This trail-oriented Hotspot takes one through a wide variety of habitats, providing opportunities to observe birds of oak woodlands, meadow, and chaparral. The mixed oak woodland is usually heavily shaded with Coastal Live Oak, California Buckeye, Bay Laurel, with an understory of omnipresent Poison Oak.

Terrace Trail is about 1 mile in length and ascends 300-400 feet. It ends at the East Ridge Trail where a nice bench overlooks the Redwood Canyon. It is decidedly a "hikers' trail" with some steep climbs, switchbacks, and intimidating drop-offs. You can descend to the Redwood Canyon Trail via the East Ridge Trail, or use the East Ridge Trail to descend into Garzas Canyon, or ascend the ridge. There is a vernal pool is at the intersection of East Ridge and Veeder trails. Descend on Veeder Trail for a loop back to Terrace Trail.  

Resident birds of the mixed woodland include Oak Titmouse, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, and woodpeckers; summer breeders include Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Orange-crowned Warbler, Purple Finch, and Black-headed Grosbeak. Sparrow flocks appear in winter. The trail overlooks the canyon at various places, so chaparral birds and hawks may be present. Owls reside in the Redwood Canyon and may be heard from here at dusk.

The Terrace Trail begins on East Garzas Road, which is parallel to Carmel Valley Road and accessed via the short Boronda Road. Boronda narrows to a one-way bridge over the Carmel River. Immediately turn left on East Garzas Road, and look for parking on the right (south) side of the road near the trailhead (shown in a photo in the series above). Be considerate of the houses opposite the park -- please do not turn around in driveways. The hike begins as a wide trail that accepts equestrians, through oak woodland until it begins to ascend into the foothills; shortly thereafter an intersection is reached with a large sign and map. Take the Garzas Creek trail uphill to the right for 0.3 mile, which includes steep and slippery bits, to reach Terrace Trail. Here, a stile excludes horses (photo in series above). This begins the formal Terrace Trail. The open hillside a short distance after this intersection as filled with wildflowers in the spring and summer, including Pink Honeysuckle, Elegant and Lewis’ Clarkias, and Marisposa Lily. Chaparral species line the trail edges within that habitat. 

Garland Regional Park is open dawn to dusk. The park is multi-use and dog-friendly. The Terrace Trail is restricted to walkers -- bikes and equestrians are not allowed. Birdability: none of the trails are rated ADA -- several stretches are narrow, or steep and winding.

Garland Ranch trail map 

Garland Ranch Regional Park contains over 3400 acres that were formerly a ranch. The park is now owned and administered by the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District. The main entrance at 700 West Carmel Valley Road has a very large parking lot with a walk to a Visitor Center and restroom facilities. A vehicle bridge (for official vehicles only) crosses the Carmel River and is available to pedestrians and cyclists year-round. A small footbridge crosses the river during the summer and fall when the water level is low. The park has a variety of habitats including riparian, meadow, mixed oak woodland, and redwood canyon. The park is multi-use: birders will share the trails with hikers, equestrians, and is dog-friendly (defined as "on leash or within direct voice control;" some park users will stretch this definition). Bicycling is only allowed in a small portion of the park.

The main units of Garland Ranch Regional Park are open dawn to dusk. There are a variety of entrances and various eBird Hotspots, including a "general" Hotspot and a variety of sub-locations that generally feature specific trails. [The is also a stand-alone Hotspot for the newly-acquired, permit-only Kahn Ranch unit.] Elevations with the primary Garland Ranch Regional Park vary from 200 to 2000 feet [60--600m] elevation. The park stretches from the banks of the Carmel River southwards into the Santa Lucia Mountains foothills. Garzas Creek bisects the Park, often flowing through densely wooded habitats.