Farm & Creamery Tour
at a 150 Year Old Ranch
Stepladder Creamery situated along San Simeon Creek in Cambria California is a small family owned artisan goat dairy and creamery specializing in small batch farm to table, handmade goat's and cow's milk cheeses.
Play With the Happiest Goats in California
Learn the Art of Cheesemaking
Experience 150 Years of California History
50 Minute scenic drive from Paso Robles
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All visits are by reservation only.
The #1 Outdoor Activity in Cambria (Tripadvisor) & Featured in
A Few of Our Favorite Things
A Beautiful Outdoor Experience
A Beautiful Outdoor Experience
1st - Scenic Drive & Gate Greeting Awaits You
Embark on a breathtaking journey through picturesque landscapes, culminating in a warm, personal welcome right at our gate, setting the tone for an unforgettable experience. You'll drive along a beautiful San Simeon Creek that is adjacent to the property.
2nd - Explore Our Historic Farm, Barn & Play with the Goats
Wander through time on our 150-year-old farm; discover the rustic charm of our ancient barn & make furry friends as you play with the goats, connecting with nature and history.
3rd - Cheesemaking Basics
Gain unique insights into the seasonal swings of dairy farming and get an introduction to how cheese is made the old fashioned way while peaking into the production side of things.
4th - Taste Freshly Made Cheese From the Source
Indulge in the ultimate cheese-tasting experience, savoring the freshest flavors straight from the source, where you'll learn to appreciate the subtleties of each variety's taste and texture.
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Our New Tour Room
A Rare Passion for Animals & Cheese
Happy Goats
As a farmstead creamery, we raise our goats on the farm and make cheese from their milk, which allows us to manage every aspect of our cheese production. Our herd of goats graze on three acres of open pasture and oak woodlands and are protected by our dedicated Anatolian Shepherds, Lily and Gus. Our herd consists of all registered LaManchas, the only breed of goats developed in the United States, notable for their tiny ears.
Historic Ranch
Founded in 1870 and evolving through the centuries, Stepladder Ranch transitioned from cattle to a diverse operation under the Russells in the 1980s, introducing avocados and a unique climate that supports over 200 crop varieties. Now managed by their grandson Jack Rudolph and his wife Michelle, the ranch has embraced cheesemaking, producing a wide range of goat and cow cheeses, while preserving its agricultural heritage. The iconic big, red barn, over 110 years old and built by Danish shipbuilders, symbolizes the ranch's history and the enduring legacy of innovation.
Award Winning Creamery
As a farmstead creamery, we raise our goats on the farm and make cheese from their milk, which allows us to manage every aspect of our cheese production.
Our goals are to create world class products and to provide a positive and meaningful workplace for our staff, as well as a healthy, sustainable environment for our animals.
4.9 Stars from 450+ People Can't be Wrong
Enjoy a Scenic Drive to Coastal Cambria CA
If you do not see a date that works for you, please email us at info@stepladdercreamery.com and we can do our best to accommodate your group.
*IMPORTANT NOTE: All Visits are by reservations only and please leave your fur babies at home. Pets are NOT allowed on our property.
50 minutes from Paso Robles
40 minutes from Morro Bay
55 minutes from San Luis Obispo
45 minutes from Templeton
30 minutes from Cayucos
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All visits are by reservation only.
Watch The Stepladder Creamery Story
From 100+ years of Central California history to our dairy goat princess lifestyle, watch the Stepladder Creamery story.
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Frequently asked questions
How do you book a tour?
Tours can be purchased on our website using a valid credit card. If tours are sold out, you can be added to a waitlist via Tock and be notified about openings and future releases.
Tours are NOT open to the public without a reservation. We do not accept walk-ins.
What’s included in the tour?
Ticket price includes access to the Stepladder Ranch and Creamery property; interactions with the goats; Q&A/history; a tasting of our seasonal goat’s and cow’s milk cheeses and endless selfie and photo opps.
How early should I arrive for my tour?
Tours start on time and we recommend showing up about 5-10 minutes early. Guests can come and leave within your 2-hour tour window. If you show up late for your tour, we will not extend your time.
We will come to the front gate to greet guests prior to each tour. Upon booking you will receive a confirmation email with detailed driving directions on how to find us. Please wait in your car and follow us through the gate, up the narrow driveway to the designated parking area. Tours last about 1.5-2 hours and we require some break time and additional set up time between the sessions.
What do I bring on the tour?
This is a working farm/ranch - clothes and shoes have the possibility of getting dirty. We require wearing closed toe shoes for lots of walking. Depending on the time of year it can be really hot in the summer (70-80+ degrees) and cold in the winter (45-65 degrees). Wear/bring layers including jackets, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, water bottles, etc.
How are your tours for people with limited mobility?
Our farm is mostly on uneven terrain, so it can be a bit challenging to accommodate guests with limited mobility, though we will do our best to create a special experience for all guests on our farm. Please get in touch for more details on navigating the tour with any special needs or accommodations.
Are animals, including service animals, allowed?
NO DOGS ALLOWED - NO EXCEPTIONS. Pets of any kind are not permitted on property. Lily and Gus, our herd protector dogs are trained to ward off intruding critters, which includes unfamiliar domesticated pets. If you bring a pet with you we will ask you to leave.
Refunds & cancellations
No refunds or cancellations. Reservations can be transferred, but we need at least 24 hours notice.
Tours start on time. Guests can come and leave within your 2-hour tour window. If you show up late for your tour, we will not extend your time.
All questions/changes to your tour must be handled at least 24 hours prior to your tour. Our property doesn’t have great cell service from Cambria to the farm, so everything must be handled in advance.
Costs for children
"The Classic" - Kids pay full price on tour if they can walk or eat cheese.
"The Classic - Children and Family day" Kids 12 and under pay $35 per kid. Kids under 2 are free, but we still ask that you let us know they are coming so please add them on when reserving your tour.
Cheese Club Members get $25 off on all tours per person up to 20 guests! Active Cheese Club Members must be present on the tour, must book the reservation, and must commit to a year of cheese club shipments for the discount to apply. Email info@stepladdercreamery.com for the code!
Do you offer private or group tours?
Yes, we are open to private group tours for groups of 12+ people. Email us if you are interested in booking a private group tour and we will make sure it's a good fit for our team and schedule.
Other questions?
If you have further questions about tours please email us at info@stepladdercreamery.com.
Terms and conditions
All tour guests are required to sign a liability waiver.