Keys Ranch Tour

Overview of the Historic Keys Ranch

This National Historic Register Site is located in a remote canyon and is restricted to ranger-guided walking tours only. The ranger will describe the story of the 60 years William and Frances Keys spent working and raising their five children in such a remote location.

The Early Years of the Keys Ranch

Beginning and Settlement

In the early 1900s, Bill Keys was hired to run the Desert Queen Mine. When it closed in 1917, he decided to stay and homestead with his family. Over more than five decades, he dug for gold and gypsum, operated a stamp mill, and crushed ore for other miners in the area.

Family Life and Self-Sufficiency

The family raised goats, chickens, and cattle, maintained a fruit orchard and vegetable garden, and dug wells for water. Additionally, they built windmills and dammed up the rocky canyons surrounding the ranch to create a lake.

Visiting Keys Ranch Today

Preserved Structures and Tours

Today, the ranch house, schoolhouse, store, and workshop still stand. Tours cover a half-mile and last 90 minutes, with group sizes limited to 25 people. Recent visitors give high praise to the informative rangers, love the time capsule aspect of the ranch, and highly recommend a visit. It is important to bring water and wear hats, as there is little to no shade.

Tour Details and Logistics

Ranger-led 90-minute walking tours (paused during summer) visit preserved ranch buildings, abandoned mining equipment, and other relics of the Keys' remarkable life in this desert enclave. Tours are generally offered from October through May and must be reserved in advance online. Tickets, which are not included with park admission, cost $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6 to 11.

Directions to Keys Ranch

To get to the ranch, pass the entrance to Hidden Valley Campground, turn left at the Y intersection, and follow the road approximately 2 miles to the locked gate. Your guide will meet you there.