Posted in Northern California July 31, 2017 by

This Garden In California Has Been Kept Behind Locked Gates For 100 Years… Until Now

Just when it was starting to seem like you’ve crossed nearly every outdoor activity off of your California bucket list, a new scenic spot has emerged to the public. A stunning piece of the Golden State that’s been locked away and kept secret for over a century, you won’t believe your eyes once you see the newest area of land that’s been opened up to the public.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Hidden away down a long dirt road and kept behind locked gates is an untouched piece of California that's been recently opened up to the public.
Marcel Holyoak/Flickr
Conservation groups have partnered up and come together to buy a gorgeous piece of land in the lower Carpenter Valley in California. Just north of Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada, the longtime privately owned piece of land was purchased for $10.3 million dollars.
Home to rare plants, threatened birds, gorgeous meadows and a creek, this special area of California is only going to be initially open to the public via guided tours.
Ray Bouknight/Flickr
Because this untouched area of California is so special, those who now own the land are doing all that they can to make sure that this piece of our state is going to be handled with great care going forward. While the land will now be open to the public, for the time being you'll only be able to visit through guided tours. Eventually visitors will be able to hike through the area on foot or by mountain bike once trails, restrooms and a parking area are built. As of right now those features are expected to be available in 2019.
The secluded area can be found less than 10 miles away from Interstate 80, yet provides a relaxing experience that will surround you with the beautiful wilderness, wildlife and peaceful views and sounds.
Conor Lawless/Flickr
Visiting California's unlocked secret garden will steal your breath away. To further ensure that this space remains protected all dogs, horses and motorized vehicles are banned from the area. The land was formerly used as a private retreat for fishermen and will now become a new favorite place for explorers and adventurers. So, how do you feel about this space becoming open to the public?

To get a better look at what awaits you at this secret garden, check out the footage put together by KCRA 3 News!

Do you plan on visiting this newly opened piece of California? To discover other outdoor spaces in the Golden State, click here to check out more beautiful gardens.