Tularcitos Ranch at about milepost 18.5 on Carmel Valley Road is known for its accessible roadside riparian habitat as Tularcitos Creek runs along the south side of the road.  A characteristic long white fence runs along the north side of the road from just past milepost 18 and goes for a half-mile or so. There are dirt pull-outs just before the white fence (at the spot shown above) and near the end of the fence. The Hotspot continues for another half-mile or so as the road becomes curvy but continues to follow the creek -- alas, that latter half-mile has no easy pull-outs, so one must walk along the road's edge from other parking.

Be cautious here as Carmel Valley Road is a busy road, especially on weekends and holidays, the traffic moves fast. All the property -- including Tularicitos Ranch -- is private property and not accessible.  The map shows a pond at the west end of the Ranch but away from the road. Sometimes Canada Geese or ducks can be seen in flight, but the pond itself is now viewable from the road.

This is primarily a birding stop during spring and early summer for riparian breeders and migrants along Tularcitos Creek, along the south side of the road. Breeders including Pacific-slope and Ash-throated Flycatcher, Warbling Vireo, Wilson's and Yellow Warblers, and Purple Finch. In some years, this is a very good site for Lawrence's Goldfinch along the creek. Where the creek continues just east of the ranch, in the 'curvy' stretch of road with more difficult access, MacGillivray's Warbler has bred in some summers.