Garland Ranch Regional Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Garland Ranch Regional Park |
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The trailhead for the Garland Ranch Regional Park.
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 Garland Ranch Regional Park
Location in California
Garland Ranch Regional Park
Location in the United States
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| 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.
Contents
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.
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.
Images for kids
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Barn at Garland Ranch Regional Park
