Rancho Corral de Tierra Comprehensive Site Management Plan
RANCHO CORRAL DE TIERRA
At nearly 4,000 acres, Rancho Corral de Tierra (Rancho) is one of the largest undeveloped sections of land on the San Mateo Peninsula. The unmatched views from Montara Mountain, diverse wildlife, and important watersheds all provide opportunities for the restoration and improvement of its unique landscape. The recent acquisition of Rancho by the National Park Service (NPS) has allowed for more public access to the park but there are still opportunities for improvements of trails, habitats, and access and we need your input!
Horse corrals at Ember Ridge Equestrian Center are one of the amenities on the 40 acre property
Expansive views from Ocean View Farms across Highway 1 to the Pacific Ocean
The abandoned flower fields bring pops of red and orange to the native vegetation
Hike the spline trial to experience the views and landscape of Rancho Corral de Tierra
Moss Beach Ranch is home to 75 horses that are currently being boarded there
Rancho Corral de Tierra features a diverse range of landscape, views, and trails throughout the park
The Vision
The draft vision for Rancho Corral de Tierra builds upon the mission statements of the National Park Service (NPS) and Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA), taking into account its core values while working to incorporate the needs of the community.
Draft Vision for Rancho Corral de Tierra
The vision for Rancho Corral de Tierra is to create a welcoming park that meets the needs of the broad visitor community, preserves and enhances biodiversity, and embraces and communicates the history of the park.
Rancho Corral De Tierra became a National Park in 2011. The parkland has a rich history rooted in the 1839 Mexican Land Grant as well as a complex ecosystem. Today, a portion of the parkland is recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, global biodiversity hot spot.
Learn more about Rancho's history by scrolling through the slideshow below using the arrow on the right!
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Ohlone Tribe
The Ramaytush Ohlones lived in this region for thousands of years, managing its natural bounty for food, medicine, and other resources.
The Ohlone Tribe navigating the pacific in canoes
Land Grants
In 1839, Francisco Guerrero y Palomares and Tiburcio Vasquez were each given a land grant for the property that was collectively called and continued to be known as; Rancho Corral de Tierra.
Early maps laying out the properties on what is now Rancho Corral de Tierra
Gold Rush
During the Gold Rush, Rancho served as a home to many immigrant groups including the Irish, Italian, Chinese and Portuguese, as well as the original Mexican "Californio" people, all of whom came to cultivate the land.
Immigrant groups panning for gold in the waters of Rancho Corral de Tierra
Land Conservation
The Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) works to create a network of connected land where people and nature connect. POST purchased the Rancho land in 2001.
New National Park
Federal legislation to add the ranch to Golden Gate National Recreation Area passed Congress in December 2005. This opened the way for much of the park to be opened to the public. In 2011 the park became part of the GGNRA.
GET TO KNOW RANCHO
Scroll to learn more about the diverse range of places that make up Rancho Corral de Tierra
Rancho Corral de Tierra shares park edges with many different land agencies
Rancho Corral in relation to surrounding parklands and regional recreational trails
Explore the park!
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Ocean View Farms
Ocean View Farms leases approximately 17 acres from National Park Service and houses about 30 horses. The ranch is in the Martini Creek watershed just east of farmland managed by the Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST). The ranch has views of the Pacific Ocean and Pedro Mountain.
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Old San Pedro Mountain Road
Old San Pedro Mountain Road is a popular trail and access road for hiking and mountain biking that connects from Rancho to McNee Ranch State Park.
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Trails
Trails run throughout Rancho with several informal trailheads and connections to the surrounding community.
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Stewardship Work
From coastal terraces to mountain peaks, Rancho's ecosystems support a great diversity of life, including numerous rare
and endangered plants and animals. Stewardship teams conserve and restore natural habitats through science-based management and community volunteer programs.
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Moss Beach Ranch
Moss Beach Ranch leases approximately 56 acres of property from the National Park Service and currently houses around 76 horses on the property. Moss Beach offers public programs throughout the year. The ranch is in the San Vicente Creek Watershed near Ember Ridge.
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Ember Ridge Equestrian Center
The Ember Ridge Equestrian Center leases approximately 33 acres of property from National Park Service and houses around 89 horses. The ranch is in the San Vicente Creek valley above Moss Beach Ranch.
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Hillside Horse Paddocks
The hillsides north of Moss Beach Ranch and Ember Ridge are fenced-in areas where horses are held and exercised.
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Spine Trail
The Spine Trail is a popular hiking trail that features expansive views of the coast and inland peaks.
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Montara Mountain
Rancho Corral de Tierra is home to large areas of less developed areas including Montara Mountain.
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Corral Reef Trails
The trails from Corral Reef Ave are popular access points into Rancho for mountain bikers and hikers.
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Flat Top
Flat Top is mainly a hiking destination that features views of the Pillar Point Naval Station and the Pacific Ocean.
Keep scrolling to learn more about the project and how you can participate!
Site Context
Rancho is one of the largest areas of open space near San Francisco, this area encompasses the majority of an 1839 Mexican Land Grant. The Rancho Corral De Tierra park was transferred to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in 2011.
The park managed by the NPS is approximately 3,900 acres in size and is largely undeveloped. The park encompasses rugged hills with elevations up to approximately 1,800 feet. The terrain is composed of coastal shrub and coastal chaparral habitats. The area’s recreational trail network makes it a popular destination for bicyclists, equestrians, and hikers.
Transect taken through Rancho Corral De Tierra representing the different park zones within the project area
Dense vegetation covers the valley floors of rancho Corral de Tierra
Four equestrian boarding facilities (Moss Beach Ranch, Ember Ridge Equestrian Center, Redtail Ranch, and Ocean View Equestrian Center) with stables, paddocks, and other supporting structures are included within the park. These facilities are operated by private concessionaires, under lease agreements with the NPS.
On the Eastern edges of the park, the largely undisturbed condition of the land provides unique and productive habitat for a diverse array of plant and animal species, including several threatened and endangered species. The source of water for four major coastal watersheds is contained within this park, providing important riparian habitat and a scenic backdrop that visually distinguishes the San Mateo mid-coast region.
Wildlife of Rancho
Mountain Lion
Hickman's Potentilla: An endangered plant found with Rancho Corral de Tierra
Red Legged Frog: An endangered species
Manzanita: Native species within Rancho Corral de Tierra
Snake on the floors of Rancho Corral de Tierra
Rancho is home to a diverse range of species including several threatened and endangered species.
