Local Attraction
The Gentle Barn — A Rescue Animal Sanctuary in Santa Clarita
Cow hugs, goat yoga, pig snuggles, and the most heartwarming Sunday outing in SCV. Here is your complete guide to visiting The Gentle Barn animal sanctuary right here in Santa Clarita.
August 3, 2026 Sam Silver 5 min read
Sam Silver
22-year SCV resident · Community advocate · Special Olympics coach
One of the things I love most about Santa Clarita is discovering places that surprise you. The Gentle Barn is one of those places. Tucked away on Sierra Highway in the hills above the valley floor, it is a six-acre rescue sanctuary that has been saving animals and touching hearts for over two decades. And it is right here in our backyard. I have taken my own family there and watched kids light up meeting rescued cows, goats, pigs, and horses. If you have not been yet, you are missing out on one of SCV's most meaningful family outings.
What Is The Gentle Barn?
The Gentle Barn is a nonprofit animal rescue sanctuary located at 15825 Sierra Highway, Santa Clarita, CA 91390 — about 15 minutes from central Valencia up the Sierra Highway corridor. Founded in 1999 by Ellie Laks, the sanctuary has rescued hundreds of abused, abandoned, and neglected farm animals and given them a second chance at life.
What makes The Gentle Barn special is its mission of healing — both for the animals and for the people who visit. The sanctuary's signature experience is the "cow hug," where visitors are invited to sit with rescued cows and literally wrap their arms around them. It sounds simple, but it is surprisingly emotional. The cows at The Gentle Barn have been through trauma, and their capacity to trust again is a powerful lesson in resilience.
Beyond cows, the sanctuary is home to rescued horses, pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, turkeys, ducks, and even a few llamas and emus. Each animal has a story, and the staff and volunteers share those stories during Sunday open hours.
Plan Your Visit
Visitor Information
Everything you need to know before you go. Reservations are required, so plan ahead.
Hours & Days
Sunday Open Hours: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM — reservations required online in advance.
Private Tours: Tuesday through Saturday by reservation. Ideal for smaller groups or a more intimate experience.
Closed Mondays and major holidays. Book early — Sunday slots fill up quickly, especially during summer and fall.
Admission Pricing
Adults: $25 per person
Kids (ages 2–12): $15 per child
Under 2: Free
Season Passes: Available starting around $60–$75 for unlimited visits.
All proceeds go directly to the care of the rescued animals. Your admission fee helps feed, house, and provide medical care for the sanctuary's residents.
Location & Directions
Address: 15825 Sierra Highway, Santa Clarita, CA 91390
From Valencia, take I-5 north to the Calgrove exit, then head north on Sierra Highway for about 10 minutes. The sanctuary is on the left side of the road set back in the hills.
Parking is free and available on-site. The driveway is unpaved but well-maintained — any car can make it.
What to Expect During Your Visit
A typical Sunday visit is relaxed and self-guided. You arrive, check in at the welcome table, and then explore the sanctuary at your own pace. Here is what you will find.
Cow Hugs
The signature experience. You sit down next to one of the rescued cows, and the staff guides you through a gentle hug. It is as therapeutic for humans as it is for the animals. Many visitors say it is the most memorable part of their visit.
Animal Encounters
You can pet, brush, and interact with rescued goats, sheep, pigs, horses, chickens, turkeys, ducks, llamas, and emus. Each animal has a story, and volunteers are stationed throughout the property to share them.
Photo Opportunities
The sanctuary is set against the backdrop of the Sierra Pelona Mountains, with rustic barns, rolling pastures, and friendly animals at every turn. Bring your camera — the photo opportunities are endless.
Gift Shop
The on-site gift shop sells Gentle Barn merchandise, vegan treats, and animal-themed gifts. All proceeds support the sanctuary's rescue and care operations.
Great for All Ages
The Gentle Barn is genuinely family-friendly. Toddlers love seeing the animals up close, older kids learn about empathy and rescue, and adults find the experience unexpectedly moving. It works for multi-generational outings too.
What to Bring
Sunscreen, a hat, closed-toe shoes, and a water bottle. Much of the sanctuary is outdoors with limited shade. Wear comfortable clothes you do not mind getting a little dusty or muddy.
Sam's Insider Tips
Sam's Tips for a Great Visit
Arrive Early
Sunday doors open at 10 AM, and the first hour is the quietest. Animals are most active in the morning, and you will have more space and attention from the volunteers. By 11:30 it gets busy.
Book Ahead
Reservations are required and often sell out on weekends, especially during summer and around holidays. Book at least a week in advance through The Gentle Barn website.
Beat the Heat
Summer in SCV means high heat. The sanctuary has some shaded areas but not full coverage. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. Summer mornings are ideal — the animals are more active when it is cooler.
Make a Day of It
The Gentle Barn is about 15 minutes from Valencia and 20 minutes from Castaic Lake. Pair your visit with a hike at Placerita Canyon or a picnic at Castaic for a full SCV Sunday adventure. Sam's favorite combo: Gentle Barn in the morning, then lunch at a Newhall spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Gentle Barn suitable for young children?
Absolutely. Kids of all ages love the hands-on animal encounters. Toddlers need close supervision around larger animals, but the sanctuary is designed to be family-friendly. Children under 2 get in free.
Can I bring my dog?
No. For the safety of the rescued animals, pets are not allowed on the sanctuary grounds. Service animals are welcome.
Is there food available on site?
The Gentle Barn has a small selection of vegan snacks and drinks for purchase in the gift shop, but it is limited. Plan to eat before or after your visit. There are great lunch options in Valencia, Newhall, and along Sierra Highway.
How long should I plan for a visit?
Most visitors spend 1.5 to 2 hours at the sanctuary. If you want to do the cow hug experience, listen to all the animal stories, and explore the whole property, budget closer to 2.5 hours.
Does The Gentle Barn offer memberships?
Yes. Season passes start around $60 to $75 and include unlimited Sunday visits for a year, plus discounts on merchandise and special events. It is a great value if you plan to visit more than twice.
Ready to Visit The Gentle Barn?
Book your Sunday reservation online. It is one of those SCV experiences that stays with you long after you leave. Sam recommends it for families, couples, and anyone who needs a reminder that kindness matters.