Rancho Las Flores (Hesperia, California)

USA / California / Crestline / Hesperia, California
 valley, place with historical importance, desert, cattle ranch
The oldest settlement of the Mojave Desert. There is a plaque on the ranch noting the little Indian village of Guapibit where the Spanish priest Garces paused to mingle with the Indians. It is said the the early settlers of Arrowhead named the wide, pretty valley for the wildflowers that grew abundantly. The ranch is located where an old Indian trail led from the Mojave Desert to the San Bernardino Valley. Today you can see horses and Black Angus Cattle on the property. The property is supposed to be the site of a big development of homes but that has been the story for about 5 years or more. Hopefully it will stay the way it is
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   34°18'55"N   117°19'2"W

Comments

  • Guapiabit is the correct English spelling for the little Vanyume village that once existed on the northwest bank of Little Horsethief Creek. I'm not sure if the pronunciation is "gwa-PEE-ah-bit" or "gua-pee-AH-bit." In the 1970's, when I was a boy, I spent many weekends on the site scouting for arrowheads and stone tools. All that remains now are subtle depressions in the alluvial plain above the creek indicating the location of thatched willow huts. I hope housing development is a long way off there too...
  • I agree, I had to chance to visit during rides and bar-b-ques that have been set up with the Rangers during their annual rides. The place is just glorious and it would be a shame (although I'm sure beautiful) to put a housing community up over there.
  • I agree, I had to chance to visit during rides and bar-b-ques that have been set up with the Rangers during their annual rides. The place is just glorious and it would be a shame (although I'm sure beautiful) to put a housing community up over there.
  • Looks like the inevitable is about to happen. I moved here 20 years ago because of the desert beauty and quiet. Looks like I may be moving again. It makes me sick to my stomach to think of what will be taking place.
  • Never fear, the ranch WILL NOT be part of the huge development to be built. That project will be north and west of the ranch.
  • How about an address????
  • 15400 Highway 173 - Hesperia, CA
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This article was last modified 10 years ago