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Palo Corona Regional Park: Carmel's Natural Escape

Discover Palo Corona Regional Park: Hike scenic trails, explore diverse ecosystems, and experience California's natural beauty near Carmel-by-the-Sea.

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Palo Corona Regional Park, a sprawling natural haven near Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, offers over 4,500 acres of diverse ecosystems and stunning vistas. Once a private ranch and later a golf course, it was transformed into a public park with hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and a connection to a vast wildland corridor.

A brief summary to Palo Corona Regional Park

  • Monday 7 am-8 pm
  • Tuesday 7 am-8 pm
  • Wednesday 7 am-8 pm
  • Thursday 7 am-8 pm
  • Friday 7 am-8 pm
  • Saturday 7 am-8 pm
  • Sunday 7 am-8 pm

Local tips

  • Bring water and wear appropriate footwear, as some trails can be steep and uneven.
  • Check the park's website for trail maps and information on access permits, especially for the Highway 1 entrance.
  • Visit the Discovery Center at the Rancho Canada unit for park information and history.
  • Be aware of wildlife and stay on designated trails to protect the park's ecosystems.
  • Pack a picnic to enjoy at Inspiration Point or other scenic spots within the park.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Carmel-by-the-Sea, head south on Highway 1. The park's Highway 1 entrance is located approximately 200 yards south of the Carmel River Bridge. Note that parking is limited, and an access permit is required to park at this entrance. Parking is available on the shoulder of Highway 1. Alternatively, from Carmel-by-the-Sea, take Carmel Valley Road east to Village Park Road. Turn left on Village Park Road to enter the Rancho Canada Unit, where ample parking is available. No access permit is needed to park at this entrance. Parking is free.

  • Walking

    From Carmel-by-the-Sea, walking to Palo Corona Regional Park is possible via Highway 1 or Carmel Valley Road. If walking to the South Bank Trail entrance, no access permit is needed. Be aware that the walk along Highway 1 involves crossing the Carmel River Bridge and walking along the highway shoulder. Walking from Carmel-by-the-Sea to the Rancho Canada Unit is roughly 4 miles. There are no costs associated with walking into the park.

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Discover more about Palo Corona Regional Park

Palo Corona Regional Park is a natural treasure located near Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. This expansive park spans over 4,500 acres, offering visitors a diverse landscape of rolling hills, woodlands, and open meadows. The park's transformation from a golf course to a public space is a testament to sustainable development and community dedication to environmental stewardship. The park boasts a rich history, originally part of the Rancho San José y Sur Chiquito Mexican land grant. In the early 2000s, a visionary initiative converted the former Palo Corona Ranch and Rancho Canada Golf Course into a network of hiking trails, preserving its natural beauty for public enjoyment. The acquisition and transformation were finalized in 2004, marking the largest land conservation project in Monterey County history. Palo Corona Regional Park is now an essential environmental link in a protected seventy-mile-long wildland corridor, stretching from the Carmel River to the Hearst Ranch. This corridor protects significant habitat areas, wildlife, and endangered species. The park includes the headwaters of thirteen watersheds and is home to over 500 plant species. Visitors can explore a variety of trails, including the popular Inspiration Point Trail, which offers panoramic views of Carmel Valley and the Pacific Ocean. The South Bank Trail meanders along the Carmel River, perfect for leisurely walks and bird watching. Wildlife enthusiasts may spot deer, bobcats, and a variety of bird species. The park also features the Animas Pond, a wetland habitat for the federally threatened red-legged frog. The park's Discovery Center, located in the Rancho Canada unit, serves as the District headquarters and offers information about the park's history and ecology. With its stunning landscapes and commitment to conservation, Palo Corona Regional Park provides an unparalleled experience for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

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