Lower Vine Ranch was Scotty’s home, not his castle. Scotty’s Castle never belonged to Scotty, but was the vacation home of Scotty’s benefactors and friends Albert and Bessie Johnson. They built Scotty his own home at Lower Vine Ranch.

 

 

Ranger Guided Hiking Tours

Lower Vine Ranch is usually closed to the public. However, from January 13, 2010 to April 10, 2010 there will be Ranger Guided Tours every Wednesday at 10:00 am and Saturday at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. Each tour is limited to 15 people.

 

The fee is $15 per person. Advance reservations are strongly recommended. Call (760)-786-2392 to make your reservations.

 

Tours will last approximately 2½ hours and involves a 2 mile walk roundtrip over a graded dirt road. This tour is not handicap accessible and not recommended for those with difficulty walking.

 

Day of Tour Logistics

Participants must pick up their tickets and directions to the meeting point at the Scotty’s Castle Ticket Office at least 30 minutes before the tour begins. Any last minute openings will be sold on a first-come first-served basis 15 minutes before the start of the tour. Tickets must be purchased at the castle before going to the meeting point for the beginning of the tour.

 

Participants should wear good walking shoes or boots and bring water, sunscreen and insect repellent. Cameras are permitted.

 

No restrooms are available at Lower Vine Ranch - visitors are strongly encouraged to use the restrooms at Scotty’s Castle or at the Grapevine Ranger Station prior to arrival at the trailhead.