A sunny day at Rancho Corral de Tierra

Rancho Corral De Tierra

The latest addition to the Golden Gate national parks, Rancho Corral de Tierra (Rancho) is a 3,858-acre site in San Mateo County with awe-inspiring views, important watersheds, miles of public trails, and diverse wildlife. The property features rolling hills, hidden valleys, and panoramic coastal vistas.

Rancho is one of the largest undeveloped parcels of land on the San Mateo peninsula. Once planned for development, this land is now protected as part of our nation’s natural legacy.

The process of transforming the property into a park is only just beginning. As the National Park Service assumes management at Rancho, the Parks Conservancy will be working with the community, California State Parks, and San Mateo County Parks to improve trails, trailheads, and trail connections.

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Plan Your Visit

Open NowOpen: 24/7
Rancho Corral de Tierra San Mateo County
  • Visitors should be aware that the stables and farms in the area are working operations. Visitors should not enter these properties or approach the animals without permission.
  • The dramatic ascent of Montara Mountain from the sea—2,000 feet in just over 1 mile—is a spectacular sight not duplicated anywhere else in the Golden Gate national parks and in few other places on the California coast.
  • While visiting Rancho, please note that the National Park Service management of the area has just begun. Many of the existing trails are very steep and eroded and may be difficult to traverse until they are repaired or re-routed.
  • For access to Rancho, park at Gray Whale Cove and hike through McNee Ranch State Park. Check back for updates and new access points.
  • In an emergency, call 911 or the National Park Service’s emergency dispatch at (415) 561-5656. Local authorities may respond faster than park rangers.

Historically known as “Rancho Corral de Tierra (Earthen Corral) Palomares,” the property encompasses the majority of the 1839 Mexican Land Grant to Francisco Guerrero y Palomares where he built the first adobe on the San Mateo coast at Denniston Creek.

Events

Find your passion through the many events available at the park.

Hiking and observing nature at Rancho.
Fri, Apr 19 3:00pm-5:00pm
French Trail Trailhead
Events
Sun, Apr 21 9:30am-12:30pm
Farallon Trail
Volunteer
Looking up to see what's up in the trees at Rancho.
Sat, Apr 27 1:00pm-4:00pm
Le Conte Trailhead
Events
Sun, May 19 9:30am-12:30pm
Farallon Trail
Volunteer

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Upcoming Events

Hiking and observing nature at Rancho.
Fri, Apr 19 3:00pm-5:00pm
Rancho Corral de Tierra
Nature/Science, Recreation/Wellness

Tea on the Trails

Share your input with us for planning at Rancho Corral de Tierra!

Sun, Apr 21 9:30am-12:30pm
Rancho Corral de Tierra
Earth Week, Volunteer

Rancho Corral de Tierra Habitat Stewards

Help restore and protect critical natural areas at Rancho Corral de Tierra.

Looking up to see what's up in the trees at Rancho.
Sat, Apr 27 1:00pm-4:00pm
Rancho Corral de Tierra
Birds/Wildlife, City Nature Challenge, Interpretive Walks, Nature/Science, Recreation/Wellness, Roving Ranger

Nature Day: Discover & Explore at Rancho Corral de Tierra

Come out for an afternoon of discovery and exploration of the natural world at Rancho Corral de Tierra!