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Experience Farmstead Life at Stepladder Ranch

Farm & Creamery Tours in Cambria, California

Stepladder Ranch & Creamery situated along California's central coast 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.

Please note that all visits are by reservation only.

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Explore our historic 150-year-old ranch

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Play with the happiest goats in California

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Learn about the art of cheesemaking

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Experience 150 years of ranching history

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50 Minute scenic drive from Paso Robles

Which tour is right for me?

Compare our tour offerings. Have a question or don't see what you're looking for? Reach out to us at info@stepladdercreamery.com or browse our FAQs below.

Overview

Everything in one tour! Learn about ranch history, cuddle with goats, and taste cheeses from the creamery.

Interact with our herd, learn about their daily care, and what it takes to keep our animals happy and healthy.

Enjoy a seasonal selection of cheeses with crackers and learn more about artisan cheesemaking.

Tour length

1 hr 30 min

45 min

45 min

Cheese tasting
-
Time with the herd
-
Farm Store Access
Best for

Everyone!

Families and kids who love animals and want a shorter tour

Cheese lovers who want to skip straight to the tasting

4.9 stars from our guests!

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"Aside from cuddling a goat, the highlight was the samples!! All of the different cheese varieties were amazing. And they did not skimp on the samples - you really got to taste all of the flavors of goat and cow cheese."

C.C. via TripAdvisor

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"We had an excellent experience and got to the visit and pet the mama goats. It was a SUPER cool experience and the cheese is the best! Highly recommend for a unique and educating time!"

Dana via TripAdvisor

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"The Creamery is on a beautiful ranch and the goats are delightful. The tour is excellent, you also tour the production area and enjoy a sampling of their goat cheese varieties that are produced at the ranch. I highly recommend this tour, especially to families with children."

Pat V. via TripAdvisor

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"The tour was amazing! They took you into the goat pen and let you frolic amidst the animals. All of the different cheese varieties were amazing. We had such a blast and I will definitely go again."

Danielle via TripAdvisor

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Browse our farm store!

Pick up artisan cheeses, farmstead favorites, and more local goodies to enjoy at home

Our popular farm store is only open for tour guests and shouldn't be missed! It's stocked with the freshest cheeses from the creamery, a selection of farmstead products made right here on the ranch, and a rotating collection of our favorite products from fellow local makers.

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Enjoy a Scenic Drive to Coastal Cambria, California

We’re tucked away just a few miles off Highway 1, hidden along the beautiful San Simeon Creek. The drive up is breathtaking, showcasing California's natural coastal landscape.

Just a heads-up: our road is a true, rugged farm road. It’s unpaved in spots and winding, so take your time and enjoy the views! The secluded, off-the-beaten-path drive is part of the authentic ranch experience — and our gate greeting makes the trek entirely worth it.

4450 San Simeon Creek Road
Cambria, California

Happy farm visitors

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The Stepladder Creamery Story

Taste The Difference, Make a Difference

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Our passion for animals

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 grazes on three acres of open pasture and oak woodlands. We raise registered LaMancha goats, the only breed of goat developed in the United States, known for their tiny ears!

Book a tour to learn more about daily farm life and to interact with our friendly goats!

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Our multi-generation family farm

Historic Ranch

Founded in 1870 and evolving through the centuries, Stepladder Ranch now supports over 200 crop varieties in addition to a variety of pasture-raised animals. Jack and Michelle Rudolph launched the dairy in 2015, which produces a wide range of goat and cow cheeses, while preserving its agricultural heritage.

Book a tour and learn more about our century-old ranch and the enduring legacy of innovation.

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Introducing

Award Winning Creamery

Stepladder Creamery has been recognized by the American Cheese Association, California State Fair, and more for excellency in cheesemaking.

Book a tour to taste the freshest seasonal selections!

Plan Your Visit & FAQs

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.