Buckeye Trail – Waterfall Trail loop from Carmel Valley Rd / Garland Ranch
Buckeye Trail – Waterfall Trail loop from Carmel Valley Rd / Garland Ranch
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hikers
Buckeye Trail – Waterfall Trail loop from Carmel Valley Rd / Garland Ranch
01:18
4.71km
80m
Hiking
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: May 18, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
777 m
Buckeye Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
1.56 km
Rumsen Grinding Rock
Archaeological Site
1.95 km
Waterfall Trail
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
3.21 km
Wooden Bridge in Garland Ranch Regional Park
Highlight • Bridge
Tip by
4.71 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
3.41 km
1.26 km
< 100 m
Surfaces
2.93 km
1.66 km
124 m
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Elevation
Highest point (110 m)
Lowest point (50 m)
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Weather
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Today
Saturday 27 June
19°C
11°C
27 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 17.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for an easy, rewarding hike in Garland Ranch Regional Park, the Buckeye Trail – Waterfall Trail loop from Carmel Valley Rd / Garland Ranch is a fantastic choice. This easy hiking route covers 2.9 miles (4.7 km) with a gentle 269 feet (82 metres) of elevation gain, taking about 1 hour and 17 minutes to complete. It's perfect for families, dog owners, or anyone wanting a quick, scenic escape without a strenuous climb, making it one of the most popular trails in the area.
What to expect on Buckeye Trail – Waterfall Trail loop from Carmel Valley Rd / Garland Ranch
Expect a varied path that transitions from easily accessible sections of the Buckeye Trail, known for its mystic-looking Buckeye trees and interpretive signs, to the more dynamic Waterfall Trail. This section leads you into a vibrant green moss-covered canyon, where you might spot a seasonal waterfall after good rain, making it one of the best waterfall hikes in Carmel Valley. While the Buckeye Trail portion is quite mellow, the Waterfall Trail does involve some ascents and descents with dirt steps, so sturdy shoes are a good idea. This loop offers a great mix of terrain and scenery for a relatively short outing.
Planning your visit
Garland Ranch Regional Park is very dog-friendly, allowing off-leash dogs under voice command on many trails, including parts of this loop. You'll even find specially designed water fountains for both hikers and their pets. The park has a visitor's center where you can find maps and information. Parking is available, but it's always wise to arrive earlier on busy days to secure a spot.
Trail details
- Distance: 2.9 miles (4.7 km)
- Elevation gain: 269 feet (82 metres)
- Difficulty: easy
- Estimated time: 1 hours and 17 minutes
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