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Of Water, Ranching, and the Great Meadow
By Kathryn Fletcher
May/June 2023

Photo of the great meadow near the Warner-Carrillo Ranch House

Warner Valley, sometimes called the Great Meadow, looks like an intricate landscape painting in the spring. Photo by Kathryn Fletcher

Originally called the Valle de San José, then the Warner Valley, this 80-square-mile valley was also referred to as the Great Meadow. Ringed by mountains, it holds the headwaters of the San Luis Rey River, and beneath the land lies one of the biggest aquifers in the West. This winter (2022-2023), 51 inches of rain and melted [do we need ‘melted’?] snow have replenished streams and ground waters, supported abundant grass and California goldfields flowers, and refilled untold acre feet to Lake Henshaw, a reservoir built in 1922.

The valley has been leased over the decades for raising thousands of cattle, and at times, sheep. Most notably, Walter Vail held the title Cattle King of California, while he raised his herds in the valley and far beyond it. In 1911, George Sawday took over the Warner-Carrillo Ranch lease, which remained in his family until 1960. That’s when bachelor cowboys vacated the 1857, adobe ranch house. Brands on the floor in front of the fireplace still mark the idle hours of these last residents. Their former home was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1962.

May and June are a great time to tour the Warner-Carrillo Ranch House Museum. It’s also a special time to enjoy the beauty, blossoms, and fresh air of the Great Meadow. Consider including a hike on the Pacific Crest Trail to Eagle Rock, where you’re likely to meet international hikers coming through on their way to Canada from Mexico. The trailhead is next to the Cal Fire Station on Highway 79.

We look forward to sharing the historic Warner-Carrillo Ranch House Museum with you.

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