Wonders of the Central Coast: Garland Ranch

The picturesque Garland Ranch sits nestled in the Carmel Valley.

“It’s a perfect place to be,” said Rafael Payan, general manager of the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District. “When you look at these areas, they’re fleeting. A lot of places are over-developed; they’re over-loved; they’re over-enjoyed. But the practice that we’re trying to pursue here is balance.”

Supervising Ranger Caine Camarillo explained that Garland Ranch was set aside in 1975 to “Preserve and protect open space and try to open it up to the public for recreation.”

It’s open to hikers, cyclists and even horses.

“This park really was built on equestrian use, so eighty percent of the park is open to equestrian,” said Camarillo.

And for you horseback riders, the park is known for its variety of terrain and the courtesy of other users.

While enjoying the incredible views of the area, which contains the meandering path of the Carmel River, oak highland and even a rare grove of inland coastal redwood, Payan told me of the grand vision for the area:

“It would be ideal if we could hike from San Francisco Bay Area all the way to Santa Barbara and in partnership with other organizations, that’s what we’re shooting for.”

So perhaps one day this wonder will be part of a much larger, wonderful experience.

“We’re trying to preserve something for future generations,” said Payan. “Long after we’re gone, this place will be here; and hopefully it’s better than we found it.”