garland ranch regional park

SanJoseLuv2trav2

Hiked the Garzas Creek trail. Lots of ups and downs with the creek flowing through and spectacular views of Carmel Valley from the "Ups". The trail was well maintained, but hiking boots are recommended. We went on a Friday during the day, so not very crowded. You share the trail with dogs and horses, but no bikes. Very healthy looking poison oak along the sides of the trail. Most of the trail was in the shade and there was an occasional breeze. It can probably get pretty toasty here in warmer weather and also on trails that aren't as shaded. I would anticipate that it's probably pretty crowded on the week ends. Parking was free and easy. Maps are available at the visitors center. It was March, so there were some wild flower displays along the trail.

719earlenel

Took a 3 mile hike with friends on Valentines Day...I would say the trail we took was easy. Lots more that we didn't take as we had first timers with us. Nice well maintained. Saw lots of poison oak...stay on the trails. The dogs love it...and the river was why up. We took our dogs back on Sunday just so they could get in the river. Very clean water.. and trails .Everyone had their dogs under control which isn't the case at other places...We will be going back for sure to enjoy the wild flowers. They make lots of stuff coming up.

257am

Lots of trails. Some shaded. Some not. Climb to the top for views of the valley. There are information boards about the fauna and flora. And a gallery with art and photos of the region.

729janew

Garland Ranch offers abundant trails for whatever your ability is. Your dog can be off leash if it is under voice control. There are flat valley trails or you can hike up into the hills with great views of Carmel Valley. There are so many trails that you can visit again and again and discover new, beautiful spots.

mkbommarito

Loved the maintained trails, and that horses are allowed (even though I don't ride). There are ticks so be careful when you are done hiking to check!

billevans67

nice park,, go uphill to get away from the highway noise. In the shade can be cool. lots of dogs, some off leash so if that bothers you beware. We like dogs so it was nice. Signs for mountain lions at present but note it is more dangerous to cross a street or get in your car.

4duffy2

I used to ride horses all over these hills. Now it is a County Regional Park. That means that everyone gets to use this land. Well behaved dogs are welcome. There is a self guided interpretative trail that has great history on the how the Native Americans used poison oak and acorns, and even a grinding stone.Also, there is an old farmhouse that is now a museum. This trail can be as steep or as flat as you like, it can be as long or as short as you like. I love that once a private property has been turned into a park for all to enjoy! Great Land use!

palmetto36

Any walker can find pleasure here. There is a visitors center and ALL the trails are mapped out....truly a nature experience

shellys8

Wow, great weather, great views and an invigorating hike was enthusiastically enjoyed over the Labor Day holiday weekend!! It was obviously a well liked place by others as well because there were a number of hikers partaking of this wondrous place! The fact that it was only 2.5miles from where we were staying made it just that much more attractive!

kmyskowski

Great example of what CA was like, covered with oak trees before white people figured out ways to make money here. There a numerous golf courses--during a critical drought!

Clematis_10

Monterey and Santa Cruz counties have excellent parks for hiking. There are beach walks, spectacular ocean views or trails through redwood canyons. Point Lobos reserve near Carmel, south on highway 1, is a must visit.Garland Park is the largest open space on the Monterey Peninsula. It comprised of rolling hills, meadowlands and canyons. There are a wide variety hiking and equestrian trails including easy walks for young children to the strenuous hike up Snively's Ridge. The Park is about 8.5 miles east of Carmel on the Carmel Valley Road. At the visitor center there is a small museum, restrooms and maps. Importantly this is one of the few places you can fill your water bottle. If you are going to hike take plenty of water; it can get quite hot during the day. Admission to the Park is free. There is no food at the site. Some of the trails permit bikers and leased dogs are permitted.

Josram

Unsure of how difficult the trails might be I approached the hike cautiously, but soon found out that there were a wide variety of trails which allowed for optional challenging hiking routes. More importantly, whether the trail was easier or more difficult the views from any point were breath taking, allowing for a beautiful view of Carmel Valley.Some highlights from the park included its light population during the week, as opposed to the heavily crowded other state/regional parks. Having the opportunity to go at my own pace was highly pleasurable and allowed my friend and I to truly enjoy the scenery and hiking trails. To those merely visiting, or even local natives, this park is highly recommended and worth the visit.Tips: Before beginning the hiking if you are unfamiliar with the area you should purchase one of their low-cost maps and make sure you take plenty of water as the area is on the warmer side! Dressing in layers is also helpful as some areas have a stronger wind current than others.

892JA

Very popular with local people. Huge park with many trails. Observed uncountable varities of wild flowers in full bloom. This is nature in its own elements. Wear good and comfortable footwear particularly if desiring to climb up to the summit of one its 'mountains' (really steep hills). Observed many people truly enjoying themselves. If you are somewhat into the California outdoors, this is one place to visit and experience.

hiking-har

This regional park is pretty well maintained. The trails are clearly marked but it is always a good idea to pick up a map at the visitors center and leave the $1 donation. As this is also a very popular area for horse riding the map gives you an idea which trails are closed to horses and where you don't have to look down too much not to step into their droppings. So select trails with a gate and you are safe and can enjoy the vegetation.

dawnellew

Overall, the hiking was awesome. Ended up doing about 4 different trails, 9.16 miles and one butt kicker of a trail/loop. The scenery is gorgeous. VERY friendly people out there, great dog park/recreation area for dogs. Will be making Garland Ranch my new hiking grounds!