Paramount Ranch

, 11 Comments on Paramount Ranch

One of the many things I love about California is its rich history with the film industry. The movies were born here, and there is a wide array of places to visit that offer glimpses into the magic of movie making, as well as thousands of locations to visit. Some are boasted on large billboards, while others are tucked away. One of these hidden gems is Paramount Ranch.

Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman Filming Location: Paramount Ranch

In 1927 Paramount Pictures purchased a massive plot of land in Agoura Hills. With its sloping hilltops and looming Santa Monica Mountains the area offered solitude from the bustling city outside and thus a perfect place to film. Many sets came and went, and in 1953 Paramount sold the land to William Hertz, who built a permanent western set on the land, but sold the property in 1955. After changing hands multiple times, the National Parks Service purchased much of the original 2,700 acres that Paramount had owned, including the western film set. The set was maintained, as it continued to be used for filming, most notably as the stand in for Colorado Springs in the 1990s series, Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman.

I had a total geek-out moment when I spied Dr. Quinn’s clinic. I remember watching Dr. Quinn with my mother, and loving it.

Standing in from of the facade of what was Dr. Quinn's clinic

If you visit, you can see that the buildings have seen better days, but it still feels rich with history, and is still recognizable as the growing town in Dr. Quinn. I was able to spot out her clinic, Bray’s store, Jake’s barber shop, the bank, and even the area where Grace had her outdoor restaurant.

A large oak tree stands near a building that acted as the gazette. The shade of the tree is where Gracie had her restaurant.

Standing in my outfit I themed for the day, a vintage pale pink nylon blouse, with a vintage border print skirt featuring an illustration of a western town.

Standing in my outfit I themed for the day, a vintage pale pink nylon blouse, with a vintage border print skirt featuring an illustration of a western town.

What was Dr. Quinn's clinic off to the left, and the "Mud Bug" next door, which was a boarding house in the show.

Sitting on the boards and faux rock wall in my outfit I themed for the day, a vintage pale pink nylon blouse, with a vintage border print skirt featuring an illustration of a western town.

A close up of my skirt, which features a western town.

Standing in front of the large two story building that was used as Bray's Mercantile.

Standing in my outfit I themed for the day, a vintage pale pink nylon blouse, with a vintage border print skirt featuring an illustration of a western town.

Looking toward the ranch through a large field that is adjacent to the ranch.

Standing in my outfit I themed for the day, a vintage pale pink nylon blouse, with a vintage border print skirt featuring an illustration of a western town.

A close up of my charm bracelet, which features an array of vintage western themed charms, including a cowboy hat, gun holster, stagecoach, and tipi.

A shoot looking down the covered boardwalk toward what was Bray's Mercantile.

Standing in my outfit I themed for the day, a vintage pale pink nylon blouse, with a vintage border print skirt featuring an illustration of a western town.

The building that was used as the Gold Nugget Saloon.

Standing in my outfit I themed for the day, a vintage pale pink nylon blouse, with a vintage border print skirt featuring an illustration of a western town.

What was used as the barber shop, located next to what was the bank, which features a faux brick facade.

The "mining" building, a small, slightly dilapidated building.

Walking along the boards.

The railroad station, which was built for the show.

Standing in my outfit I themed for the day, a vintage pale pink nylon blouse, with a vintage border print skirt featuring an illustration of a western town.

A look down part of the street with a large building off to the left followed by what was the bank, barber shop, and then Bray's Mercantile.

The building used as the sheriff's office, which was also a practical interior set.

Sitting on the boards and faux rock wall in my outfit I themed for the day, a vintage pale pink nylon blouse, with a vintage border print skirt featuring an illustration of a western town.

The ranch was also used in episodes of The A-Team, Dukes of Hazard and CHiPs throughout the 1970s and 80s, as well as an episode of the sci-fi western, and cult classic, Firefly. The surrounding area around the western town offers miles of hiking trails, and is a popular spot for horseback riding.

Paramount Ranch is located at 2903 Cornell Road in Agoura Hills, about 30 miles west of Hollywood. Typing in Paramount Ranch into Google Maps will give you perfect directions! Visit the NPS’s website for details on hours and events, including tours.

You can view later visits to Paramount Ranch here and here.

November 2018 UPDATE: On Friday, November 9th, 2018, Paramount Ranch fell victim to the Woolsey Fire that tore through the Malibu, Thousand Oaks and Agora Hills areas. Paramount Ranch was reduced to cinders with only the train depot from Dr. Quinn: Medicine Woman and church built for HBO’s Westworld remaining.

August 2023 UPDATE: Rebuilding of Paramount Ranch has begun! Read more via The Acorn.

Outfit
Blouse: Retro Rejuvenation, Coburg, Oregon
John Wolf Textiles Western Town Skirt: VintageCritter
Western Charm Bracelet: Made up of charms I have collected from various shops and shows
Mocs: Minnetonka
Tooled Leather Purse: Buffalo Exchange…I think…

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11 comments on “Paramount Ranch”

  1. What an awesome spot, I lived in LA for a year in college but I never knew about half the places you have been visiting! I will have a list of places to visit next time I visit for sure! Also your skirt is amazing!

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  2. Oh this place sounds fantastic! I remember my grandpa telling me about Paramount Ranch when I was younger, and I’ve always wanted to visit. I still want to visit.

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  3. I can’t even…oh my Dr. Quinn loving goodness! That show was the be all to end all for me TV wise for a few years when I was a child and it’s still a firm favourite to my day. This location might just take the cake now as my favourite you’ve ever shot at, dear Janey.

    Naturally, I adore your outfit, too. Your collection of vintage covered wagon themed novelty print skirts is the coolest!

    ♥ Jessica

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