Garzas Canyon → Terrace Loop (Garland Ranch)

TRAIL OVERVIEW: Garzas Canyon → Terrace Loop at Garland Ranch in Carmel Valley

Tread through rocky creek, shady redwood canyon, and enjoy views from sunny chaparral mountain sides. In the fall, enjoy the colorful Big Leaf maples shedding their leafs for the winter.

Ecosystems: Riparian corridor (creek), Redwood ravine, mixed evergreen forest, oak woodland, chaparral.

Seasonal bridges removed Nov thru Apr. Although we went at the end of Oct and the foot bridges had already been removed.
Wear hiking boots or trail running shoes – some section are steep and slippery.
There is NO restroom! Look for a restroom in Carmel Valley Village before the hike, if needed.

Distance: ~4 miles
Elevation: 655 ft
Difficulty: moderate
Hiking Buddies: husband
Would you do it again? Yes, I’d like to go again when there is more water in the creek.
Best for athletic older kids up to fit elders.
Dogs allowed? Yes, off leash if under immediate voice command.

How to Hike the Garzas Canyon → Terrace Loop

👣 Step-by-Step Route Description

Trailhead — Park along East Garzas Rd. Start on Garzas Canyon Trail.
Terrace & Garzas Canyon trail junction — You’ll return here. Continue down-canyon to Garzas Creek.
Redwood Canyon & Garzas Canyon trail junction — Keep to the left to continue onto Redwood Canyon.
East Ridge & Redwood Canyon trail junction — Keep left on the East Ridge trail.
East Ridge trail junction — Keep left towards Terrace trail junction.
East Ridge & Terrace trail junction — Keep right on Terrace trail.
Back to Terrace & Garzas Canyon trail junction — Keep right towards trailhead.

🌸 Flora & Fauna Highlights to See 👀

Fall: Big Leaf maple colors, Toyon berries, Madrone berries, migrating warblers.
Winter: Rough-skinned newts, Pacific tree frogs, Mosses & Sword ferns, Bay Laurel blooms.
Spring: California poppies, Lupine, Blue-eyed grass, Redwood sorrel, hummingbirds.
Summer: Sticky Monkeyflower, California buckwheat, hummingbirds, blue-bellied lizards.
Year-round: Coast live oak, redwoods, madrone, Acorn woodpeckers.

Big Leaf Maple leaf
Pink Honeysuckle berries
Pacific Poison Oak
Silver Lupine
California Buckwheat
California Buckeye Fruit
California Buckeye – bare with fruit
California Polypody – growing on rock

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Trailhead sign with all the good info…

Garzas Canyon terrace loop trailhead sign

Pass the Terrace & Garzas Canyon trail junction, keep to left down to the creek. (You’ll return here to this junction via the Terrace trail.)

Garzas Canyon and Terrace trail junction

First creek crossing with permanent bridge. There’s a path on the left to go down to the creek.

Permanent footbridge bridge at Garzas Creek

Second creek crossing, with no bridge.

Redwood Canyon trail (to the left) and Garzas Canyon trail (to the right). Stay to the left down to the redwood canyon. (The Garzas Canyon trail would take you to the trails accessible from the main Garland Ranch entrance off of Carmel Valley Road.)

Redwood Canyon and Garzas Canyon trail junction

The 2nd permanent footbridge and some Big Leaf maple color.

East Ridge & Redwood Canyon trail junction. Keep to the left to continue on East Ridge trail. Some steep sections ahead.

East Ridge and Redwood Canyon trail junction

Another creek crossing. There’s barely any water in the creek. Watch your footing!

Walk long the Big Leaf maple leaf littered trail to the next creek crossing.

Continue through the redwood canyon, passing two footbridges and a bench on which to rest.

Keep to the left at East Ridge trail junction (both directions are East Ridge trail). Enjoy the view!

East Ridge & Terrace trail junction. Keep to the right onto Terrace trail. There is a bench right before this junction with great views that is the perfect spot to rest after the climb. No picture because people were enjoying it.