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About Cal Highlands
Linden, California
Cal Highlands is a working cattle ranch in Linden, California, home to the largest registered Scottish Highland herd in California and the original California Scottish Highland cattle experience.
Our registered cattle carry pedigrees traceable to Scotland, and our breeding program is centered on preserving the traditional Scottish Highland through sound structure, health, longevity and responsible breeding.
During our seasonal ranch experiences, guests step into the pasture with us to meet the herd, feed and brush the cattle, see calves being raised naturally alongside their dams, and learn about the breed and life on a working ranch.
This is not a petting zoo. It’s an opportunity to experience a real Highland herd, up close.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are your Highland cattle miniature Highlands?
No. Cal Highlands raises traditional, full-size Scottish Highland cattle, not miniature or micro Highlands. Our registered cattle have pedigrees traceable to Scotland, and Cal Highlands is home to the largest registered Highland herd in California and the original California Scottish Highland cattle experience.
Why don’t you breed miniature Highlands?
Because Cal Highlands only breeds purebred Scottish Highland cattle. The chondrodysplasia, or dwarfism, gene used to produce many miniature Highlands does not naturally exist within the Highland gene pool and must be introduced through crossbreeding.
The chondrodysplasia gene condition also affects cartilage and skeletal development, we do not intentionally introduce or breed for dwarfism simply to create a smaller animal. Our breeding program prioritizes sound structure, health, longevity, and preserving the Scottish Highland breed as nature intended it.
Is Cal Highlands a petting zoo?
No. Cal Highlands is a working cattle ranch. Our experiences are guided visits with our real Highland herd, giving guests the opportunity to spend time with the cattle while learning about the breed, our herd, and life on the ranch.
Can I pet the Highland cows?
Yes! Guests have the opportunity to feed, brush, and pet members of the herd during their visit. You may even get to cuddle a Highland in our designated photo area. Because these are real cattle, interaction is always based on each animal’s comfort and participation that day.
Are your calves bottle raised?
No. Our calves are raised naturally by their mothers and grow up as part of the herd. We do not separate calves from their dams simply to create bottle-fed animals for guest interaction.
Can I purchase a mini Highland from you?
No. We do not breed, raise, or sell miniature Highlands. Calves occasionally offered from our breeding program are traditional, full-size Scottish Highland cattle.
How large are your tour groups?
Our experiences are intentionally small and personal. Most tours have only a few guests, with a maximum of 10 available to accommodate families and larger groups who would like to visit together.
Can children participate?
Absolutely. Children are welcome on our ranch experiences. Children under 2 must be held by an adult for the duration of the experience.
Can I visit the ranch without a reservation?
No. Cal Highlands is a private, working cattle ranch and is not open for drop-in visits. All ranch experiences must be reserved in advance.
What happens if it rains?
Tours are rain or shine. A little mud and California weather are part of visiting a working ranch! Experiences are only canceled when extreme weather or conditions make it unsafe for our guests or cattle.
When are ranch experiences available?
Our Highland experiences are seasonal, generally offered November through May. New dates are released approximately one month in advance, and availability is limited.
Can I bring my dog?
No. For the safety of our cattle, working ranch dogs, guests, and your pet, dogs are not permitted during ranch experiences.
