Natural Hot Springs, gorgeous views and fantastic experiences! Be a part of our historic Ranch and Boat House this summer taking care of a variety of of guests and outdoor enthusiasts.
Muir Trail Ranch is a remote ranch located in the Central Sierra Nevada of California 1/2 mile off the John Muir and Pacific Crest Trails. MTR is about the halfway point on the John Muir Trail. We are a guest ranch offering group and short stay options for people wanting a remote getaway or a break from the trail. We offer backpacker resupply, pack trips, and horse rides to guests of the ranch.
Located in the Sierra National Forest and John Muir Wilderness, east of Fresno accessible by hiking or horseback only. 1/2 mile off of the John Muir Trail.
About Muir Trail Ranch
Muir Trail Ranch (MTR) is truly an experience and has been in business for three generations under the Hurley family. 200 privately owned acres located in the heart of the Sierra Nevada Wilderness east of Fresno, CA at approximately 7200 feet elevation. The scenery is enough to make you want to stay for the summer and the rewards are endless for the outdoors-loving individual. We Interact with guests from all over the world that are hiking the John Muir Trail and serving people from all walks of life, many, literally experiencing the Sierra in a very intimate way. MTR has been a guest ranch and caters to groups up to 20 people for a private week. The operation offers rustic log cabins and tent cabins, meals, natural hot springs and endless exploration.
MTR is only accessible via hiking or horses. Trucks bring in supplies however, this privilege is reserved for the ranch itself and not a public road. We are nestled on the San Joaquin River that winds and twists through the Sierra through the meadows and giant mountains. The rich history of the ranch dates back to the late 1800's when Basque Sheep Herders grazed the hills in the summer months. When exploring the area, keep your eyes open for ancient carvings on the aspen trees.
Come experience the wonder of this incredible area and enjoy meeting new people in this outdoor lovers dream. We offer our guests the ability to experience the wilderness and still enjoy the comforts of a fresh warm meal, hot baths, and adventure. Oh, and did I mention, that we have horses and mules that pack guests and their luggage all over the Sierra. Seeing them come in every morning from grazing the vast meadows is truly a sight.
The Employee Experience
Living and working at Muir Trail Ranch is very different from working in many other environments. It is all what you make of it being in this special and historic area. You will make friends and connections, enjoy the beautiful outdoors, and take away with you a desire for more.
The experiences you will get at MTR are entirely up to your imagination. It's an amazing way to get away and still enjoy a paycheck.
Ideal Candidate
Working and living at Muir Trail Ranch is definitely for the hearty. All of our jobs require good physical fitness; being able to lift 50 lbs safely and walking long distances are all part of the daily work experience.There are no movie theaters or shopping malls near this mountain ranch so being content with a good book or a fun hike in a mountain setting on your day off is key to being happy and successful. MTR values self-starting individuals who are understanding of the changes a small business goes through on a daily basis. You will be asked to do jobs other than your regular job at times. You are expected to be flexible and willing to help in this community. It is important to get along with others in a very tight community environment that harbors many different personalities and values. Our guests are the priority at the ranch and you will be expected to serve the guests with a happy and gracious attitude.
We all work together to make the guest experience special from checking in backpacker resupply to cleaning a cabin or cleaning the baths and serving dinner, a good and caring attitude makes for a wonderful experience.
Room and Board
At Muir Trail Ranch, you will be charged for meals. Housing for staff varies and is shared. There are two/three beds in each unit. Bathrooms, showers, and hot baths are located outside your domicile and we eat communally most of the time. There is a staff/family kitchen at MTR should you decide you would like to prepare something for yourself.
Employee Perks
The perks at MTR are mainly related to the setting you are in. Living and working here allows you to access some of the most beautiful and desirable country in the world - which is what makes us so unique.
Free wifi for your phone usage is available to you while at MTR.
We also do our best to treat you like family and offer discounted stays to family and friends with prior arrangements.
Getting Here and Getting Around
Depending on where you are coming from, we can help make arrangements for pick-up from the airport or bus station. Working at MTR is all within walking distance of your housing unless you are on a pack trip, then you pack your temporary bed and the stars are your roof.
If you are driving yourself, you will drive to Florence Lake, CA NE of Fresno about 90 miles. This drive is long, narrow, and curvy but also boasts some amazing vistas. Please give yourself at least three hours to make your way from Fresno to Florence Lake. You can safely park your car in the long-term hiker parking area where you will then take your luggage and yourself onto a ferry. Once you cross Florence Lake by ferry, you will be expected to hike five miles into Muir Trail Ranch. The hike takes approximately two hours.
Bikes, either motorized or pedaled are not allowed on the USFS trails, foot or horse traffic only.
For Fun
It is all about wilderness adventures at Muir Trail Ranch. Hiking, fishing, exploring, and horseback riding are all at your fingertips (or toe tips). Endless exploration is available to you and opportunities to experience exceptional beauty.
How to Apply
Please email us at: howdy@muirtrailranch.com - Attention: Employment
We need your current resume and a cover letter about what you like about the opportunity. References are also required, please provide three.
We are a small family-operated business so please allow us time to respond to you.
Contact Info
- Gabrielle Kant
- gabriellekant@mac.com
- (559) 860-8772
- muirtrailranch.com
