Los Flores Ranch Park, Santa Maria

Los Flores Ranch Park (LFRP) is nestled in the Solomon Hills, just south of Santa Maria, and has 1,774 acres of rolling landscape; eight miles of simple to challenging trails through mature oak trees, grass filled valleys, and seasonal wetlands. Equestrians, cyclists, and hikers are able to take a quiet stroll or a bracing ride through the varied terrain while viewing an abundance of flora of chaparral, wild flowers, and shady oak trees, wild pigs, cattle, jackrabbits, and an occasional bobcat also inhabit the park, and panoramic vistas from the hills to the sea are extravagant. LFRP is the only park in the area that has access and trails for these kind of varied uses. Come take a tour with one of our over 30 regularly scheduled volunteer docents.

The City of Santa Maria’s Recreation and Parks Department has made great strides during the inaugural year in the development of Los Flores Ranch Park (LFRP) to achieve the goal of reaching and attracting 4,000 visits. Traditional and creative marketing efforts were utilized to reach the milestone; a remarkable feat for a park that is only open on weekends. Marketing efforts include: Volunteers and staff distribution of brochures, speaking to recreational cycling, equestrian, youth and other groups, creating a television commercial, and building and maintaining a website (http://www.ci.santa-maria.ca.us/LosFloresRanchPark.shtml). The City also keeps the community informed of current activities and events, etc. utilizing a social media website (Facebook).

Although open space is very important, conservation is also a main priority at LFRP; over 500 oak trees have been grown from seed in LFRP’s nursery and planted by community groups dedicating thousands of hours of service. Eagle Scouts have achieved their Eagle by restoring natural grasses to LFRP wetlands and constructing informational kiosks to welcome guests as they enter the park. Church groups, high school clubs, and volunteer groups have contributed in the development of a protected picnic grove amongst eucalyptus trees, and educational venue within a natural amphitheatre. Docents, schools, riding, hiking, and community service groups frequently volunteer for erosion control, trail building, and trail maintenance at LFRP.

LFRP continues its growth in 2011 with the implementation of one new trail and currently making progress on a 2-mile looped trail. Los Flores Ranch Park has grown to be the premiere location for public trail use on California’s central coast.

Equestrians please use the 101 freeway entrance-off ramp 161. Please call the visitors center to allow time for the gate to be unlocked for entry. 805-938-7618.

It couldn't be easier to arrange your visit to Los Flores Ranch Park and many more Santa Maria attractions: make an itinerary online using Inspirock's Santa Maria road trip planner.
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