the mountaintop with you.
I see that you offer an optional breakfast......... 
is Indian Peak Ranch a Bed & Breakfast?
Indian Peak Ranch is not a B & B in the traditional sense.  We like to think of it as a "personal resort." While we offer an optional breakfast, you have the whole house all to yourself, which is unlike what you might find at a traditional B & B where several guests, and most likely total strangers, share the living quarters.  This mountaintop hideaway is ideal for a romantic getaway as well as that special reunion of family or friends.  As managing owners and caretakers we do everything possible to provide the utmost hospitality while respecting the privacy of our guests.

Views
You say you have a view.........what do you see?
Indian Peak Ranch sits on top of a small mountain which overlooks a small peaceful valley surrounded by distant peaks.  The almost 360 degree view makes one feel that you are on top of the world.  And the sunsets are fabulous as they light up the nearest hills with an alpine-like glow.  Several years ago a FedEx man arrived at the top of the mountain with package in hand - as we opened the door his first words were - Is God In??? 

Activities
What is there to do at the ranch? 
Most guests take day trips into Yosemite but are delighted to return to the peace and quiet of the ranch in the evening.  However, many of our repeat guests just come to enjoy the solitude of the ranch without ever going into the park.  The decks provide a great vantage point to bird watch - you can look down on eagles and hawks as they hunt for food.  So do not forget to bring your binoculars. You might also choose to have a massage at the ranch by a local massage therapist - ask for details.

Can I hike on the property?
Yes, but you do so at your own risk.  The property is steep and we suggest a good pair of hiking boots.  If you are lucky, you might stumble upon one of the two gold mines on the property.


Can I bring my mountain bike?
Guests have brought their mountain bikes to explore some of the surrounding areas.  But be prepared to get some serious exercise if you attempt to climb back up our driveway on your bike!
Should I bring my telescope?
Yes! Since the sky shine is minimal it is a great place to sharpen your skills.  We have a couple of amateur astronomers who visit the ranch frequently.  Be sure to pick a time with a new moon!  And stargazing while soaking in the hot tub is an absolute must particularly after an exhausting day in the park. 

What kind of sporting activities are available in the area?
To name a few -­ horseback riding, rock climbing, hiking, whitewater rafting, fishing, golfing, ice skating, and skiing are all available.
For whitewater rafting visit www.zrafting.com.
For horseback riding visit www.yosemitetrails.com.
For hiking visit www.yosemitehikes.com.
For professionally guided hiking adventures and
naturalist walking tours in Yosemite, visit www.yexplore.com.
For fishing visit www.sierraflyfisher.com.
For golfing visit www.rivercreekgolfcourse.com.

Please be advised...if you are planning on hiking Half Dome, you will need a permit, if you plan to hike on weekends during the summer months.

Amenitities
How equipped is the kitchen?
The kitchen is well equipped for most gourmet cooks unless you are Wolfgang Puck.   Besides the typical stove top and oven, there is a small microwave oven, garbage disposal, toaster, blender, dishwasher, lots of pots and pans, dishes and utensils for 8, coffee maker & grinder, refrigerator with ice maker, and wine and champagne glasses. We also provide ground coffee, tea, salt, pepper, and sugar.

Can I go out to dinner rather than cook? 
Yes, there are several great restaurants in the area. Our favorites in the charming town of Mariposa are Savoury's and Charles Street Dinner House.   If you are looking for a culinary delight, you will find Erna's Elderberry House in Oakhurst a fabulous spot - visit www.elderberryhouse.com.  It is an award winning 5-diamond restaurant that has been voted one of the top two restaurants in all of California.  Although it is expensive, it is an experience that could become an annual event! 

Can I pick up groceries near the ranch?
It is best to pick up groceries in town before heading for the ranch. However, if you do forget that certain spice there is a convenience store down the road about 15 minutes from the ranch. And for those that do not have time or the desire to shop for groceries, we can do that for you so that the kitchen is stocked upon your arrival. Ask for details...advanced notice required. 

Is the pool seasonal?
The pool is available year round, although it is unheated so gets more use during the summer months.
Do you have air-conditioning?
Yes, we do have air-conditioning and many of our guests enjoy a cool dip in the shallow pool after returning from a long hot day in Yosemite.

Is the ranch handicap 
accessible?
We are not wheelchair accessible.  There are stairs inside the house as well as outside.


Wildlife
What wildlife might I see at the ranch?
It is not uncommon to see deer, an occasional bobcat, coyote, raccoon and fox at the ranch, along with all of the smaller creatures, such as gray squirrels, ground squirrels, chipmunks and bats.  We have sighted over 100 species of birds including bald eagles, golden eagles, along with many different species of hawks, owls, wild turkey, road runners, and an amazing number of hummingbirds - 700 to 900 hummers visit our feeders on a daily basis during the peak months.  Indian Peak Ranch is truly a birders delight. 

We do have a few mosquitoes during the hotter months so it would be wise to pack insect repellent.  And we do have yellow jackets but we do our best to trap them to keep them away from your dinner table.  We caution our guests to watch where they put their hands and feet if they are out on the property as we do have a few "country critters", but most of them are completely harmless. 

Of special note... Indian Peak Ranch is one of several hummingbird banding and research sites for the Hummingbird Monitoring Network - www.HumMonNet.org, a group studying the migration of these tiny birds from British Columbia, through California and into Arizona. If you are lucky, you just might book during a time when we will be banding hummingbirds at the ranch, an event that occurs one day every other week from March through October. It is quite a treat to see these amazing little birds up close and personal. And if you are visiting this website because you have heard about our hummingbird study, please call us to make an appointment to drop by during one of our banding sessions.

Ranch Animals and Pets

Is the ranch a working ranch?
Although it is not a working ranch in the traditional sense, we do run cattle on the property - mainly to help with the fire danger by keeping the grass under control.  It is a good idea to keep your eyes open while on the driveway!

Can I bring my dog?
We are happy to accommodate your canine companion with advance notice. Please inquire about our pet policy - some restrictions apply.
Your Hosts
How long have you owned the ranch?
After purchasing the property in 1995, we had the desire to "get away from it all", and moved to the ranch in 1997. It was a dream come true to escape the hustle and bustle of the San Francisco Bay Area and move to the country. 

Professionally, Duane and Barbara are both in the field of architecture. Barbara is also a birder and had been trapping and banding hawks for the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory in the Marin Headlands for over 13 years before moving to the Yosemite area. Duane, a transplant from southern Oregon by way of the bay area, grew up on a farm and had a desire to get back to working with the land as well as woodworking which has become his passion. They now love sharing this special piece of paradise with guests worldwide. 

Why can't I find any online reviews of your accommodations?
We do not solicit reviews. While many facilities solicit and/or offer incentitives for posting positive reviews or even post reviews themselves, we do not believe in this practice. You will not be asked to post reviews. We respect your privacy and your time. Our availability calendar should speak for itself as we have many satisfied guests that return year after year. Most guests that fall in love with the ranch want to keep it a secret and refuse to tell others about it as they want to make certain they will be able to get a reservation again and again.

Communications
Can I connect to the Internet while at the ranch?
Yes, we offer free wireless internet access for your laptop. 

Will my cell phone work at the ranch?
It depends on the type of phone service you have. For example, service with Verizon works pretty well atop our mountain, but does not work well on our country roads. 

Will I be able to watch my favorite TV Program?
Yes. Since we sit high on a mountaintop we are able to pick up all of the major TV networks. We also offer a select number of stations via satellite TV, including HBO. 

Children
Why do you discourage children under the age of eight?
The property is inappropriate for young children.  The property is steep, the shallow pool is uncovered and unfenced, and there is not much to entertain young children, except for the occasional rattlesnake or scorpion!

Smoking
Why can I not smoke on the property?
We do not allow smoking on the property because of the extreme fire danger most of the year.  It would be too easy to flick an ash or two into the dry grass that surrounds the guest house.  Not to mention that we are many miles from the nearest fire station. 

Access to Yosemite
Can I still drive my car into Yosemite?
Yes!  Yosemite National Park continues to allow auto access.  However, once you enter the valley, parking is restricted to certain areas.  To move throughout the valley, a shuttle bus is available.  Parking is less restrictive at the higher elevations.  Or you may choose to leave your car in Mariposa and hop on a YARTS bus which will take you into the park so that you do not have to worry about where you will park your car, particularly at peak times. 

More Information on Yosemite
How can I find out more information about Yosemite?
For more specific information about Yosemite and the surrounding area visit www.yosemite.com or www.nps.gov/yose or www.homeofyosemite.com. And for professionally guided hiking adventures, photography workshops, and naturalist walking tours in Yosemite, visit www.yexplore.com.

Indian Peak Ranch
3276 Indian Peak Road
Mariposa, California 95338

Managing Owners:
Duane and Barbara Robinson

For additional information e-mail us at:
indianpeakranch@sti.net

To check on availability click here:

AVAILABILITY

To make a reservation call: 
(209) 966-5259

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