Black Mountain Ranch is located 45 minutes northwest of the Golden Gate Bridge and covers approximately 1,350 acres between the Nicasio Reservoir and the town of Point Reyes Station. Three organic farms operate on the ranch, and 140 Black Angus beef cattle and 60 Jacob sheep graze and fertilize the land.
While we are a working ranch, we also host ag and eco-themed events such as nonprofit fundraisers, weddings, many kinds of celebrations, and corporate offsites, as well as workshops.
We also offer tours and hikes that highlight the above agricultural enterprises, and we host workshops about numerous subjects, including geology, history, and ecology. Some of these can be combined with horseback riding, photography, making art, gardening, and meditation.
Ag Operations
We either host, manage, or co-manage a number of agricultural enterprises, including Stemple Creek (beef cattle), Three Bags Full (sheep, wool garments), The Farm (flowers and vegetables), Fibershed (ag and eco consulting and education, pigment plants) and Point Reyes Lavender (lavender and related products).
Events and workshops
We have numerous outdoor venues, pavilions, and barns and can accommodate groups of all sizes.
History
The ranch and the mountain at its center was named after James “Santiago’”Black. Black made a large fortune from cattle ranching during the Gold Rush, and at one point was the biggest property taxpayer in Marin, as well as the mayor of San Rafael, the county tax collector, a judge, and the county coroner. Marriage, Murder and Betrayal in 19th Century California by Jo Haraf documents his rise and fall.
Here’s a snapshot of what Black Mountain Ranch has to offer.
How to report stray cows
If you see our cattle loose on the road, this means they have escaped
and we need to retrieve them.
Please contact
julian@blackmountainranch.info or loren.poncia@stemplecreek.com