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 public recreational area at 700 West Carmel Valley Road, in Monterey County, California. The Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District (MPRPD) manages the Garland Ranch Regional Park.
History
The Rumsen Indian tribe lived in the lower Carmel River Valley and neighboring Monterey Peninsula at the time of Spanish colonization.
In 1923, Marion Hollins bought 2,000 acres from the Del Monte Properties that held property in Carmel Valley. In 1926, developer Frank Porter acquired a portion of the Hollins ranch and sold it to Byington Ford. Byington used 400-acres as a summer ranch and named it Moon Trail Ranch. The ranch was later sold to William May Garland II around 1970, who also bought other ranches in the area. The ranch was located off Carmel Valley Road and extended across the Carmel River up to the hayfield called "La Mesa". This area is now just off Via Las Encinas road, which is now one of the trailheads, on the Garland Ranch Regional Park, called the Via Las Encinas trailhead.
On June 19, 1976, the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District opened the 541-acre Garland Ranch Regional Park, 18 miles from Salinas at the south side of Carmel Valley Road on a one-half mile of the Carmel River. The park district acquired the Garland ranch in March 1975 from the late William May Garland II for $1.1 million, along with a $250,00 gift from Garland. After Garland died on May 10, 1975, the park district named the park after him.
Habitat and conservation
Several ecosystems exist in the park and preserve. Garland Ranch Regional Park is home to native species such as deer, mountain lion and bobcat. Visitors are warned of the presence of the animals with signs at the entrance to the park and at the Visitor Center.
Along with deer, other commonly seen animals are California quail, cottontail rabbits, crows, hawks, jays, lizards, squirrels, turkeys, voles, white tailed kites, woodpeckers.
Recreation
The 50 miles (80 km) of hiking and riding trails in Garland Ranch Regional Park are very popular with riders, hikers, and joggers. One trail leads past a waterfall, and another is an 800-foot high "Inspiration Point" overlooking the valley. The Carmel river is a fun area for families.
The park contains various hikes such as the La Mesa Trail which leads to the high grassland area. Other trails provide shorter easier loops. The park has beautiful views of Carmel Valley and interesting vegetation, with dense oaks woodlands, and canyons.
Within the Park, equestrians are allowed. Almost all 50 miles (80 km) miles of trails in the Open Space Preserve are open equestrians.
Images for kids
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Barn at Garland Ranch Regional Park
