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. Please select the type of tour, an available date and time, and number of visitors. We require a ticket for each visitor age 3+. If you encounter any issues with the booking process or have any questions, please contact us at info@stepladdercreamery.com and we will be happy to assist you.
What’s included in the tour?
Every ticket includes guided access to explore a specific portion of the Stepladder Ranch and Creamery property. Because we offer a variety of experiences, the exact itinerary varies according to the interests of our guests! Our tours can include meeting our goats, observing the morning milking process, and, of course, a delicious cheese tasting. Check the details of your chosen tour to see which experiences are part of your adventure.
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 scheduled 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 near the gate until the tour guide arrives to escort you up the driveway to the designated parking area.
What do I bring on the tour?
Since you will be visiting a working farm and ranch, please come prepared! We require all guests to wear closed-toed shoes that are comfortable for walking, as clothes and shoes have the possibility of getting dirty. We also recommend you wear or bring appropriate layers - such as jackets, hats, and sunglasses - for the unexpected hot or cold weather. Sunscreen and water bottles are also highly recommended. Keep in mind that the weather on the ranch is often different than that on the coast or inland, so being able to add or remove layers is often important for your own comfort.
Can I bring food and drinks onto your property to picnic?
You are welcome to bring non-alcoholic food and beverages. Please keep in mind, however, that alcoholic beverages are not permitted. Also, we are unable to host picnicking on the property as we do not have a dedicated picnic area. Due to staffing and liability constraints, your time on the ranch is limited to the exact window of your scheduled tour.
What is your weather policy?
Tours are held rain or shine! If the forecast calls for rain, we recommend bringing rain gear. Much of the tour takes place under cover, but there are short walks between locations without shelter. If weather conditions are ever deemed unsafe, we’ll cancel the tour and notify you through your preferred contact method (call, text, or email) indicated at sign-up.
How are your tours for people with limited mobility?
We have an ADA-compliant portable restroom and our tasting room is easily accessible by wheelchair.
However, please be aware that the full tour takes place on a working farm with uneven terrain, which can present a challenge for guests with limited mobility. We strive to create a special experience for all our guests. If you have any special needs or require accommodations, please get in touch with us for a detailed conversation about navigating the tour route.
Are animals, including service animals, allowed?
No dogs or pets of any kind are permitted on the property - no exceptions.
This rule includes all service animals. As a working ranch, we employ trained Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs) whose primary function is to protect our herds by warding off all unfamiliar domesticated animals, including dogs. For the safety of our livestock, our working dogs, and your animal, we cannot allow outside animals onto the property.
If you arrive with a pet, you will be asked to leave.
Special Accommodation for Pets: If you need to bring a pet, with prior permission, we may be able to arrange for your animal to be left safely in your car near the entrance gate. Please contact us in advance to discuss and arrange this accommodation.
Refunds & cancellations
No refunds or cancellations. Reservations can be rescheduled or transferred with at least 24 hours notice.
Tours start on time. Guests can come and leave within your scheduled tour window. If you show up late for your tour, we will not extend your time.
All questions or special requests must be handled at least 24 hours prior to your tour. Our farm does not have great cell service from central Cambria to the ranch property, so everything must be handled in advance.
Do you offer private or group tours?
Yes, we are open to private tours for groups. Please email us at info@stepladdercreamery.com to inquire about availability and group discounts.
Terms and conditions
All guests are required to sign a liability waiver upon entering the farm property.
Other questions?
If you have further questions about tours, please email us at info@stepladdercreamery.com.