Garland Ranch Regional Park in Carmel Valley CA (700 West Carmel Valley Road) is a must stop for locals and visitor's alike. As one of the first acquisitions of the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park district, Garland is home to a wide variety to wildlife, plants and spring flowers. The park is dog friendly so be sure to bring your four legged friend. There is also limited mountain biking allowed on select trails.
Garland Ranch
Garland Ranch
The park is located about 9 miles east of Carmel (15 minute drive) on Carmel Valley Road and parking is free. Garland features an abundance of hiking trails from flat to steep for beginners, intermediate and advanced hikers.
For an easy to moderate hike, I highly recommend the Mesa Trail which features panoramic views of Carmel Valley and leads to a beautiful pond. The elevation climb for this hike is approximately 600 ft. and takes about 1.5 hours round trip. For the more experienced hiker, I recommend the Snivelys ridge trail. this is a strenuous 5 + mile hike with an elevation gain of about 1500 ft.
For visitors to the Carmel area, a great day trip to Garland is to start the day off with Breakfast at Jeffery's Grill in Mid-Valley (a locals favorite), followed by an early afternoon hike at Garland Ranch. Your day wouldn't be complete without visiting tasting rooms at the award winning Carmel Valley wineries Bernardus, Heller Estates, Juollian, Talbots, Morgan and Galante.
http://www.seecarmel.com/garland-ranch-regional-park.html
http://www.seecarmel.com/garland-ranch-regional-park.html
Thanks for the tip. We have never done the hike - but we have had lunch at Jeffry's. Sooo good
ReplyDeleteThanks! our sister website SeeCarmel.com has some wonderful hike recommendations for the area at http://www.seecarmel.com/hiking.html
ReplyDeleteHiked at Garland yesterday. The wildflowers are still plentiful due to the late rains. Thanks for the recommendation.
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