Mission Trail Nature Preserve
A 33-acre nature preserve with 5 miles of trails through pine and redwood forests, perfect for leisurely walks and dog adventures.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds
Mission Trail Nature Preserve
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 33-acre nature preserve with 5 miles of trails through pine and redwood forests, perfect for leisurely walks and dog adventures.
"It's the perfect early morning walk just to walk some kind of trail. "
🚗 Parking Strategy
Park across from Carmel Mission Basilica Museum for easiest access. :car:
🌿 Poison Oak Alert
Stay on main paths to avoid poison oak. Watch pets closely! :herb:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Redwood Grove
Within the preserve
Wander through a serene grove of towering redwood trees, offering a peaceful escape and a touch of coastal forest magic.
Native Plant Arboretum
Various sections
Discover a diverse collection of local flora, with many species identified by placards, showcasing the region's natural beauty.
Coastal Views
Along the trails
Enjoy glimpses of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding Carmel Bay, especially from higher points on the trails.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking Pointers
Watch for Poison Oak
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Strategy
Park across from Carmel Mission Basilica Museum for easiest access. :car:
🌿 Poison Oak Alert
Stay on main paths to avoid poison oak. Watch pets closely! :herb:
Running in Carmel by the Sea
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Dogs are welcome OFF LEASH if well-behaved. :dog:
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Groomed trails with rocks/bark are easy, but wear comfy shoes for inclines. :athletic_shoe:
Mission Trail Park - Parking??
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Strategy
Park across from Carmel Mission Basilica Museum for easiest access. :car:
🌿 Poison Oak Alert
Stay on main paths to avoid poison oak. Watch pets closely! :herb:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Dogs are welcome OFF LEASH if well-behaved. :dog:
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Groomed trails with rocks/bark are easy, but wear comfy shoes for inclines. :athletic_shoe:
🚶♀️ Leisurely Pace
Perfect for a relaxed walk with coffee, not a strenuous hike. :coffee:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Mission Trail Nature Preserve to be a pleasant spot for a relaxed walk, particularly enjoying the redwood grove and native plants. While some find it average for rigorous hiking, its accessibility and dog-friendly nature are major draws. Be mindful of poison oak and parking challenges.
"Tasting this park kind of depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for a leisurely stroll in the morning that takes maybe 15 to 20 minutes and it’s not very hilly then this is your place and you’re eating it high. If you’re looking for something a little more rigorous with hills sand stuff to look at then it’s more average. I guess the cool part is it’s in the middle of residential area. The path is not paved, but it’s groomed with rocks and bark so it’s a pretty easy walk. The kind of “hike“ you can stroll with a cup of coffee."
G Lee
"We’ve walked on a lot of trails from the northeast down to Texas and this trail is one of the prettier we’ve been on. One big thing to note off the bat is the weather and temperature here make this a very easy hike from a heat standpoint. That being said, do not dress to be warm. There’s plenty of uphill trekking to do and we made that mistake and came out of it a bit sweaty. The trail itself is not very accessible unless you have either a car or you’re staying nearby since there are no real sidewalks in the area. There are multiple different trails within the park and we walked two out of the three with ease.
This is both a very dog friendly and foliage heavy park. I say this to warn you that there is A LOT of poison oak on this trail so make sure to watch your step and keep your dog closeby if they’re the kind that likes to eat plants or go up to the greenery. Outside of that the park and trails are beautiful, a lot of different flowers and plants all throughout; some even have placards saying which species they are. The floor is pretty even so there’s no slip risk really, nor are there parts that are difficult to cross. As mentioned before, the hardest part of the trail is the uphill portion but even that is not very difficult, especially if you’re used to hiking or walking trails. One big plus throughout the trail and park are the garbage cans, which become very useful when you have a dog who chooses to relieve itself or even if you just have something you want to toss. These are mostly out and back trails that don’t have a true peak or lookout so take your time and don’t feel committed to seeing the whole thing through since there’s not really a “thing” to see.
All in all this is a very enjoyable park and trail, great for the casual walker or someone who wants to get some energy out of their pets. It is a beautiful trail with gorgeous plants, again just be careful of the poison oak. Outside of that, it quite honestly is the perfect early morning walk just to walk some kind of trail. We wouldn’t say it’s something you need to drive out of your way to do, it’s more something to go to if you’re close to the park and feel like getting some greenery and extra steps in."
Amber Lee
"Took awhile to figure out where to park but once we did (across from the Carmel Mission on the shoulder), enjoyed strolling around the park."
Beth Riggs
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most recommended parking spot is on the street shoulder across from the Carmel Mission Basilica Museum. If this area is full, you can find parking on nearby residential streets.
Public transport options are limited. It's best accessed by car or if you are staying in the immediate vicinity, as there are no dedicated sidewalks leading to the preserve.
The easiest access point with the flattest ground is at the southern end, directly across from the Carmel Mission Basilica.
There are no entrance fees for Mission Trail Nature Preserve, making it a free and accessible natural space.
Maps are available, but the main 'blue trail' is wide and graded for easy walking. For more adventurous exploration, be mindful of narrower paths and potential poison oak.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Mission Trail Nature Preserve is a public park and does not require any tickets or admission fees for entry.
The preserve is generally open from dawn to dusk, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural beauty throughout the day. Specific hours can vary, so checking local listings is advised.
Yes, dogs are very welcome and are allowed OFF LEASH, provided they are well-behaved and respond to commands. This is a popular spot for dog walkers.
The main trails, like the blue trail, are wide and graded, making them suitable for strollers. However, narrower, unpaved paths may be challenging for wheelchairs or those with mobility issues.
Restroom facilities may be limited within the preserve itself. It's advisable to use facilities at nearby locations like the Carmel Mission Basilica Museum before your visit.
🎫 🌿 Nature & Wildlife
You can explore a beautiful redwood grove, offering a chance to see these majestic trees up close. The preserve also features various native pines and other coastal vegetation.
Yes, there is a significant amount of poison oak present, particularly on the narrower trails. It's crucial to be aware of your surroundings and avoid contact.
The preserve is home to abundant sea life in the nearby bay and various bird species. Keep an eye out for local fauna as you explore the trails.
The trails are generally unpaved, groomed with rocks and bark, making for an easy walking surface. Some narrower trails are more natural.
Yes, many of the native plants are identified with placards, allowing you to learn about the local flora as you walk.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The redwood grove offers dramatic shots, while the native plant arboretum provides opportunities for close-ups of flowers and foliage. Coastal views are also picturesque.
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light, ideal for capturing the natural beauty. The golden hour can create stunning scenes.
Yes, but always observe wildlife from a distance and avoid disturbing them. Use a zoom lens for close-up shots of birds or other animals.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage might require permits, so check with local authorities if planning extensive shoots.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is good for landscapes and plants. A telephoto lens is useful for wildlife. Consider a wide-angle for the redwoods.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
This preserve is also very dog-friendly, so if you have a well-behaved canine companion, they can join in on the fun. The off-leash policy means dogs can run freely, which is a big plus for many families.
🚶♀️ Casual Walkers & Coffee Strollers
The preserve's location within a residential area makes it easily accessible for a quick nature escape.
🐶 Dog Owners
The availability of trash cans makes it easy to clean up after your pet. Be aware that due to the off-leash policy, you may encounter other dogs. While most are friendly, it's wise to be prepared for interactions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trails
While the main paths are easy to traverse, some of the narrower trails can be challenging due to uneven terrain and the presence of poison oak.
Flora and Fauna Encounters
While the plant life is a major draw, be mindful of the abundant poison oak, especially on less-trafficked trails.
It's a great place for nature observation, but always remember to observe animals from a respectful distance to ensure their well-being and your safety. The presence of garbage cans throughout the park is a convenient feature for maintaining cleanliness. Dog-Friendly Paradise
However, this off-leash policy means that visitors should be prepared for interactions with other dogs. While most visitors are respectful, there have been reports of conflicts arising from differing expectations about dog behavior.
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