Road trip to regenerative goat ranch Angeles Crest Creamery
Rick Marino holds a baby goat at Angeles Crest Creamery. (Photo: Brandy Menefee)
I grew up in Arcadia, Calif., located at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. Growing up, I spent lots of time hiking, camping and exploring this mountain range, at least from the Los Angeles side. From Cub Scouts and school field trips to playing hooky from high school many times (maybe too many), this area was home to my teenage adventures. LA’s mountainous backdrop is now a national monument, which President Obama designated in 2014, and deservedly so in my opinion. It divides the LA Basin from the Mojave Desert and Antelope Valley, where I start this road trip.
Heading north on Interstate 15 through the Cajon Pass, I exit on California State Route 138 and head west. Just about a mile from the exit, you’re welcomed by a large sandstone rock formation created by the San Andreas Fault called Mormon Rocks, named for a group of Mormon settlers that passed through and camped here in 1851 on their westward journey.
Passing along the backside of the mountains, there are farms and ranches as I come to my next stop, Mountain Top Café, at the intersection of 138 and Angeles Crest Highway. John and Doris Lovett built this classic roadside diner in 1940 and it became a popular stop during the war. Military personnel making their way to and from Edwards Air Force Base would stop by for Mrs. Lovett’s fried chicken and homemade pie. Everything on the menu is still homemade and on this trip, I get the best chicken noodle soup I’ve ever had. Two words: homemade noodles! Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, it’s a must-stop on my list now.
I make a left onto Angeles Crest Highway and head into the small mountain village of Wrightwood. During the winter months, this town is known for skiing or snowboarding at the nearby Mountain High resort; during the summer, it’s popular for hiking and shopping. The center of town is quite small, with a few restaurants and bars worth checking out – Wrightwood Brewing Company brews its own beer, and the Yodeler has a great patio for a drink or burger. There are also some cool antique shops as well as a homemade fudge shop, Applewood Court, because what is a mountain town without a great candy store?! There are a few tiny motels, but most people tend to rent cabins – there are several real estate offices that offer rentals. I heard the museum is cool, but it is only open on Saturdays. Make sure to fill up at the gas station here if needed, the next services are about 20 miles away.
Continuing through town, I make a right onto Big Pines Highway to head toward my next stop, Angeles Crest Creamery. It is 70 gorgeous acres of a real, working goat ranch with its own lake. I met the owner, Gloria, and her goats when she lived next door to my best friend, Christian, in Altadena. They became fast friends as he had large chicken coop and would trade eggs for goat milk and cheese. A few years back, Gloria moved the goats to the ranch and that is why I am here today – not to mention to see the baby goats that were just born.
On property, the big red barn is home to a few dozen goats, and more to come as a few are still pregnant. I also meet Hank the donkey and three large, beautiful Pyrenees dogs that protect the herd – they actually live in with the goats! There are several dozen free-range chickens and roosters roaming about as well. I must admit, I was a little scared of split-hoofed animals, but the goats are so sweet and the babies have a permanent smile. It really is amazing to spend the day on the farm, especially for a city guy like myself. Goat LOVE!
The sauna at Angeles Crest Creamery (Photo: Brandy Menefee)
The ranch offers farm stays in an Airstream or lakeside cabin through Airbnb, or camping options on Hipcamp. Guests are invited to join in on ranch chores, hike around, canoe in the lake or just chill out. A couple times a month, they host goat hikes or open barn days with goat milking demos and picnics on the lake that anyone can sign up for. It’s a real adventure and educational, too!
Leaving the ranch behind, Big Pines Road continues west through Valyermo, marked by a small red post office and some ranches. My curiosity is piqued, however, when I see the sign for Saint Andrew’s Abbey, a Benedictine monastery. Some nice monks have lived there since the ’50s, and the public is welcome to participate at midday mass. They also offer organized retreats. Who knew? Stop by the bookstore and say hello, or purchase a handmade ceramic angel. It is pretty cool to chat with one of the brothers – the place has a very peaceful vibe going on.
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