Garland Ranch Regional Park, Carmel Valley - Dog Hiking Paradise

Alex rating: 5 Magic Bones
Dog-friendly: YES
Off-leash areas: YES 

Pet Bags Provided: YES

Picnic Areas: YES
Crowd Meter: MEDIUM (ran into 8 people during our afternoon hike)

Dog Friendly Dining: Yes, nearby (~20mins)
Travel time from San Francisco: 2.5 hours


Address:

700 W Carmel Valley Rd
Carmel Valley, CA 93924

(831) 659-4488

Garland Ranch Information:
Official Park Rules: http://www.mprpd.org/index.cfm/id/20/Garland-Ranch-Regional-Park-Park-Rules/ 
Map: http://www.mprpd.org/files/mprpd//Parks_Interim_Access_Maps/GRRP_2010.pdf


Quick Tips:
--> Bring water and snacks for you and your dog! The hiking trails weave in and out of each other, so you may take longer than expected if it's your first hike.
--> Bring towel to clean your dog. There was a pond along the trails, and your dog may want to jump in!
--> Some hikers have their dogs off-leash, so make sure your dog is comfortable with dogs running up to them.



Summary:
It was a scenic drive from San Jose to this dog paradise. When you're on Carmel Valley Road, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for the signs, since it can be a tricky turn and can easily be missed since the park entrance sign isn't large. 


When you turn in, you'll be able to grab a few dog bags before embarking on the trail. Right near the parking lot if a small creek/river area, which you can use when you want to clean off your dog later.


Upon entering the park, you'll be a few yards away from the Visitor Center, or you can choose to make your way to the trails. I suggest checking out the Visitor Center. There are some wild animals in this park (Mountain Lions) and some poisonous Oaks - so make sure you read all the safety instructions and warnings before going in.

Paved trail from Visitor Center. It's much brighter than this, but my camera is acting weird.

The Park was beautiful, well kept, and paved all the way to the forest trails. You can explore the areas around the visitor area if you'd like a quick walk. Some people had their dog off leash, but I'd suggest keeping your dog on the leash until you get into the forest trails -- your dog can easily bolt to the parking lot nearby.

Alex meeting a pooch friend while hiking :)

Once I got into the forest trails, I had Alex completely off-leash for the 3 hour hike we took him on. We went through the Sage and Mesa trails (please look at map), which were nice and shady. It was a moderate hike, with many parts of it going uphill to the summit. The uphill climb can be a killer, so make sure to bring some water!

Shady trails, with mossy lichen on trees.

Overall, the hike was beautiful, and I'm glad we explored this trail. My dog Alex had a lot of fun being off-leash and bounding around the pond near one of the trails. I forgot which trail led to this pond... but when I come back, I'm sure to update this posting.

Alex and I after the hike :)

Thanks for stopping by, and best of health to you & your dog!

Your Hiking Scout