Located in the heart of Carmel Valley, Garland Ranch Regional Park offers happy relief from classic Monterey County fog.
As throngs of local hikers know well, a 10-minute drive east from the beach is often all it takes for clouds to clear.
Sure enough, on this day, blue sky informed me that I was leaving the coast. And as the sky cleared, so did any June gloom.
Garland Ranch also offers some of the best views of Monterey County.
Due to its position on steep Pinyon Peak almost any Garland hike goes uphill, though there are a few flat parts.
For hikers with a desire for challenging climbs and rewarding views, this is the place to be.
When I finally reached Snively's Ridge at the top of Sky Trail, back soaked with sweat, I could see all the way to the ocean... almost. A mass of clouds shrouded the land past the coastal hills.
But breathtaking views of all Carmel Valley abound from Garland Ranch trails, especially the higher-elevation ones.
Some recommendations:
1. If you're up for it, focus on Snively's Ridge. My route began at the visitor's center, travelled up through Live Oak Trail, up Sage Trail and Sky Trail to finally reach Snively's Ridge. I quickly descended down the way-too-steep side of Snively's Ridge to the mesa, and returned to the visitor's center. If I could redo the hike I would ascend Palisades Trail instead, turn left at Snively's Ridge, and descend down Sky Trail for a more satisfying jaunt along the scenic ridge. But no matter which way you go, the climb is worth it.
2. Bring your animals! I saw many happy dogs along my hike, and horses are allowed on some of the trails, including a specific longer route along Snively's Ridge. Make sure to first research which trails do not allow horses.
3. If you're looking for an easier trail, make a beeline for the Waterfall Trail. The slope is uphill but more gentle than other trails, and a seasonal waterfall awaits one mile into the hike as a reward for your efforts. The creek was dry when I went, but the crisp, moist air of the area still felt pleasant on a hot day.
As I descended the trail, I scared myself by finishing the last drop of my 32-ounce Nalgene water bottle. Make sure to bring lots of water! The sunny scenic views at Garland Regional Park can be quite pleasant as long as you're in shape, well snacked, and well hydrated.
After a long afternoon I finally made it back to my car just fine, bought a big water bottle from the nearby Safeway, and made my way home, back into the clouds.
Links for Garland Ranch Regional Park below:
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Monterey, Naturally, is a summer blog series by editorial intern Kristen Stipanov. Blog installments will appear about once a week and will focus on the natural world as a jumping-off point for thoughts on a summer spent in Monterey County. Stipanov is a self declared heavyweight backpacking guru who spends a lot of time with her digital camera, Lucy, and her film camera, Vesper. Her photo adventures and other contributions are made possible by the Rebele Internship Program, a Stanford University Department of Communications-sponsored program designed to both encourage aspiring journalists and strengthen community journalism, by enabling undergrads to gain real world experience at exceptional print newspapers across the country.
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