Circle Bar B Ranch Reopens After Sherpa Fire but Horse Trails Still Need Rehab

After a raging fire in the nearby hills, the Circle Bar B Ranch and Stables up Refugio Canyon have survived – for the most part – from the damaging Sherpa fire.

The fire broke out eight days ago, about four miles up from the Circle Bar B in a difficult site that has dense, old, and drought stressed brush. It went south and east. If it had gone any further southwest the ranch would have been damaged or destroyed along with other canyon properties including homes.

“It’s just incredible. It’s just amazing that happened. We are so thankful and are so blessed. Who can say that a week after a fire and we are we’re still standing,” said family owner Kathy Brown. “We are open for business ready to take guests and it’s just incredible.”

She stood by the horse arena and stables where some of the horses were pacing with her, eager to get out for a trail walk. That will be delayed a few more days until the area is clear and the rides are safe.

Fire damage causes erosion, and downed trees. Once the areas are cleared and stabilized for the horses and the guests, the rides will resume. They offer an hour and a half ride and a half day trip.

The views from some of the locations are spectacular from the ranch about four miles up from the Pacific Ocean.

In the meantime, the rest of the property is wide open.

“We are telling them (the guests) to please come on out, we are open for business, everything is still beautiful and green out here around the accommodations and common areas. We have our swimming pool and jacuzzi. We have our recreation room and TV room and our library and a full liquor bar,” said Brown.

Some fire crews have been remaining in the area to keep an eye on any hot spots, but there have been no flare ups near the property.

When fully booked there are 18 types of cabins and rooms that can handle 70 guests.

The ranch is also a popular wedding site, and many ceremonies are on the books in the coming months.

For more information go to:http://www.circlebarb.com/