The Albright Ranch is a 110-acre cattle ranch located in Somerset, California. Once a portion of the historic Meyer Ranch nearby, the ranch is situated between the North and Middle Forks of the Consumnes River. The ranch is a short 20 minute drive to Placerville to the north and Jackson to the South. Sitting at an elevation of approximately 2,400 feet, the gently rolling hills of the ranch provide mature native oaks, conifers, and open grasslands suitable for a wide variety of livestock and wildlife. Water is abundant on the ranch with multiple natural springs, a year-round pond, and several productive water wells. Located in the Fairplay AVA wine growing region and surrounded by neighboring vineyards, the ranch’s favorable soils may have the potential for planting a vineyard, expanded fruit orchard, or other crops. The Ranch is under an active Williamson Act conservation contract.

Improvements

The Albright Ranch features a 1940’s vintage ranch house with 2,439 sq ft, 4-plus bedrooms, 3 full baths, and a large outdoor deck. The detached 1,300 sq ft garage and workshop provides plenty of room for tools, equipment, and toys. Within the ranch house complex, a large 1,800 sq ft barn includes a tackroom, hay storage, office, and blacksmith shop. Attached to the barn is 6 enclosed and covered horse stalls. A corral provides an area to contain and sort livestock, and includes a squeeze chute. Nearby is a 450 sq ft greenhouse to exercise your green thumb. The Ranch also includes a 1,800 sq foot manufactured home suitable for a rental, guest house, or onsite housing for a hired hand. There are multiple water wells that provide domestic water to the ranch and to the livestock. The 1-acre orchard is planted in mature Asian Pears. The natural springs on the ranch feed an approximate 2-acre year-round bass pond behind an earthen dam. Several other smaller seasonal ponds with dams are located throughout the property. The Ranch is fully fenced along the perimeter and crossfenced creating multiple pastures.

Recreation

The interior of the Ranch is accessible via a network of roads and trails that brings visitors through open grasslands, oak woodlands, and mixed conifer forest. Perfect for between-the-ears trail rides on horseback or on ATVs. For the hunter, the varied terrain and vegetation offers excellent habitat for for wildlife including wild turkey and blacktail deer. The 2-acre spring-fed pond is the perfect opportunity to get a line wet and reel in a bass. Within just a short drive, the lands of the El Dorado National Forest, with thousands of acres to explore, hundreds of miles of trails, cold mountain streams, and high-country alpine lakes, is a outdoorsman’s paradise.

Agriculture

The Albright Ranch is primarily used currently for cattle grazing on its open grasslands and woodlands. Situated in the Fairplay AVA, the upper portion of the ranch along Grizzly Flat Road was once planted in wine grapes and currently features a small 1-acre Asian Pear orchard and several large walnut trees near the ranch house. With it rich soils and plentiful water, the Ranch can support a variety of agricultural uses and is subject to an active Williamson Act conservation contract.

Region & Climate

Somerset, California, is located in the Sierra Foothills and experiences a climate defined by its elevation, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. This seasonal variety supports a range of outdoor activities, from hiking and water sports to wine tasting and camping.

Outdoor activities:

Hiking and trails

The Sly Park Recreation Area is a key destination near Somerset, offering an 8.5-mile loop trail around Jenkinson Lake suitable for hiking, walking, and mountain biking. The area also features a popular waterfall.

The Eldorado National Forest borders the area and provides numerous trails for more extensive hiking.

For an easy, scenic hike, an unnamed trail leads to a waterfall on Mormon Emigrant Trail and offers swimming opportunities in the cold water during warm weather.

Cronan Ranch Regional Trails Park, slightly further afield, offers trails with views of the American RiverWater recreation

Jenkinson Lake, within Sly Park Recreation Area, is a hub for water activities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and boating, with boat rentals available.

The South Fork American River offers opportunities for whitewater rafting, particularly during the late spring and summer months.

Camping

The region has several campgrounds, including locations near Jenkinson Lake at Sly Park Recreation Area and KOA sites that cater to both tent campers and RVs.

Wine tasting and vineyard tours

As part of the Fair Play American Viticultural Area (AVA), Somerset is surrounded by vineyards that offer outdoor tasting experiences. Wineries often have scenic grounds and patios where guests can relax and enjoy the scenery.

Saluti Cellars offers unique EquWine Experiences, combining horseback riding through the vineyards with wine tasting.

Climate and seasonal features

Summer: The summer months are warm and dry, with average high temperatures reaching into the low 90s F (around 33 C) in July. The higher elevation means evenings are much cooler, which is beneficial for both camping and grape growing.

Autumn: The weather in the fall is mild, and the changing foliage creates a scenic landscape for outdoor activities. Wine harvest festivals are a popular attraction during this time.

Winter: Winters are cool and wet, with December being one of the coldest and wettest months. Rain and cooler temperatures mean fewer crowds and a peaceful atmosphere.

Spring: Spring brings mild temperatures and vibrant wildflowers, creating ideal conditions for hiking and exploring.

History

The town of Somerset, California, was founded in the mid-19th century during the Gold Rush as a trading post. In the modern era, it has become known as a peaceful wine-growing region in the Sierra Nevada foothills.

Early history and Gold Rush era

Establishment: Somerset was settled in 1856 by former residents of Somerset, Ohio, who named the new community after their hometown.

Trading post: In its early years, Somerset served as a small but important trading stop for miners and others traveling to nearby mining towns like Grizzly Flat, Fair Play, and Indian Diggings.

The Somerset Hotel: Around 1864, the Somerset Hotel was a prominent local landmark and featured in an important story in El Dorado County’s history. It was a site connected to the infamous Bullion Bend stagecoach robbery, which took place nearby.

Pony Express trail: Some historical accounts suggest the area was traversed by the Pony Express. The nearby community of Meyers was a registered Pony Express station.

Location

The Albright Ranch is located in Somerset, El Dorado County, California. It sits just 20 minutes south of Placerville and 40 minutes north of Jackson off of Grizzly Flat Road. Sacramento and the Sacramento International Airport are approximately 1 hour away to the west. Lake Tahoe is a 1 hour 20 minute drive to the east.