California · Hiking

Ralph Ranch

2.6 mi
round trip
777 ft
climb
4,001 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Feb–Jun, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Ralph Ranch open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Stanislaus National Forest. It doesn't name Ralph Ranch, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Stanislaus National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Ralph Ranch is an easy out-and-back hike in the Mi-Wok Ranger District of Stanislaus National Forest, about 2.6 miles long with a 777-foot climb from a low of 3,378 feet to a high of 4,001 feet. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trail is natural-surfaced, open year round and rated easy. The route works well for a short outing, with a modest climb and a straightforward return. Bikes and horses are both allowed, so it suits riders and pack animals as well as hikers. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Groveland show May highs around 73°F and October highs around 74°F, with lows near 40°F. That station sits roughly 1,200 feet lower than the trail's high point, so temperatures up high run cooler. West Side R lies about 2.3 miles away, and Hunter Creek is about 2.5 miles off. Paper Cabin to Tuolumne River is about 3.1 miles away. For an overnight, Hacienda campground is about 4 miles from the trail.

  • Best time to go · Feb–Jun, Sep–Nov

    Best time to visit Ralph Ranch

    Best months: February–June and September–November. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      53° / 31°

      10 wet

    2. Feb

      55° / 32°

      9 wet

    3. Mar

      60° / 35°

      10 wet

    4. Apr

      65° / 38°

      7 wet

    5. May

      73° / 44°

      4 wet

    6. Jun

      83° / 51°

      1 wet

    7. Jul

      91° / 56°

      0 wet

    8. Aug

      91° / 55°

      1 wet

    9. Sep

      85° / 50°

      2 wet

    10. Oct

      74° / 42°

      4 wet

    11. Nov

      60° / 35°

      8 wet

    12. Dec

      52° / 31°

      10 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Groveland 2, CA, 6.9 mi away at 2,800 ft. The station sits about 1,200 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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