Hidden Haven Farms

I took my daughters here after purchasing their Groupon. My girls absolutely loved it, and Cheryl was very nice when we were there. The girls wanted to return during their Spring Break, and she had promised me that she would give us a deal, I just had to contact her. So, I emailed her as Spring Break was approaching… no response, emailed her THREE times, NO response. Sad because although it is a far drive from LA, we were willing to go down there because of the experience the girls had. Experience was great… customer service need a lot of work.

We had a great tour at Hidden Haven Farms this morning. Bought a coupon and took our family of four (two kids, ages 3 and 4). Google maps took us right to the dirt road no problem, and when we followed the dirt road all the way to the back there were a couple of signs pointing us the rest of the way. Although there were no crops growing when we visited the amazing variety of animals more than made up for it. We saw horses, emus, pigs/​piglets, a cow, goats, chickens/​roosters, turkeys, ducks, rabbits of all ages, and a llama. The gentleman who guided us was delightful. Although he’s responsible for most of the farm work he never seemed rushed or on the clock, took his time and seemed genuinely happy to engage us and our kids with stories and hands-​on experiences. Although our kids are wary of most animals they were willing to climb in the pig sty to see the piglets up close, give the cow a back scratch with a plastic rake, help milk a goat, feed the chickens, pat a turkey, collect eggs, pat rabbits, and hold a 1 week old baby rabbit.
The farm is a real working property and it’s not designed to be fancy or high end, but we didn’t expect that so were very happy with what we found. (If we wanted fancy and shiny we would have gone to the zoo). They clearly work hard to make it a good experience. We picnicked afterward in a nice spot they provided with tables and a lattice shade, complete with a hand wash station. I read in another review someone complaining about the condition of the pigs. Although I’m not a farmer by trade I did work on a ranch for years, and at this property I saw no evidence of poorly treated or maintained animals. They were well fed and watered, had space to move about, clean and dry pens, and shade/​shelter available. Overall happy and healthy animals.
The only reason I gave them a 4 star instead of 5 is that their communication is spotty at best. The owner Cheryl seemed very sweet but was not prompt at returning emails and calls, when she returned them at all. I was persistent though and everything worked out, for which I’m grateful because we had a great day at the farm!

We went with a group of homeschoolers, and it was an absolutely wonderful experience. Cheryl was kind, patient, informative, and the kids learned a lot that day. The farm itself is clean, organized, and relaxing. It is a real farm and not a tourist attraction for people who do not like animals. There is dirt, mud, fur, and a lot of hands-​on experience… just what we were hoping for. We saw llamas, ducks, horses, pigs, goats (got to milk one!), went on an egg hunt in the chicken coop, learned about bees, filled up a basket of tomatoes to take home, purchased handmade soap made of cow milk, picnicked with a gorgeous view, and overall had a great time. I would recommend this place to anyone interested in seeing a real working farm.

It’s funny reading the reviews, they are either hot or cold, few in between. Seems to me, a farm boy from the Dakotas, that some of these Southern Californians are confused as to what a ranch/​farm is. I have been to Hidden Haven a number of times and have always found it to be a clean healthy environment for all those living and visiting there (animals, as well as the human kind). It is great that the property is remote (oh so scary… no cell phone reception!), so little of that left in our urbanized getto, SoCal. One has to understand that Hidden Haven is not a Corporate, concrete, stainless steel, antibiotic, mass production, profit making affair but a work of love in the true sense of Homestead Ranching/​Farming.

Wow, where to start? The total lack of communication? The lack of care and cleanliness of the animals? Total lack of signage to lead people to the end of the long dirt road? The lack of organization when offering services to the public?
I live in Jamul too, not far from this place. I bought a ‘weaner’ pig from Cheryl this year. For its age it was under weight, plus it came with a nice case of mange for me to take care of. I rescued it from one of her 10×15 enclosures that was nearly entirely mucky (NO, pigs DO NOT like that all the time). It’s now happy roaming a ¼ acre paddock with another pig. That’s the last time I buy anything from her, and I would never sell her an animal knowing where it’s going. Disgusting and pathetic are how I would describe it. Not a place I would want to send my kids to learn about farming, ranching or in all honesty anything other than how NOT to run a business/​farm. It’s more like a sad petting zoo.
Makes me want to open my own farm/​ranch to the public to show people what it’s really like. Hmmmm…

Cliff was an amazing guide! Really passionate about the farm and extremely knowledgeable! He took us around showing us the animals and making us feel comfortable despite the constant streams of urine and odd emu noises. Also, can’t forget assistant guide Bear who greeted us by laying in front of our car with a huge smile on his face when we got there! Really fun experience, and a breathe of fresh air from the mundane city life!

This place is a dump and absolute joke! I made the mistake of buying a two day farm camp for both of my kids 4 and 7 years old. It was a two day all day camp out in the boonies in Jamul. Not only did they not ask for proper paperwork – allergies, etc. – that should have been my first clue – but they wouldn’t let my 4 year old call us to come and pick him up! The woman kept telling him after lunch, after the hike, etc. until he burst into tears and a mom there was nice enough to give me a call. The chickens are dirty and full of poop – and the kids are busy picking them up…
It was not geared towards kids – a lot of talking and not enough «hands on». So needless to say we left early the first day and didn’t dare return for day two!
The woman took days to return emails prior to the upcoming camp. One which included are there any forms I need to fill out for the kids?
I cannot stress enough to anyone how bad this place is! I have never written a Unilocal review in the past, but I couldnt pass up a chance to warn every person out there. Please do not subject your kids to a place like this…

This farm is so hidden that we were not able to find it… neither several families from our school, people who found it had blast, but cells do not work there, maximum texting, they do not reply right away, only within 24 hours, in e-​mail within 3 days…

Went there for a farm tour and had a blast running around catching chickens, milking goats, learning about bee keeping, and petting ponies. The groupon said the tour was just supposed to be an hour. but they were so cool with explaining whatever we wanted, and they even had space for a picnic afterward.
Bring cash! They sell tanned rabbit hides (GORGEOUS) for $ 10 each, FRESH eggs for $ 5… and they’ll let you pet their rabbits, chase the chickens, and cuddle with their goats.
I was skeptical, but it’s worth the scenic drive out.

We got the farm field trip for ten and used it for my daughter’s tenth birthday. As soon as we got there (awesome ride through mountains) we were informed that our trip was cancelled. We supposedly got a call the day before but we didn’t. It turned out that it wasn’t our trip that was cancelled and got out of the car. A very kind man led us around. The kids had a blast. They got to hold bunnies, pet dogs, feed horses, etc. We were really happy with the tour. Despite the mix-​up, we still had an awesome time with the man that showed us the farm.

DO NOT BUY A GROUPON
I bought a 10 person tour for my daughters 10^th birthday from «Reader City» deals 6 weeks ago. I promptly scheduled a tour for today 2÷10÷13. It rained on Thursday (today is Sunday) and I called and left messages & emailed the ranch to be sure we were «still-​on»… NO RESPONSE. Today — day of the party, with kids on there way to my house, I received a call that our party was cancelled. REALLY?! 2 hours before a kids birthday??? Why didn’t she call me 48 hours ago??? Or even 24???
My initial contact with Cheryl (owner) was shaky at best. She wasn’t responding to initial emails and misplaced info I was required by her to send. I should have read the Unilocal reviews… TERRIBLE!

I bought a groupon for horseback riding and want to take my little sister there. I called three times and still have not gotten a response. Base on the reviews above, I won’t miss much by not going. It was a waste of my money buying that groupon. If the customer service sucks BEFORE you even get there, I can’t imagine what it’s like once you are there. Very disappointing to say the least. Not all groupons are good to get.

We took a farm tour and I HIGHLY recommend this for families with young children. (We had a 1, 3, 5, and 6 year old with our group.) Drummond (our guide) showed us the bee collection and some of the agricultural property before moving onto the horses, cow, hogs, (enormous!), piglets, goats, guinea fowl, chickens, rabbits, etc. He was filled with great information, and he explained everything in detail and answered all questions. I never felt rushed or like we were part of some sort of money-​making operation. Drummond really helped us understand how animals live, what farmers do… FABULOUSLY educational for the kids AND adults! Every step was very interactive — kids could feed, pet, touch. The highlight was definitely watching the suckling newborn piglets. So amazing to see up close!
Oh, and last but not least, there are decent places to get food for kids (nothing fancy, but clean — e.g., Subway, a family restaurant, etc.) about five minutes out from the farm.

I haven’t even been to this place and I already know the customer service is horrible. I bought a two groupons for an hour horseback riding trip. When I call the number to make a reservation the voice message says to email them. I have emailed them 4 times already and still have no reservation. The best response I received suggested a better date to schedule my reservation. When I wrote back and asked her to book it, I got no response. And AGAIN emailed her after 3 days asking her to confirm. Still nothing. My groupons are going to expire in October and am not sure I’ll have the time to schedule it after August. Thanks for nothing hidden haven farms. Your customer service sucks.

We bought a groupon for a one hour trail ride that was actually about 15 minute walk around the property. There was no trail. I saw that Cheryl responded that the trail ride length depends on experience but you would think more experience riders would have a shorter ride not longer since they can command the horse better. When she called us back to see how it web and if we found the place I said the ride was not an hour and she said oh we’re you late I said no and she was like oh well i am still driving. That’s not the response someone who owns a business should give to keep clientele. Especially when people drive an hour to get there. My opinion is its not worth it there are better places in Julian and Ramona.

My husband and I went up this past weekend to go horseback riding. Not only did we get to go horseback riding, but we learned about Goats, Chickens, Rabbits, EMU’s, and Horsemanship. It was great. Cheryl (owner) is so knowlegable about all the animals… and you can tell she really has a passion for what she does. The horses are in great shape and so well taken care of! I will definitely be back up for a ride.

LOVED IT! I went with my husband, and we had a great time. It was a great deal for the money.
It is tucked back in the hills of Jamul, so be prepared for that — it is off a dirt road (it’s a farm, for heaven’s sake!); everyone there was really nice. Our guide, Brittany, was awesome, and very knowledgeable. The owner, Cheryl, was incredibly nice, and we had a good long talk about chickens, farms, etc.
We went on a trail ride and groomed our horses. I loved it – there are a ton of animals, from chickens to guinea fowl to llamas to goats to pigs to horses to cows to ponies.. . you get the idea. They also have extensive orchards and beehives. I would DEFINITELY go back, and I can’t wait to be able to take my kids there, as well.

I recently went here, and had a pretty good expierence. It’s a little hard to find, so if you’ve never been here before make sure you have good directions and leave with good time. They teach you how to saddle, groom, and commond the horse before riding. You don’t go to far for the ride, but all together it is a good experience and everyone is so nice and friendly!

This is NOT a full-​on 90-​minute trail ride. More like Horseback Riding 101. Which, for my sister and I was A-​okay. I did not expect that I would be learning how to clean a horse’s hooves! So, it depends what kind of riding experience you’re looking for. It’s great for beginners or newbies. You must sign a waiver and you must wear a helmet.

If you are someone who has some horseback riding experience and want to go on a fun trail ride this is NOT the place to go. My boyfriend purchased the GROUPON for the «90 minute horseback riding» experience for my birthday. I was VERY excited to go on a 90 minute trail ride. Well, i left feeling pretty disappointed.
The farm itself is very pretty and DeeDee, one of the ranch hands was very warm and welcoming. She showed us around the farm and we looked at the different animals. All very enjoyable and relaxing.
Now for the disappointing part. First off, i want to say that I am no expert but i’ve been riding horses most of my life and have taken lessons so I consider myself to be fairly experienced. Before mounting the horses, Cheryl (the owner) did some basic horsemanship education. Then, one by one we were allowed in the corral to lead our horse in a circle, practicing voice commands «walk» and «ho» with our horse. We did this for probably about half an hour total as we each were called over to mount our horse (the entire process was VERY slow). Then once we were all saddled up (there were a total of four of us) we continued to walk around the corral practicing «walk» and «ho» with our horses.
Finally, when we were able to walk out of the corral my horse probably walked about 10 feet and reached down to eat some hay (this inevitably happens with «trail» horses”). DeeDee came straight over and attached the lead rope to my horses bridle and lead me away. Well, as it turns out she led me the entire trail ride! The trail ride itself probably lasted about 20 minutes as it was just up the path and back again. Honestly, i felt like i was on an adult pony ride!
If you have never ridden a horse or are a child then i think this would probably be a great experience for you and a good way to ease in to riding a horse. If you have any experience and want a real trail ride save your money and go somewhere else.