The Paicines Ranch Expedition is a transformative five-day experience led by Mountain Goat Movement in partnership with conservation leaders. Set on a regenerative working ranch outside of San Jose, California, students will explore themes of sustainability, leadership, and land stewardship through immersive outdoor activities. From hiking through rolling hills to hands-on learning with ranchers and scientists, this journey connects young people to the land and a sense of purpose.

Check out our article on the Paicines Ranch for more information

• Paicines Ranch

  About: Nestled in the heart of San Benito County, California among the sweeping oak-studded hillsides, Paicines Ranch is habitat for a diversity of wildlife including animals, birds, insects, trees, plants, grasses, springs, rivers, and much more. Our mission is to work with the dynamic natural world at the ranch to regenerate the health of the ecosystem from the soil up while growing delicious, nourishing food for our community.

  Lodging: Lodging consists of an assortment of cottages, full-kitchen houses, and private rooms with endless landscapes. It’s spacious enough to accommodate large groups, while providing the ultimate in privacy for your celebration. Learn more here.

  Learn More about the 8,000 acres of Paicines Ranch here.

• Highlights

  Students have the opportunity to go hiking, mountain biking, and cook with professional chefs. Moreover they will become agricultural explorers, conducting real soil tests and investigating the hidden life beneath their feet. They'll observe wildlife, analyze ecosystems, and learn how farmers are using nature as a guide for food production. Hands-on experience with livestock will bring to life the very principles of the system behind our ecosystem. Each day builds toward a deeper understanding of how land, animals, and people work together in regenerative systems. By the end of the trip, students will leave with a renewed sense of leadership, purpose, and connection to the land.

  Activities include: mountain biking, hiking, cooking, reflections and retreat, and curriculum-based learning.

• Travel

  Airport: The easiest airport to fly in and out of is San Jose. Participants are expected to arrange their own airfare and travel, however, MGM can support with students being transfered from San Jose Airport to Paicines Ranch. MGM cannot arrange for travel from San Francisco to the ranch.

  
  Paicines Ranch is located at 13388 Airline Hwy, Paicines, CA 95043, in San Benito County. From San Jose International Airport (SJC), it's approximately 75–80 miles by road, typically taking around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic. The most common route heads south on US-101 through Gilroy, then east on CA-25 toward Hollister and Paicines. Note that the last stretch has no cell service, so it's worth downloading directions ahead of time.

• Itinerary

  Paicines Ranch Educational Itinerary

  For High School Students and Teachers
  Flexible 4–5 Day Experiential Program

  🏡 About Paicines Ranch

  Paicines Ranch is a working regenerative ranch that welcomes student groups to explore the intersection of ecology, agriculture, and leadership. The ranch can accommodate up to 250 guests across a variety of on-site cabins and historic homes, making it ideal for large student groups and faculty/staff chaperones.

  All accommodations are within walking distance of educational spaces, dining areas, and field learning locations.

  🛬 Day 1: Welcome to the Ranch — Play, Explore & Connect

  Theme: Orientation + Outdoor Team Building

  • Morning:

    • Arrival, check-in, and ranch orientation

    • Mountain Biking Tour through vineyard paths and scenic rangeland

      • Bike setup, safety session, and trail groupings by skill level

  • Midday:

    • Lunch picnic under the oaks

    • Exploration of ranch trails and self-reflection journaling

  • Afternoon:

    • Team-Building Games on open fields:

      • Capture-the-flag, tug-of-war, ultimate frisbee

    • Focus on collaboration, fun, and outdoor play

  • Evening:

    • Campfire introduction with ranch staff

    • Guided reflection circle: “What are you curious to discover here?”

  🌱 Day 2: Soil Life + Healthy Ecosystems

  Morning:
  🔬 "Underground Explorers: Life Beneath Our Feet"

  • Field science investigations:

    • Soil temperature and water infiltration testing

    • Brix readings for plant sugar content

    • Microscopic analysis of soil microorganisms

  Learning Outcomes:

  • Soil health metrics and testing techniques

  • Regenerative agricultural insights from real-world observation

  • Developing a scientific mindset for natural systems

  • Reflection Time:
    Field journaling: “What lives beneath our feet?”

  Afternoon:
  🌿 "Living Networks: Nature’s Food Web"

  • Wildlife tracking (scat, feathers, tracks)

  • Plant community mapping

  • Explore how regenerative practices support biodiversity

  Learning Outcomes:

  • Ecological observation techniques

  • Food web awareness in agricultural landscapes

  • Storytelling from field notes

  • Guided Reflection:
    Small-group discussion: “How does nature build relationships?”

  🐄 Day 3: Animals in the Field — Hooves & Habitat

  Theme: Holistic Planned Grazing

  • Morning with livestock and ranchers:

    • Hands-on herding or observation of grazing rotations

    • Learn how animals support land regeneration

  • Student “Grazing Strategy” Simulation:

    • Landscape health assessment

    • Team planning of a grazing rotation schedule

  Learning Outcomes:

  • Understand animal-land interactions

  • Learn the principles of rotational grazing

  • Practice collaborative decision-making

  • Reflection Time:
    Quiet sit-spot followed by creative reflection: draw, write, sketch

  🍽️ Day 4: Eating Is an Agricultural Act — Growing Together

  Theme: Leadership, Food Systems & Personal Vision

  • Visit to gardens or food growing areas

  • Workshop: "The Story of Your Food"

    • Sustainable agriculture, climate, and equity discussions

    • Group cooking or food sharing experience

  • Afternoon:
    🌄 "Finding Your Peak in Regenerative Leadership"

    • Action plan creation: How will I lead change?

    • Peer mentoring & storytelling sessions

    • Student presentations and vision sharing

  Learning Outcomes:

  • Understand food as a systems issue

  • Create personal action plans

  • Practice communication and leadership

  • Evening:
    Celebration dinner + closing campfire with final reflections

  ✨ Day 5 (Optional): Farewell & Legacy

  Morning:

  • Gentle sunrise walk or yoga

  • Legacy activity:

    • Plant a tree, create a mural, or contribute to a shared memory capsule

  • Final reflection circle: “What do you want to take back home?”

  Midday:

  • Farewell brunch

  • Departure

  ✂️ Condensed 4-Day Version Available:
  Leadership and celebration elements from Day 4 can be blended into Day 3 to allow for a 4-day program that maintains all essential learning and reflective experiences.

  🔁 Program Essentials

  • Accommodations: 250-person capacity in on-site ranch homes and cabins

  • Self & Guided Reflection: Embedded throughout each day to support personal growth and critical thinking

  • Customizable: Optional excursions and adaptable scheduling available

  🏞️ Optional Add-On:
  Groups can include a day trip to Pinnacles National Park for hiking, geology, and outdoor ecology. This visit is not part of the core itinerary but can be easily arranged as a supplemental adventure.

• Packing List

  Clothing:

  • 3–4 base layer t-shirts (moisture-wicking, not cotton)

  • 2 thermal/long-sleeve base layers

  • 2 fleece or wool mid-layers (crewneck, hoodie, or pullover)

  • 1 insulated jacket or puffy (mornings/evenings get cold)

  • 1 durable rain jacket or waterproof shell (essential)

  • 2 pairs of durable pants (jeans or hiking pants)

  • 4 pairs of warm, wool or synthetic socks

  • 1 beanie or warm hat

  • 1 baseball cap or sun hat (for daytime sun)

  • Gloves (lightweight work gloves or fleece gloves)

  • Undergarments for 4 days

  • Sleepwear (warm and layered—think hoodie and joggers)

  • Sunglasses

  Footwear:

  • 1 pair of waterproof hiking boots or durable closed-toe shoes

  • 1 pair of comfortable shoes/slip-ons for indoor/down time

  • Flip-flops or shower sandals (for communal areas)

  Gear:

  • Daypack or small backpack

  • Reusable water bottle (32 oz+)

  • Headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries)

  • Insect repellent (optional)

  • Sunglasses

  • Sunscreen (UV is still there in February)

  • Toiletries (biodegradable soap, toothbrush, etc.)

• Pricing

  The price includes the following:

  • Lodging at the Ranch

  • Meals at the ranch

  • Activities on site including hiking, biking, leadership activities and lessons, cooking, connecting with conservationists

  • Leadership as led by Mr. Morrissey

  • Logistics and Planning

  • Give-aways and swag

  The price excludes:

  • Airfare (and flight insurance) or transport to the region

  • Personals snacks

  • Personal gear

  Participants may pay directly on the site.

• Duke of Edinburgh Criteria

  This unique program integrates the DofE’s essential journey framework with hands-on exposure to land stewardship, systems thinking, and team leadership, all set within the stunning natural landscapes of California’s Central Coast.

  Through a collaboration with Mountain Goat Movement, we’ve designed a curriculum-aligned adventure that meets and elevates the requirements of the Bronze, Silver, and Gold DofE Awards.

  This trip is also an option for students who are not pursuing an award.

  Why Paicines Ranch?

  • Authentic Wilderness Setting
    Oak forests, rangelands, croplands, and vineyards offer diverse terrain for navigation, self-reliance, and purposeful exploration.

  • Sustainable Purpose
    Participants engage with regenerative farming practices, soil health monitoring, and climate resilience—embedding a real-world purpose into their journey goals.

  • World-Class Learning Environment
    The Paicines Ranch Learning Center and Mountain Goat Movement team provide pre-training, campcraft, supervision, and access to agricultural experts, ensuring safety, skill-building, and inspiration.

  Journey Structure that coincides with various award levels.

  ✔️ Aligned with DofE Requirements

  Paicines Ranch Delivers:

  Unfamiliar Environment: Students navigate open rangelands, oak-covered hills, and vineyard corridors

  Teamwork & Leadership: Small teams plan routes, set up camp, and cook self-sufficiently

  Purposeful Goal: Sample goal: “Investigate how rotational grazing impacts biodiversity and soil health over 10 acres”

  Training & Preparation: Pre-journey training in navigation, first aid, Leave No Trace, and regenerative land use

  Presentation: Each team delivers a final reflection and report with map annotations, group insights, and ecological learnings