Opening of the South Bank Trail in Carmel Valley
The new South Bank Trail between Quail Lodge and Palo Corona Regional Park marks significant progress in the Land Trust’s continuing plan to help create a network of linked trails connecting communities and natural areas in Carmel and Carmel Valley. But the trail also stands alone as a magical experience that can be easily enjoyed by everyone. The 1.5-mile trail begins at the intersection of Rancho San Carlos Road and Valley Greens Drive in Carmel Valley, heading west on an existing paved private farm road that travels between pastures and wild hillsides. The newly-built portion of the trail meanders off the paved road, past native vegetation and alongside a beautiful overlook of the Carmel River. The scenic trail continues west, moving between a cattle ranch on one side and the Rancho Cañada Golf Course on the other, until it reaches the boundary of Palo Corona, where visitors may continue to explore the magnificent landscapes at the mouth of the Valley.
The trail is the result of a commitment to partnership and community collaboration. The Land Trust secured a grant from the California Resources Agency River Parkways Program to fund construction of the public trail. The Land Trust also collaborated with the County of Monterey, which secured a grant to design the trail. Quail Lodge, Inc. donated an easement on the paved farm road portion of the trail to allow for public access from Rancho San Carlos Road. A small parking lot has been constructed on Rancho San Carlos Road, with a short path leading from the parking lot to the South Bank trailhead. Other trail amenities include two benches, one situated with a view of the river, the other located at the west end of the trail. A new gate entrance on the farm road has been framed with Carmel Stone donated by the Santa Lucia Conservancy.
The new portion of the trail was constructed with GraniteCrete, a sand-colored, permeable, environmentally-sustainable product containing no petroleum products. GraniteCrete was developed by Geoff Smith, a local landscaper, and the path was constructed by local workers. This section of the trail has been landscaped and seeded with native grasses, and over 100 native willows, sycamores, and cottonwoods will be planted alongside the trail.
Bicycles are allowed on the South Bank Trail; a bike rack is provided for visitors who wish to continue through the west gate into Palo Corona, where bicycles are not allowed. While no permit is required to use the South Bank Trail, a day-use permit is required to enter Palo Corona Regional Park. The public may obtain a permit from the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District (call 831-372-3196, or go to their website). The Park District and The Big Sur Land Trust collaborated earlier this year on road and trail improvements at the park, installing over 4 miles of new trails on the front portion of the ranch. The South Bank Trail links up with these trails.
“We see these trail projects as a means to connect generations of local residents and area visitors with the Carmel River and some of our most unique and beautiful landscapes,” says Bill Leahy, Executive Director of The Big Sur Land Trust. “We hope these connections will inspire a new story for the river and its future, one that fosters a renaissance of community pride and caring for this special place. The South Bank Trail builds upon our collaboration with the community, local businesses, private landowners and local and state agencies to create a world-class system of trails and protected lands—what we are calling Experience Carmel River—that can be enjoyed and appreciated by all members of our communities for generations to come.”
You can help support a world-class system of trails and protected lands in Carmel Valley.
