Enz Construction of Hollister built the recently-opened South
Bank Trail, a 1.5-mile pedestrian and bicycle path located on the
south side of the Carmel River between the area near Quail Lodge in
Carmel Valley and Palo Corona Regional Park.
Enz Construction of Hollister built the recently-opened South Bank Trail, a 1.5-mile pedestrian and bicycle path located on the south side of the Carmel River between the area near Quail Lodge in Carmel Valley and Palo Corona Regional Park.
The Big Sur Land Trust secured a $1.2 million grant from the California Resources Agency River Parkways Program to fund construction of the public trail, which was completed Oct. 6. The Land Trust also collaborated with the County of Monterey, which secured a grant to design the trail.
The trail features both scenic inland and river views and provides an accessible alternative route to Palo Corona Regional Park. It begins at the intersection of Rancho San Carlos Road and Valley Greens Drive in Carmel Valley. The trail starts on an existing paved private farm road and heads west, meandering off road onto a newly built GraniteCrete pathway that includes a view of the Carmel River, native vegetation, and a gentle grade that makes for an easy walk or bike ride. The trail gently climbs onto pasture land where it eventually meets the boundary of Palo Corona Regional Park.
“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,” said 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.”
The Land Trust contracted with Enz Construction to build the trail working with GraniteCrete, a Carmel Valley company that produces a natural, environmentally-friendly trail material similar in look to decomposed granite. The County of Monterey secured local, state and federal grant funding to design the trail and cover permitting costs.
“The South Bank Trail is an integral link of the planned network of trails which showcase the amazing natural resources of the Carmel River and can be enjoyed as users travel from Carmel Valley to our spectacular coastline,” said Dave Potter, Monterey County Supervisor. “I applaud all of the partners who collaborated with The Big Sur Land Trust to bring the South Bank Trail to fruition.”
The South Bank Trail is open to everyone for walking and cycling; horses and horseback riding are not permitted. Dogs are allowed on leash and a dog mitt dispenser is provided on the trail so owners may clean up after their pets.
The South Bank Trail project includes a small parking lot constructed on Rancho San Carlos Road. Up to six cars can be accommodated and a short path has been built 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. The GraniteCrete portion 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. A new gate entrance on the farm road has been framed with Carmel Stone donated by the Santa Lucia Conservancy.
While no permit is required to use the South Bank Trail, a use permit is required to pass through the trail’s west gate into Palo Corona Regional Park. The public may obtain a permit from the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District (call 831-372-3196, or go to www.mprpd.org). The Park District and Big Sur Land Trust collaborated earlier this year on road and trail improvements at the park, installing more than four miles of new trails on the front portion of the ranch. The South Bank Trail connects with that trail system.
Founded in 1978, the mission of The Big Sur Land Trust is to conserve the significant lands and waters of California’s Central Coast for all generations. In collaboration with partners and the community, the Land Trust has protected more than 30,000 acres of land since its inception. For more information, visit www.bigsurlandtrust.org.
