Devil’s Gulch Ranch

Specialties

Devil’s Gulch Ranch is a diversified family farm located in Nicasio, Marin County, within California’s North Coast region. Devil’s Gulch grows premium wine grapes and asparagus, raises rabbits, pigs, sheep, and quail for retail customers and direct sales to high-​quality restaurants. Sustainable, humane agricultural practices and organic farming are utilized whenever possible.

DGES is the Ranch’s education program. DGES offers a Summer Day Camp at Devil’s Gulch Ranch, which focuses on connecting children with nature and farming. Devil’s Gulch Ranch gives kids and their families a chance to experience food production from the farm, through their local farmer’s market and often into their own kitchens. Children will connect with nature through recreation, primitive and ancestral crafts and skills, animal care, gardening, free play and other fun outdoor activities.

History

Established in 1971.

The local history seems to indicate that the gulch got its name because of the trail’s treacherous nature. In 1864, Devil’s Gulch ranch (873 acres) split off from a larger parcel and was purchased by two Martinelli Brothers, Union Army Civil War officers using their wages to start fresh in California. The main barn, built in 1867, is still in use today.

In 1971 Mark Pasternak purchased the heart of the ranch (65 acres), moved there, and began the creation of the ranch as it is today. The remainder of the 873 acres was purchased by other individuals, and was subsequently purchased by the federal government in 1980, making it part of the Golden Gate National Recreational Area.

Meet the Business Owner

Mark P.

Business Owner

Mark grew up in Southern California, and always dreamed of escaping the city and becoming a farmer. In 1971, at the age of 19, he bought the 65-​acre heart of the 873-​acre ranch known as Devils Gulch Ranch. Mark was joined by his wife, Myriam in 1987 and their two daughters, Lydia and Kyla, thereafter. Mark and Myriam’s combined agricultural experience totals more than 60 years (including Myriam’s large animal veterinary degree from UC Davis).