BLOMQUIST OPEN SPACE
PRESERVE
Map to
Blomquist Open Space Preserve
Andrius Blomquist was born in Sweden in 1846 and emigrated to the United States in 1867 to start a new life. He eventually settled in upper Carmel Valley in 1885 and acquired a large section of land (nearly 8000 acres) from Rancho Tularcitos.
After a long and colorful life, Ben died in early 1978 at the age of 93. As the remote and rural character of Carmel Valley changed, he realized the value of open space and did not want to see his beloved ranchlands subdivided into building lots as was happening to other ranches in the lower valley.
That day came for his last will and testament to become reality when his estate gifted the 640 acre ranchlands to the District in 1982. To honor Ben’s 93 years in Carmel Valley and his visionary conservationist ethic, the District named the old ranch the Blomquist Open Space. Adjacent to the new open space, and still remaining at the time, were another 7000 acres of the original Blomquist Ranch.
The rancho lands of Andrius and Ben and the Blomquist name are, and will continue to be, two of the most enduring and historical names in Carmel Valley.
Regulations:
RESERVATIONS: Access to Blomquist Open Space requires a District permit.
HOURS: Access is limited to daylight hours from sunrise to sunset.
PETS: Domestic animals are not allowed.
TRAILS: Access to Blomquist Open Space is along a 3.5 mile easement and is
limited to hiking only. Travel off this road is trespass and is prohibited. There are no official trails at Blomquist at this time.
FIRE/SMOKING: Fires, incendiary devices, any source of open flame, and smoking are forbidden.
RESOURCES: It is unlawful to injure, damage, collect, harass, remove, or disturb any cultural, historical, biological, or physical object. Metal detectors, and other collecting tools are prohibited.
HUNTING-FISHING-WEAPONS: Hunting, fishing, and weapons of any type are not allowed.
FOOD: Food and beverages are allowed. However, their are no waste receptacles on the trails. Please pack out all you pack in.
TRESPASS: For the benefit of all, obey and respect all private property, boundary, and closure signs.
CLOSURE: Access may be temporarily closed due to wildlife, fire, public safety, resource protection, or other environmental concern.
Note: The entrance to Blomquist Open Space Preserve is located on the North side of Carmel Valley Road approximately 23 miles east of Hwy 1. Access to Blomquist Open Space requires a District permit. Also, a combination lock secures the gate at the trailhead. The combination to the lock will be given when a permit is issued.
The 3.5 mile easement through a private ranch provides access to the Blomquist Preserve. The access permit allows users to gain entry to Blomquist via this easement. The access permit does not allow users to access the private property that surround the easement. Please stay on the access trail at all times. Obey all posted signs and do not trespass on private property.