MPRPD is recruiting for an Environmental Education Specialist to coordinate our youth camp programs.  This is a temporary, seasonal position.  Click here to read more about it.

Palo Corona Regional Park Visitors:

The County of Monterey has given the MPRPD an interim permit that allows 13 permit holders (one permit per vehicle) access to designated areas of Palo Corona. These limitations will continue until extensive natural
resource studies are completed, safe trails are constructed and expanded parking can be provided.

Please know that the MPRPD is  working diligently to complete all required studies necessary to open the entire park. We will, however, use this period to construct new trails where needed.

The permit process will remain in effect until we obtain sufficient parking facilities for all whose who wish to use the park.

Questions? Call Tim Jensen at 372-3196 x2, or email him at tjensen@mprpd.org.

Access Permit Applications are Processed Via the MPRPD Website and Telephone from Monday thru Friday, 8:30 am until 4:30 pm.  
Applications are processed on a first in, first out basis.  It is recommended that applications be submitted at least 48 hours prior to the requested visit date.  If you wish to attempt to make a "late" request for a weekend visit, you must call the on-duty Ranger to make arrangements.  To contact the Weekend Ranger on-duty dial 659.4488, then select option 5 to obtain the telephone number to call in order to reach or leave a message for the on-duty Ranger.  Please note that due to staffing limitations, the District cannot guarantee that "late" requests will be processed in time.

Access to Kahn Ranch via Hitchcock Road is Opened for Limited Public Use.
Kahn Ranch is open daily.  Due to parking limitations, public access to the Kahn Ranch via Hitchcock Canyon Rd. is restricted to 10 vehicles per day.  Please note that all vehicles parked in the Kahn Ranch parking area must display a valid permit.  Vehicles without valid permits may be towed at owners' expense.  Access permits may be obtained on-line by completing the Access Permit Application, or by calling  372-3196 ext. 108, Monday through Friday.  It is strongly encouraged to apply for a permit at least 48 hours in advance.  "Last-minute" or late  applications submitted on weekends may not be processed in time due to staffing limitations.

Directions to Kahn Ranch (please drive slowly and safely through the neighborhood):
From Hwy 1, go east on Carmel Valley Rd. for 11.8 miles to Esquiline Rd. Turn right on Esquiline Rd., go .6 miles. Turn right on Southbank Rd., go .8 miles. Go left at Hitchcock Rd., go .6 miles to Kahn Ranch entrance & parking area.  Note: Esquiline Rd. is 2.2 miles east of Laureles Grade.

MPRPD has opened Palo Corona Regional Park and Mill Creek Redwood Preserve for limited public access.

A maximum of 13 access permits per day will be issued for Palo Corona Regional Park. A maximum of 8 permits per day will be issued for Mill Creek Redwood Preserve. Only hiking is permitted at this time. No dogs or pets are permitted. Access permits may be obtained on-line by completing the Access Permit Application, or by calling  372-3196 ext. 108, Monday through Friday.  It is strongly encouraged to apply for a permit at least 48 hours in advance. 

The Blomquist Preserve is currently closed to public access until May 20, 2008. Due to impacts on the neighboring ranch and its operations, bicycle or equestrian use is no longer permitted at Blomquist. 

When access permits are available, the access permit allows travel along the easement only.  The permit does not give permission to encroach or trespass onto the private property adjacent to the access trail or the Blomquist Preserve.  We ask that all who visit the Blomquist Preserve help us to be good neighbors and to respect all private property.  Violators will be prosecuted and loss of access privileges may result. Permit holders must keep a copy of the access permit with them when visiting Blomquist.

Click on Blomquist Permit Conditions to view the list of conditions that must be followed when visiting the Blomquist Preserve.

As part of our public education program and for public safety, some basic facts about mountain lions are provided.  Check out this link for some do's and don'ts in the unlikely event that one is encountered on the trails.  Although mountain lion sightings are a rarity, much of the Monterey Peninsula/Carmel Valley/Big Sur area is prime mountain lion habitat.