Essex Ranch-Bootjack, Ca.

The Essex Ranch in Bootjack, California, affectionately referred to by the Essex family as “The Ranch”, is located a few miles South of Mariposa off of State Highway 49 on Darrah Road. It is the first, tree covered, emerald green hill that juts skyward and divides the low country with Butterfly Creek Winery to the North from a series of homesteads to the South. Snow Creek Meanders through five acres of the property. It is home to a local favorite swimming hole and wildlife water source, The Devil’s Potholes. The hill is lush with Jack Pine, Mountain Oak, California Holly and Manzanita. Being surrounded by smaller, populated parcels, the ranch has become a wildlife refuge with a virtual menagerie roaming the hill. Animals that make their home there include bear, deer, fox, turkey, bobcat, cougar, squirrels, coyote and squirrels. In the spring the Lupine, Miners Lettuce and Poppies are among a few wild flowers that pop up and paint the hill and ridge.

Established in 1950 by retired Los Angeles Fire Department Captain W.L. Essex, Sr., The Ranch originally was 400 acres of Sierra Nevada foothill land. He sold off 100 acres on the South side of Darrah Road in the Sixties, kept the remaining 300 and the ranch house until his death in 1972. Willed to brothers Dennis and W.L., Jr. as separate parcels of 148 and 152 acres, Dennis received the smaller that included the home and W.L., Jr. received the larger parcel. Dennis sold of his stake in the late 70’s and the remaining land is the current configuration of The Ranch. In 2009 W.L. Jr., embarked on a land improvement project that included roads, a new ranch house, water and power. The projects continue with clearing and a new road in the works. W.L., Jr. passed away on February 28, 2014. His stewardship of the land, the flora and fauna has been passed to his three children, Dana, W.L. (Bill) III and Susan Essex. They are devoted to continuing their father's vision of a refuge for animals and humans alike. A place of peace, solitude, rest and nourishment of the body and soul.

The Ranch has become a family retreat upon which memorable gatherings and individual escapes from life’s grind been have been taken. The long term plan is to keep it in the family as a vacation destination or a place to retire when the time is right.