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"See Across California"

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· Sonora, Tuolumne, California
2672 acres hosted by John P.
1 lodging site
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All to yourself
100% of recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp felt private.
Near Yosemite National Park
Within a 60-minute drive from the Big Oak Flat Entrance.
We do not know the history very well. Fires have ravaged the country there for years and left many of the hills in recent secondary brush growth from the last fires. Up on top of the property where you drive in, pastures and older oaks are established. The old homestead cabin and root cellar are pre 1900, but the property has lots of 1849+ gold rush stream mounds and mines which we do not know much about at all. We purchased the ranch in 2001 from a Swiss rancher, Otto Gilser who had the property from the 1950s. There are acorn grinding pits in the big rocks below the frog pond from the first nation people who first lived there. Bob and Zane McDow, who lease the grazing rights and live on the property are the real deal, incredibly colorful locals, great story tellers with a ton of hilarious and hair raising tales to tell. Bob is a cowboy who still can do it all, raises cattle, horses, goats, ropes, brands and rides, hunter and fisherman, bulldozer sculptor, chain saw master, master house, cabin, barn, fence, gate, water systems builder, and a hard drinker, dancer and partier... he knows Yosemite and the back country like no other. Bob still runs cattle on 6-9 ranches at once and moves them with the feed. Bob and Zane are treasures and if you get to have a conversation with them you are lucky!Our rustic cabin is located on a large, private cattle ranch and captures the Western spirit and style of the Gold Country. Although the cabin feels remote, it is closely situated to Groveland (less than 5 miles) and Yosemite National Park (first gate less than 30 miles). One can hike and explore the ranch for miles in all directions. It is a charming, picturesque, romantic, and tranquil space for couples and solo travelers to unwind from life's daily stresses and great outdoor adventures.
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46 ratings · 39 reviews
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Vanessa L.recommends
November 27, 2022
The Cabin at the Old Homestead
The cabin is cozy, clean and peaceful. Each time I return I love it more. The neighbourhood horses are wonderful too!
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Ellie B.recommends
April 26, 2022
The Cabin at the Old Homestead
Tranquil peace of ranch heaven
What can I say about John's Homestead ranch? After moving our stay several times due to the pandemic, we finally got to stay at the ranch only a few miles from Groveland. We loved it! The land was vast, the cabin was stunning and fully equipped and the beauty of the landscape with views across Yosemite. We loved hiking to cocktail ridge and were even lucky to see deer roam free on our last day. It was beyond all expectations and we loved meeting Bob and hearing his stories. Would highly recommend and hopefully we'll be back soon.
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Vanessa L.recommends
November 28, 2021
The Cabin at the Old Homestead
Cozy, clean, peaceful and beautiful location
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Faysal S.recommends
October 7, 2021
The Cabin at the Old Homestead
Always great staying here
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Faysal S.recommends
September 28, 2021
The Cabin at the Old Homestead
Love staying here has become our favorite place to getaway, highly recommended!
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Selinda M.recommends
August 30, 2021
The Cabin at the Old Homestead
Just perfect 👌
The cabin was absolutely wonderful! It was so charming and had everything we needed. We could feel the care that was put into the place. Making coffee and going out to say hi to the horses was my highlight! John was a very kind, communicative, and attentive host. We would definitely recommend this place!!
Location
Sonora, Tuolumne, California, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Miwok and Me-Wuk (Central Sierra Miwok) First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by John P.Joined in January 2017
Response rate: 80%Response time: Within 14 hours
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