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PLEASE NOTE: This park is not yet open to the public. This park has not been officially named.
Project Site/Description
Cowell Ranch/John Marsh encompasses 3,659 acres of natural habitat, wildlife, and unique cultural features, including the historic John Marsh Home. John Marsh lived on the property from 1837 to 1856. He was the first American Citizen to settle in what today is Contra Costa County. He was a medical doctor and developed Rancho Los Meganos as a large cattle ranch. The John Marsh Home when completed in 1856 was considered the "finest ranch home in California". Through the efforts of concerned citizens as well as the Trust for Public Land and other entities, Cowell Ranch/John Marsh is one of California's newest state parks, although currently not open to the public.
Cowell Ranch/John Marsh encompasses 3,659 acres of natural habitat, wildlife, and unique cultural features, including the historic John Marsh Home. John Marsh lived on the property from 1837 to 1856. He was the first American Citizen to settle in what today is Contra Costa County. He was a medical doctor and developed Rancho Los Meganos as a large cattle ranch. The John Marsh Home when completed in 1856 was considered the "finest ranch home in California". Through the efforts of concerned citizens as well as the Trust for Public Land and other entities, Cowell Ranch/John Marsh is one of California's newest state parks, although currently not open to the public.
Partners in Park Planning
In a collaborative partnership, California State Parks and the City of Brentwood Parks and Recreation Department are participating in a joint planning process to plan the future development of Cowell Ranch/John Marsh. Working together with the community, this planning process will create a vision for the future; provide recommendations for the future of the historic John Marsh House, public recreation access, and natural resource management as well as guidelines for implementation of a long term vision for the Park so it can be enjoyed for years to come.
For planning information, visit the official web page for this park and click the General Planning Information Related link.
Be the first to add a trip in this destination!In a collaborative partnership, California State Parks and the City of Brentwood Parks and Recreation Department are participating in a joint planning process to plan the future development of Cowell Ranch/John Marsh. Working together with the community, this planning process will create a vision for the future; provide recommendations for the future of the historic John Marsh House, public recreation access, and natural resource management as well as guidelines for implementation of a long term vision for the Park so it can be enjoyed for years to come.
For planning information, visit the official web page for this park and click the General Planning Information Related link.
Nearby Community Trips
8-mile hike (almost), and a figure 8. The Round Valley EBRPD map does not show the Murphy Meadow Trail connecting to the Miwok Trail, but it does. This is a great route to explore the highs and lows of Round Valley. There is a great view from the crest of the Hardy Canyon Trail, over to Mt. Diablo. I have spent many mornings watching the sun rise from there, and many evenings watching...
Outing of the East Bay Casual Hikers. We started at the trailhead on Marsh Creek Rd. and ascended the Hardy Trail. After a snack and scenic view stop at the summit, we descended and then took the Miwok trail back to the trailhead.
