Mountain Ranch is a small, close-knit community with a population of just over 1,600 people. Properties include single-family homes, ranches, and cabins, often on large plots of land.

The settlement was established during the California Gold Rush. Originally named El Dorado, the name was changed to Mountain Ranch at the behest of the US Postal Service as other towns of this name already existed in California.

For basic services, the town has a general store, a post office, and a few small businesses. For more extensive shopping and services, residents travel to San Andreas, Murphys, or Angels Camp. Mountain Ranch has limited healthcare options so residents typically use hospitals and clinics in San Andreas and Sonora.

You’ll also find California Cavern here, California’s first show cave and is its longest cavern system.