Old Borges Ranch, Walnut Creek Travel Guide

4.7 (174)

Discover early 20th-century ranch life at Old Borges Ranch in Walnut Creek, with historic buildings, farm animals, and scenic hiking trails.

Nestled in Walnut Creek's Shell Ridge Open Space, Old Borges Ranch offers a glimpse into early 20th-century California ranch life. Explore the Borges family's restored 1901 redwood farmhouse, barns, and blacksmith shop, and meet the farm animals cared for by local 4-H members.

A brief summary to Old Borges Ranch

1035 Castle Rock Rd, Walnut Creek, California, 94598, US
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Monday 8 am-5 pm
Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
Thursday 8 am-5 pm
Friday 8 am-5 pm
Saturday 8 am-5 pm
Sunday 8 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Old Borges Ranch.

Check the City of Walnut Creek's website for upcoming events, ranger-led tours, and open house dates to see the interior of the Borges family home.
Wear comfortable shoes and bring water, especially if you plan to hike the trails in Shell Ridge Open Space.
Visit the Patrick Hanna Grove Picnic Area near the ranch for picnic tables and restrooms.
Be aware that dogs are permitted in most areas of the ranch but must be leashed. Pets are not allowed in animal pastures.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Shadelands Ranch Museum

Liberty Bell Plaza

Landmark Site 150 Walnut Creek Meat Market

Walnut Creek Historical Society

Shell Ridge Open Space

Explore Old Borges Ranch on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Old Borges Ranch, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

Old Borges Ranch is located at 1035 Castle Rock Rd, Walnut Creek, CA 94598. From I-680, exit onto Ygnacio Valley Road and head east. Turn right onto Walnut Avenue, then take the first exit at the roundabout onto Oak Grove Road. Turn right onto Elise Court, a private road, and continue to the ranch. Free parking is available at the ranch.
Public Transport

From the Walnut Creek BART station, take the County Connection bus route 4 towards the Walnut Creek Library. Get off at the stop at 'Castle Rock Road and Borges Ranch Road'. From there, it is approximately a 1 mile walk to the ranch. Single-ride fares for County Connection buses are typically around $2.25.

Discover more about Old Borges Ranch

Old Borges Ranch, located in the foothills of Mount Diablo within Walnut Creek's Shell Ridge Open Space, provides a unique blend of history and nature. Established in 1899 by Portuguese immigrant Francisco Borges, the ranch was home to five generations of the Borges family. Today, it stands as a preserved example of a turn-of-the-century California cattle ranch.The ranch features the original Borges family home, meticulously restored to reflect life in the early 1900s. Visitors can explore the five-room redwood house, furnished with period artifacts, and learn about the area's history. Outbuildings include a barn, blacksmith shop, and a windmill, offering a tangible glimpse into the past. Farm animals, including goats, chickens, pigs, and sheep cared for by the Pleasant Hill 4-H, reside on the ranch.Surrounding the ranch are miles of trails in Shell Ridge Open Space, perfect for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. The trails wind through oak woodlands and grasslands, offering views of the landscape and opportunities for wildlife viewing. Old Borges Ranch hosts educational programs and seasonal events, making it a valuable community resource.