The Herd Hangout
Please note that all visits are by reservation only.
About The Herd Hangout
Spend time with the goats in this immersive, herd-centric experience!
Each season brings a new rhythm to the ranch, and this tour is designed to give you a front-row seat to the life cycle of our animals. Depending on the time of year and the needs of our herd, your experience highlights different aspects of ranch life—from snuggling newborn kids in the spring to narrated milking observations in the later months.
Regardless of the season, you’ll head out to meet the goats themselves! Scratch a few ears (even if our LaManchas’ famous "gopher ears" are a bit hard to find!), snap some photos, and get to know the curious personalities that make up our herd. Your guide will share insights into their daily care and the sustainable practices that keep our animals happy and healthy.
What to expect:
A dynamic look at ranch life: Whether you’re watching a live milking or visiting with the newest kids on the ranch, you’ll learn firsthand why we believe happy animals are the foundation of great food.
Hands-on connection: Plenty of time to interact with our goats and snap photos in a beautiful, open-air setting.
Farm Store browsing: Conclude your visit by exploring our farm store to take a piece of the ranch home with you.
Complete the Experience: On select dates (primarily Saturdays), you can follow your tour with a 11:00 AM Guided Cheese Tasting and save $12 per ticket! To bundle, simply add the Cheese Tasting for the same date to your cart; the discount will apply automatically at checkout. You can add the tasting via the pop-up window after you enter your info for this booking or add it separately through the Guided Cheese Tasting Booking Page.
Only available on select days.
Important information about our Tours
- All visits are by reservation only, no walk-ins.
- No refunds or cancellations. Reservations can be rescheduled or transferred with at least 24 hours notice.
- Please leave your fur babies at home. Pets are NOT allowed on our property.
- All tips go straight to the tour guide who will be leading the tour. Tips are appreciated, but not expected!
- Pricing is per person, not per group. Please select the quantity of tickets for the number of people in your group when booking.
- For large groups, please email us at info@stepladdercreamery.com to inquire about availability and group discounts.
- 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.
All tour options
Click 'View full details' to see additional information about each tour and for more availability. Tours are available to book 1-2 months in advance.
Please note that all visits are by reservation only.
Reviews for The Herd Hangout
Tour 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.
Have another question about our tours? Reach out to us at info@stepladdercreamery.com.