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Garland Ranch Regional Park
Garland Ranch Regional Park.jpg
The trailhead for the Garland Ranch Regional Park.
Garland Ranch Regional Park is located in California
Garland Ranch Regional Park
Garland Ranch Regional Park
Location in California
Garland Ranch Regional Park is located in the United States
Garland Ranch Regional Park
Garland Ranch Regional Park
Location in the United States
Location Monterey County, California, United States
Nearest city Carmel Valley, California
Area 541 acres (2.19 km2)
Established 1975
Governing body Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District

Garland Ranch Regional Park is a fun place for everyone to visit in Monterey County, California. It's a big park where you can enjoy nature and explore the outdoors. The park is managed by the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District, which helps keep it beautiful for visitors. You can find it at 700 West Carmel Valley Road.

Park History: How Garland Ranch Began

Early Days and Native People

Long ago, the Rumsen Indian tribe lived in the area around the lower Carmel River Valley. They were here when people from Spain first arrived.

From Ranches to a Park

In 1923, a woman named Marion Hollins bought a large piece of land, about 2,000 acres, in Carmel Valley. Later, in 1926, part of her land was sold to Byington Ford. He used 400 acres as a summer ranch and called it Moon Trail Ranch.

Around 1970, William May Garland II bought this ranch and other nearby lands. His ranch was located near Carmel Valley Road and went all the way to the Carmel River. Today, one of the park's entrances, called the Via Las Encinas trailhead, is in this area.

Opening the Park

The Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District bought the Garland ranch in March 1975. They paid $1.1 million for it, and Mr. Garland also gave a gift of $250,000. After William May Garland II passed away in May 1975, the park district decided to name the park after him.

Garland Ranch Regional Park officially opened on June 19, 1976. It covers 541 acres and is located about 18 miles from Salinas. The park also has about half a mile of the Carmel River running through it.

Nature and Wildlife at Garland Ranch

Different Habitats in the Park

The park is home to many different ecosystems, which are like natural neighborhoods for plants and animals. This means you can find various types of environments, from thick oak forests to open grasslands and canyons.

Animals You Might See

Garland Ranch Regional Park is a home for many native animals. You might spot deer, mountain lions, and bobcats. The park has signs at the entrance and Visitor Center to remind visitors that these wild animals live here.

Besides these, you can often see California quail, cottontail rabbits, and different kinds of birds like crows, hawks, jays, and woodpeckers. Lizards, squirrels, turkeys, and white-tailed kites also live in the park.

Garland Ranch
Garland Ranch Regional Park; Mesa Trail

Fun Things to Do at the Park

Trails for Everyone

Garland Ranch Regional Park has about 50 miles (80 km) of trails! These trails are very popular for people who love to hike, ride horses, or jog. There's a trail that leads past a beautiful waterfall. Another trail goes up to an 800-foot high spot called "Inspiration Point," where you can see amazing views of the valley.

Exploring the Carmel River

The Carmel River runs through the park and is a great spot for families to enjoy. It's a fun area to explore and relax by the water.

Popular Hikes and Views

The park offers many different hikes. The La Mesa Trail, for example, takes you to a high grassland area. Other trails are shorter and easier, perfect for a quick walk. No matter which trail you choose, you'll find beautiful views of Carmel Valley. You'll also see interesting plants, including dense oak woodlands.

Horseback Riding

If you love horses, you're in luck! Almost all 50 miles (80 km) of trails in the park are open for horseback riding. It's a wonderful way to explore the park's natural beauty.

Via Las Encinas Trailhead
Via Las Encinas Trailhead
Mesa Pond
Mesa Pond
Garland Fall colors
Lupine Loop

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