Near Notleys Landing, Dog Owners Must Use Garrapata’s Gate 19 Beach Access

NOTLEYS LANDING, Monterey County — October 30, 2026. Visitors to the Big Sur coastline near Notleys Landing may see Garrapata State Park’s wide coastal views and assume any open trail can be used for a walk with a dog. California State Parks says the opposite: its pet rule is extremely specific. Leashed dogs are allowed only on the beach reached through Gate 19, near the south end of Garrapata, and the trails that lead to that beach.

Where the pet-friendly section actually is

On its current Garrapata State Park visitor page, the state specifies Gate 19 as the permitted dog-access route. The agency’s separate statewide dog policy directory repeats the same limit. That is a narrower rule than simply saying “dogs are allowed at Garrapata.” A leash is required even on the permitted path and beach section; the restriction is based on the particular part of the park.

What about the coastal bluff paths or Soberanes Canyon?

Dogs are not allowed elsewhere in Garrapata State Park. The state explicitly includes the Soberanes Canyon Trail area, east of Highway 1, among the locations where pets cannot accompany their owners. The Soberanes Canyon Trail is currently available as an approximately 1.25-mile out-and-back route, while the Rocky Ridge segment remains closed for hazards. A trail’s being open to hikers does not override the separate pet restriction.

Garrapata’s landscape is home to marine and coastal wildlife, and the state explains that habitat protection is among the reasons for its strict rules. Owners looking for a broad dog-friendly beach should not assume a viewpoint parking pullout, privately owned coastal area or any beach south of Carmel is open to pets.

Parking and coastal safety

State Parks identifies Garrapata’s general location as Highway 1 approximately 6.7 miles south of Rio Road in Carmel. It strongly cautions visitors to use care when parking alongside this narrow coastal highway and crossing to trailheads. Do not stop in a travel lane, block driveways or walk a dog across the highway where visibility is poor. Park hours are 8 a.m. to sunset, subject to posted temporary restrictions.

What this means for the Notleys Landing area

Notleys Landing is a historic coastal locality rather than a city-operated park, and a nearby scenic headland should not be presumed to offer unrestricted public access. The Gate 19 information is a service guide for nearby public park facilities; it does not claim that there is a public dog trail directly on the historic Notleys Landing property. For last-minute trail or road information, consult the state park page and Caltrans QuickMap.

For verified coastal access notices or corrections, contact california58com@gmail.com and follow Notleys Landing News.

Sources: California State Parks, Garrapata visitor and trail rules and California State Parks pet policy directory, checked October 30, 2026. This article is a service report, not an announcement of a new opening or newly adopted regulation.

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Near Notleys Landing, Dog Owners Must Use Garrapata’s Gate 19 Beach Access — Not the Soberanes Trails