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Rancho Carrillo is a unique community of 75 exclusive ranches located off of the Ortega Highway, eight miles east of San Juan Capistrano, California. This gate-guarded private community is surrounded by over 39,000 acres of wilderness consisting of the San Mateo Canyon Wilderness and portions of the Cleveland National Forest.

The Rancho Carrillo community boasts a peaceful, country charm. Neighbors wave as they pass each other on our 6-mile driveway. Horses, golf carts, tractors, and bicycles share our private roads with walkers and joggers.

An attitude of community and individual responsibility is fostered with potlucks, work parties, get-togethers, church services, and youth activities. Volunteers contribute time and resources to our Association, water company and volunteer fire department.

Our “valley on the top of a hill”, known historically as Verdugo Potrero, was once part of a Spanish land grant. In the 1800’s it was acquired by the Carrillo family and the Wheeler family. In 1962 it was subdivided into the form that it exists today.

Our community is not to be confused with a new-fangled subdivision in San Diego County by the same name. If you've found yourself in the wilderness by mistake, click here.

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