HomeCaliforniaCarmel Valley › Garland Ranch Regional Park

Garland Ranch Regional Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 851 Google reviews · Running trail in Carmel Valley, California · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Loop distance
Not reported
Shape
Loop
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Garland Ranch Regional Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

LoopScenicDog-friendlyFlat & fastHillyTrailhead parking

Rustic, dog-friendly park offering extensive hiking trails through woodlands, canyons & chaparral.

What runners say about Garland Ranch Regional Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (851 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 9 mentions

“The trails are incredibly well maintained, the forest is beautiful, and the scenes from the vantage points are amazing.”

🐕 dog-walking favorite 3 mentions

“Our dog loved jumping in the river and even a pond/swamp she found too.”

I had a great time walking the trails during Labor Day weekend. The morning weather was perfect for a hike. Then I stopped by Carmel Valley Coffee for some chai tea and a pastry. Perfect morning.

★★★★★ — Will , Sep 2024

This is one of the best off leash hiking areas I've been too. We just did a short one hour hike and had lunch at their picnic bench area. Our dog loved jumping in the river and even a pond/swamp she found too.

★★★★★ — Javier , Nov 2018

Lots of different trails to choose from, awesome hikes!! Loved the spots with the water. Good elevation change and not heavily trafficked. We did the Maple Canyon trail, Fern, Sage, Rancho Loop, it was great and we can't wait to come back

★★★★★ — Ashley , Dec 2020

Garland Ranch Regional Park is a great place to go hiking. There are miles of trails, tons of scenery, and the view from the ridge top is amazing. The hike to the ridge line is steep and difficult, but well worth it.

★★★★★ — Brendan , Jul 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 851 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 19 mentions

“The trails are incredibly well maintained, the forest is beautiful, and the scenes from the vantage points are amazing.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 10 mentions

“Update- seasonal entrance is open now (Apr-Nov), some families and dogs 🐶 enjoying the stream.”

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⛰️ Hills / elevation 8 mentions

“The trails aren't too steep either so little ones should be able to keep up depending on which trails you choose, just be sure to examine the tail maps when you get there.”

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Flat & fast 5 mentions

“It was my first time but this place appears to have trails ranging in intensity from flat to maybe level 3 (out of 10).”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 4 mentions

“Parking can be a little hard to find first time around but once parked super easy to find trails”

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🔁 Loop trail 3 mentions

“We did the Maple Canyon trail, Fern, Sage, Rancho Loop, it was great and we can't wait to come back”

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Plan your run at Garland Ranch Regional Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Websitemprpd.org
  • Phone(831) 372-3196
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday 6 AM–6 PM
Tuesday 6 AM–6 PM
Wednesday 6 AM–6 PM
Thursday 6 AM–6 PM
Friday 6 AM–6 PM
Saturday 6 AM–6 PM
Sunday 6 AM–6 PM

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Garland Ranch Regional Park

700 W Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel Valley, CA 93924

Get directions

Running trails near Carmel Valley

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Harper Canyon Trail

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Home to 35 species of rare flora & fauna, this undeveloped wildland offers over 80 miles of trails.

6.1 miles away

Ollason Peak 1800' (549m)

4.9 ★★★★★ 23 reviews

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Scenic

6.8 miles away

Frog Pond Wetland Preserve

4.5 ★★★★★ 253 reviews

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4 miLoopScenicDog-friendly

Nature preserve featuring a seasonal pond that attracts a diverse array of birds and ducks, with hiking trails and benches.

6.9 miles away

Jacks Peak Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 540 reviews

Monterey, CA

LoopScenicDog-friendly

Hiking & horseback trails wind 8+ miles through a Monterey pine forest to a peak with vista views.

7.1 miles away

Palo Corona Regional Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 218 reviews

Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA

Natural surfaceScenicDog-friendly

Reclaimed golf course featuring an old cart path, plus trails that cross through grassy fields, hills and trees.

7.1 miles away

All running trails in Carmel Valley, CA →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.