Waterfall Trail

The Cottonwood, Maple Canyon, and Lupine Loop offers a delightful and varied hiking experience in Carmel Valley's Garland Ranch Regional Park. You'll wander through open meadows, shaded oak woodlands, and brush, with the trail revealing sweeping views of the valley and glimpses of the Carmel River. The Lupine Loop section is particularly known for its abundant wildflowers, making spring an especially vibrant time to visit this scenic route.

This easy 4.1-mile (6.6 km) hike involves about 669 feet (204 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes just under two hours to complete. The park's main parking area provides a visitor center with restrooms and maps, making planning straightforward. While generally accessible, some sections, especially in Maple Canyon, include steeper grades and stairs, so sturdy footwear is recommended.

What truly sets this trail apart is its incredible biodiversity and family-friendly nature, showcasing over 350 varieties of wildflowers in the spring. It's a fantastic option for wildlife viewing, with deer, rabbits, and various bird species often spotted. The loop integrates several trails within the park, offering a peaceful escape into nature that feels both rewarding and manageable for a wide range of hikers.

Hike the moderate 6.0-mile Sage, Sky, Garzas Canyon, Mesa, Waterfall, Sycamore, Lupine Loop in Garland Ranch Regional Park, featuring divers

Hike the difficult 12.2-mile Snivley's Ridge Trail in Garland Ranch Regional Park for panoramic views of Carmel Valley and the Pacific Ocean