This trip must be planned in advance because a permit is required. See the second link (above) for online instructions and form to sign up for an entry permit. With permit in hand, and the gate unlocked with the combo on your permit, walk the access road which gently slopes up to the Hacienda. You are inside an oak savanna woodland. Later the trail opens up where there are palm trees, pines, and cactus around the Hacienda. The eroded cliff sides are close enough to view from the trail. Return on the road downhill and take the Avalon Flats Trail into the field. Be careful crossing if the creek is running. Wildflowers are abundant here in spring, and especially so after a very wet winter.

eBirders should note the relationship between Marks Ranch (Big Sur Land Trust, permit access) and Toro County Park. These are separate Hotspots; please end one checklist and begin another if and when you cross the boundary between these two Hotspots.

In the early spring, birds that nest in the oak savanna woodland are singing for territory. Expect to hear multiple House Wren, Oak Titmouse, Orange-crowned Warbler, and Purple Finch among many other species.

See history of this site in first link, by Big Sur Land Trust, above