villa loretto cristo rey ranch

The Cristo Rey Ranch is a quirky little place featuring an eclectic mix of domestic and exotic animals. It's on the campus of the Villa Loretto Nursing Home. Self-guided tours are free; guided tours are fee-based. I brought my wheelchair-bound mother here hoping to give her a nice day in the country where she could enjoy seeing the animals up close. (After all, when a ranch is part of a nursing home complex, one would think that it would be readily accessible!) Unfortunately, it didn't quite live up to our expectations. There is no clear signage or starting point given for those, like us, who want to explore on their own. I had to go into the nursing home and ask the receptionist how to get to the ranch area. Once we circled around the back of the building, we were indeed able to view some llamas, chickens, goats, lemurs, and an assortment of exotic birds. The major problem, surprisingly, was inaccessibility. The main path past the animal enclosures is somewhat steep and paved with gravel. I wasn't completely comfortable pushing Mom's wheelchair along the path (especially downhill). We did manage to maneuver our way into one of the livestock barns but found it difficult to negotiate a clear path. And, most disappointingly, the pretty wooden foot bridge shown in the Cristo Rey website photos had a high enough "step" that we couldn't roll the wheelchair onto it to watch the carp swimming below. I'm sure there is not a lot of money available for maintenance and improvements because the Ranch seems a bit tired. The website also touts their "Nun Better Bakery," which we hoped to visit but learned that it really isn't a brick-and-mortar shop. Instead, you have to go to the nursing home kitchen and place your bakery order with a staff member, who then brings the baked goods up from the basement. All in all, the mission of the Cristo Rey Ranch is a good one, but those expecting a polished, completely accessible operation may be disappointed. It's in a beautiful location and there is much to see--but be prepared to take some initiative if you visit. You're pretty much on your own.