Spring is best for this trail if youre wanting to see wildflowers in bloom. This is an easy walk along the beach between the sand dunes and the Monterey Bay towards the mouth of Elkhorn Slough. From waterfalls along the Pacific Ocean, redwoods in Big Sur, and rock formations inland, youll find amazing views along every hike in the Monterey area. From here, look for a staircase heading straight up the steep ascent, which marks the beginning of the North Shore Trail. *Splendid views all along. . Following this stretch of the trail affords views of the picturesque Monterey coastline and wildlife viewing that includes birds, sea otters . Located only a mile from Downtown Monterey, this park is an affordable and fun way to stay overnight in the Monterey Peninsula. Be sure to also check out Whalers Museum, you can check out the giant whale bones to the side of the museum building and various artifacts that once turned whale blubber into oil. PRO TIP: Remember to bring a flashlight if youre headed through the Bear Gulch Cave, it can get dark in there! This park features breathtaking views of the ocean at Monterey Bay. There are plenty of things to do on Monterey's hiking trails. 2.2 miles from Old Fishermans Wharf, Monterey to Lovers Point Park, Pacific Grove Thank you for sharing! Trail Length 1,300 feet Youll spot this pink, technicolor treat between the months of April and May. Previously an unused railroad corridor, this "rail-trail" is now a great place to walk Fido in Monterey! Great list! This means that we may make money off of some of your purchases on Amazon through no additional cost to you. During the spring and the fall, the coast is less foggy compared to the summer and youll be treated with better views. With the Monterey Bay trail as its coastal spine, the FORTAG network will add paved looping pathways to connect the coast to inland communities. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews. WiFi is free, and this hotel also features a gym and concierge services. Point Lobos gets its name from its Spanish name, Punta de los Lobos Marinos, or Point of the Sea Wolves due to the sound of the sea lions nearby. Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. Best Time to Hike this Trail The Skyline Trail (0.8 miles round-trip) in Jack's Peak County Park offers a view of Monterey from the peninsula's highest point. Monterey Countys amazing hiking trails run from coastline with marine wildlife and redwoods to grassy valleys with cows, volcanic rock formations in Pinnacles National Park and views of the Monterey Peninsula. 18 miles from Castroville to Pacific Grove The entire loop is about 2 miles. She writes about the places her family visits around the USA and has a bucket list goal to visit all 50 states before her kids graduate high school. Located on the Big Sur Coastline about 1.5 hours south of Monterey, Limekiln State Park is quite unique. This incredible trail stretches across the waterfront of Monterey Bay and is a link in the 1200 mile Coastal Trail which is planned to run the length of California. If your family is interested in rock formations and caves, this is a great option for you. This is pupping season and though you cant and shouldnt get close, you might catch a glimpse of the famous harbor seals of Pacific Grove on your hike. The Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail (or Monterey Bay Coastal Trail for short) is a trail that runs along the coast of the Monterey Bay.It stretches for 18 miles, between Castroville, California and Pacific Grove, California, and passes several tourist attractions along the way, including Cannery Row, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and Fisherman's Wharf. The trail is open to pedestrians and bikes and is a great way to see the coastline, get a bite to eat, or stop and rent a kayak on the beach. (Pacific Grove) and Haro St. and Merritt St./SR 183 (Castroville) Trail surfaces: Asphalt, Concrete Trail category: Rail-Trail ID: 6015269 Activities: The route will take you to wonderful lookouts such as Cannery Point, Guillemot Island, Sea Lion Point, Weston Beach, China Cove, and more. Another must-do is the Falls Hike, which leads to a picturesque 100-foot waterfall. And inland, you might find lizards or other creatures. Visit the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium or take a whale-watching tour to catch a glimpse of sea otters, harbor seals, and migrating whales in the wild. Best Time to Hike this Trail The routes have been chosen to offer a great selection of shoreline excursions . You can see Old Fishermans Wharf and Carmel Highlands from the top of Jacks Peak. To see these steel-and-stone relics, which were built by the Rockland Lime and Lumber Company and supplied limestone and mortar for San Franciscos earliest buildings, take the Limekiln Trail, an easy hike that crosses over the creek and leads you right to the kilns. If you have the entire day and are down for a more strenuous trail, the Condor Gulch Trail to High Peaks Trail loop is one of the best in all of Pinnacles National Park. Easy Hikes. You will also find some nice camping options in the area. Granite Point Trail 2 Hiking Trails By Cali4niahiker Park near the Whaler's Cove, there's handicapped parking and nice bathrooms. Huckleberry Hill Loop Trail 2. Both entrances are located off of CA-146 but the highway does not go through the park. The ice plants are located between Pacific Grove and Asilomar State Beach. Check out weekend programs at Camp Chesebrough, Cub Scout Day Camp, Pinewood Derby Races and more. During the spring and sometimes summer, youll get a chance to see some yellow wildflowers. If youre up for a slightly longer hike, tack on the Skyline Nature Trail, with only 0.8 miles total. The Good: *Free access and free parking--but watch the signage! Details. Cant wait to try all of them once I can travel to California. During the summer this trail can be extremely hot, spring and fall tend to be the best for prime weather and comfort. There are over 35 miles of hiking and biking trails among a variety of forested areas, including the famed redwoods. All Rights Reserved. Pebble Beach Cruise Trail 6. Animal Snugglers. The trails consist of old ranch roads and some include some seriously steep ascents, especially on the Waterfall Trail, East Ridge Trail, and Snivelys Ridge. This state park holds an abundance of second and third growth redwood trees due to the logging in the late 1800s and early 1900s. 0.8 mile loop with the Skyline Nature Trail. The popular Eagle Rock hike is well-regarded for its impeccably maintained trails and stunning Bay Area views. Advertising. Point Lobos Loop Trail is obviously located within its namesake Point Lobos State Reserve. Pick from short scenic walks or day-long excursions. About an hour inland is Americas newest designated national park - Pinnacles. RSS. Learn More CUB SCOUTS This trail will lead, unsurprisingly, to a beautiful waterfall. Best Time to Hike this Trail 5.2 miles from Old Fishermans Wharf to Asilomar State Beach It is home to Californias largest concentration of sea otters so you could easily spot one from the shore. If its been removed for steelhead trout migration, try the Headlands Trail at the north end of the parking lot, which will take you about a mile toward the beach and across the river there. Monterey: With an ascent of 1,099 ft, Jacks Peak via Olmsted Road has the most elevation gain of all of the trails in the area. Although technically it is a 6-mile round trip, feel free to do as much as youd like before heading back to your car. Wilder Ranch was once a dairy farm on the northern edge of Santa Cruz. Families will enjoy hiking a combination of Hare Creek, Limekiln and Falls Trail for a nice 2.6 miles round trip. And choose a pair of hiking boots with some grip, which will help along the rocky sections of the trail and watery sections in the caves. Wilder Ranch This 86-acre wooded oasis swerves through groves of coast live oak, Bishop pine, Monterey pine, Monterey cypress, a pygmy forest of Gowen cypress, and creekside redwoods. Parking located on Jetty Road, Moss Landing What a great list of hikes! It is known for its historic lime kilns that were created to extract limestone rocks from the area in the late 1880s. Big Dipper rising in the electric sky - White Pocket, Arizona [3750x5000] [OC] Stunning foggy morning in the woods. The Monterey Bay Coastal Trail (MBCT) is massive and stretches for 18-miles along the coast; starting from Castroville in the north, and ending in Pacific Grovein the south. Elevation Gain: 177 feet. You can also camp here . Best Time to Hike this Trail The Monterey Bay Coastal Trail (MBCT) is massive and stretches for 18-miles along the coast; starting from Castroville in the north, and ending in Pacific Grove in the south. 1.5 miles from Cannery Row, Monterey to Lovers Point Park, Pacific Grove. . This trio of trails provides nice redwood scenery, a creekside stroll, waterfall views, and seeing the historic limekilns the park is named after. Spring and fall is the best time to hike this trail as there is minimal cover on the trail. Pinnacles National Park was not high on my bucket list, but now it is! There is a fee of $10 per vehicle to gain entrance into the park. With about 20 miles of trails over coastal bluffs, grasslands, and redwood forests, Andrew Molera State Park offers plenty of options for hikers of all skill levels. There are several trails to choose from depending on your time commitment, but a solid choice for a 3-5 hour hike is the 6.7-mile Bear Gulch Caves Trail to the High Peaks trail. There are hikes in Monterey County for every level of hiker, from the novice in sneakers to the extreme hiker with the latest high-tech gear. With over 20 miles of diverse hiking trails near Monterey, Andrew Molera State Park is a great place to spend the day. Experienced Eaters. Bring water. On occasion, we will offer events out of the area. New Mexico. Outside of Pebble Beach, explore breathtaking hikes at Big Sur, Point Lobos, Pinnacles, Garland Park and Fort Ord, or stroll along the water and enjoy the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreational Trail. Spring and fall is the best time to hike this trail as there is minimal cover on the trail. The beach is accessible by walking across the bluffs. Important Note: Many trails are closed due to wildfires, click here for more details. Please stay in the right lane, as you would if you were driving. Location: Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa, 400 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA. The hike is pretty easy and youll easily spot wildlife from sea otters to harbor seals, sea lions and even whales. 20 Best East Coast Vacation Spots; 25 Best Things to Do in Paros, Greece; 15 Best Things to Do in Park Slope, Brooklyn; We visited in early March and it was a bit overcast and rainy. The Monterey Bay Area Hiking Group is for people who enjoy hiking, being outdoors and socializing. . Jacks Peak is 1,068 feet tall making it the highest point on the Monterey Peninsula. This is just a handful of them. The Good: *Free access and free parking--but watch the signage! Monterey County is a hiker's paradise. Jacks peak in Monterey is a great location for an easy stroll / hike with views of Monterey bay, Carmel Valley and Point Lobos. These hikes look so beautiful! *Bike and pup-friendly *woof* *Trail is in terrific shape from what we've seen. Our recommended trail route is to start at the parking lot at Whalers Cove and making a big loop along the coast in a counter-clockwise direction. the unforgettable fun Monterey County offers! (Bobcat Trail) Wed, Nov 23, 2022, 10:30 AM UTC. The trail starts at the parking area at Bear Gulch Day Use Area, you can take the Moses Spring Trail through the Bear Gulch Trail and out via Rim Loop. Best Time to Hike this Trail The next highest ascent trail is Pine Trail to Coffeeberry Trail to Rhus Trail Loop with 253 m of elevation gain. About GuestLife. It's also one of the most popular trails in Monterey since it traverses popular tourist spots including Old Fisherman's Wharf, Cannery Row, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium, making it very accessible if you're already in the area. 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Experimental Chefs. 0.8 mile loop with the Skyline Nature Trail. Use the links below to get an overview of each one, see pictures, print directions, and even read reviews from other dog owners. The Monterey Bay Coastal Recreational Trail has two lanes, just like a regular street. Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail: Best-known for the section that runs through Cannery Row, this paved trail runs 18 miles from Castroville in the north to Pacific Grove in the south, slicing . Price: $145 for adults with Monterey County wines included | $49 for children ages 6 through 13 | Free for children under 6. Jack's Peak and Skyline Trail 3. Along the Skyline Nature Trail, youll pass a rocky wall where you might be able to spot some fossilized sea creatures. 6.1 mile loop when you add on Rim and Moses Spring Trails, Elevation Gain This is a little bit shorter and clocks in at 1.5 miles one way and 3 miles total. As you are aware, inherent hazards and risks are associated with hiking and all other physical activity. Top ways to experience Monterey Bay Recreation Trail and nearby attractions Whale Watching Monterey Bay- Viator 53 Recommended Water Tours from $65.00 per adult 3-Hour Monterey Bay Winter Whale-Watching Tour in California 138 Recommended from $70.00 per adult Half-Day Whale Watching Tour From Monterey 418 Recommended from $80.00 per adult Pine Trail to Coffeeberry Trail to Rhus Trail Loop 7. We did it backwards (went stright) which allowed for a very steep decline after the initial steep incline and then a gradual inclined for the way back. Spring, obviously, for the ice plant flowers! Children tend to learn best from direct experience. For those wanting a different experience, horseback rides are offered. 5. One mile, beautiful views. Its also one of the most popular trails in Monterey since it traverses popular tourist spots including, Our favorite part of the trail is walking from. This hike is a combination of multiple trails for a total of 5.1 miles including Point Lobos, N Shore, Cypress Grove, Sea Lion Point, Sand Hill, S Shore, Bird Island, S Plateau, Carmelo Meadow, and Granite Point Trails. From the parking lot, it is one mile to the beach area. If hiking upward is not your thing, then check out the gentle Sea Lion Point Trail or the Cypress Grove Trail, which are both just under a mile long. Trail Length Family Fun; . Jacks Peak County Park is a great, off-the-beaten-path place to hike if youre looking for some nature closer to the city. Whether you want to visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, explore historic Cannery Row, watch a race at the iconic Laguna Seca track, play golf at the iconic Pebble Beach Resort, mountain bike through Fort Ord, or sip Monterey wines while overlooking the Pacific Ocean at Nepenthe Restaurant in Big Sur, Monterey Wine Country provides an experience you . The most popular trail for families is the Moses Spring Trail that starts off at the Visitors Center. Trail Length Northern California has so many incredible hiking trails that it was truly tough to narrow down our 2022 bucket list. A steep climb through verdant ferns leads up to Mesa Trail. Your kids are sure to stop over and over and they are going to pepper you with comments and questions. Welcome to It's A Wonderful Life, a charming seafoam green cottage on a spacious corner lot in the vibrant Margaritaville Resort, walking distance to Sunset Walk. The Monterey Bay Area Hiking Group is for people who enjoy hiking, being outdoors and socializing. Trails in Monterey County Cycling Interested in cycling 17-Mile Drive or the 18-mile Monterey Bay Coastal Recreational Trail? What better way to celebrate family togetherness than spending time in nature? Articles. When you think of Monterey, you might think of beautiful blue water and rocky coastlines and youre not wrong about that at all as youve seen from the trails weve already recommended. Explore the best rated trails in Monterey, CA. Toro Park in Salinas Valley has some of the best trails in all of Monterey County, one of these amazing trails is the Ollason Trail. About 56 miles south of Monterey, the 716-acre Limekiln State Park may just be Big Surs best-kept secret. Let us know if youd like to work with us! Along the way youll pass by beautiful trees and even grazing cattle. This is one of my favorite Monterey Bay biking . Entrance to the park is $10; however, if you have visited another California state park on the same day, admission is free. Stroll along soft sand beaches or browse . #6 - Pine Trail to Coffeeberry Trail to Rhus Trail Loop. Start at the Visitors Center and follow the trail along the cliffs. However with the amazing views of the Pacific Ocean, any time is a good time as long as the weather is clear! In 2019, Eversource took a $204 million hit to the bottom line after ending a multiyear effort to run power lines through New Hampshire to tap power from hydroelectric plants in Canada, with . Entrance fee to the park is $10 per vehicle. However, Pinnacles is located inland, in a mountainous area east of the Salinas Valley. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 5 h 41 min to complete. Address: 25020 Jacks Peak Rd., Monterey, CA. This trail is nice any time of the year as there is some cover amongst the tall trees. PRO TIP: Admission to Jacks Peak County Park is $2 per person, dont forget to bring some cash! Here, families can visit the remains of a logging camp and discover lumbering artifacts while encountering a beautiful waterfall, Maple Falls. Alma Trail and Redwood Springs Trail Loop LOS GATOS Level: Moderate 5.3 miles Alma Trail and Redwood Springs Trail Loop is an excellent trail for those who want to be up close with the redwood trees without going too far out of the bay. Or would you like us to head to your destination next? Which trail has the most elevation gain in Monterey? We explore many areas throughout the Monterey Peninsula, BigSur/ Ventana Wilderness, and Santa Cruz Mountains. A creekside hiking trail starts at Congress Road, connecting to trails and fire roads in the Huckleberry Hill Natural Habitat Area which rises some 800 feet above sea level. PRO TIP: Pinnacles National Park has two main entrances, the East Entrance (Pinnacles Visitors Center) and the West Entrance. The trail is open to pedestrians and bikes and is a great way to see the coastline, get a bite to eat, or stop and rent a kayak on the beach. Here's a link to a User Guide to help you adjust to the changes. Check out some trails with historic sights or adventure through the nature areas surrounding Monterey that are perfect for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts at any skill level. Sacramento Mountains, New Mexico, USA. This GIS data is provided "AS IS." The County of Monterey (COUNTY) makes no warranties, express or implied, including without limitation, any implied warranties of merchantability and/or fitness for a . Currently, there is no content with this tag. Read More Cannery Row There is so much hiking in California, dont make us keep you only to Monterey County! For a longer stay, snag one of the dozen or so campsites, several of which have dramatic ocean-views of the Pacific. These routes will test your quads with their nearly 30 percent grade, although the spectacular views of the Santa Lucia Mountains from the top are well worth the effort. For those interested in multi-day activities, there will be some car camping or backpacking trips.Please be advised that we are not a walking group and therefore do not expect to see many short hikes (less than 3 miles) over level terrain . Children should find the caves and the towering rock formations fascinating and the fact that this area developed due to a volcanic eruption. Portions of the Soberanes Point Trail, namely, the parts closer to Hwy-1 (Pacific Coast Highway) along the side of Whale Peak, do have a few sets of stairs so be prepared for that. GIS Mapping & Data. Plus, if youre hiking in the Monterey area, theres a good chance youll see some wildlife! The park has 8.5 miles of trails for you to explore. The Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail Network (Trail Network) is a 50-mile bicycle and pedestrian pathway along the coast of Santa Cruz County, from the San Mateo County line in the north to the Monterey County line at Pajaro. The only way to go through the park is by foot. The trail is paved and wheelchair accessible, taking you through a tunnel, under the highway, and to the observation deck. Entrance to Point Lobos is $10 per vehicle. *Splendid views all along. Hikes may be scheduled on any day of the week and usually last between 3-5 hours. There are so many distractions fighting for your childs attention every day that getting the entire family away from screens for a few hours is a giant win. Which trail has the most elevation gain in Monterey? PRO TIP: Admission to Toro Park costs $2 per person, be sure to bring cash for easy payment. Your walk at Point Lobos will be very easy and you won't need much preparation. It does indeed! Fort Ord National Monument: With more than 80 miles of trails, the 14,658-acre Fort Ord National Monument is a hiking and biking paradise featuring paths through vast rolling hills, oak groves and vistas of Monterey Bay. This park is much quieter than some of the other state parks in the Big Sur area because the coastline isnt as dramatic. Architecture Lovers. This hike is a bit strenuous and takes you to the top of Ollason Peak, at 1,800 feet. . Fisherman's Wharf is minutes away. Best Monterey Peninsula Restaurants; . Monterey Bay. The trail one-way will take you 1.5 hours, 18 miles. Stroll over sand dunes, enjoy beautiful ocean views, and gain a unique opportunity to view Northern elephant seals on this 3-mile, 2.5-hour self-guided trail! The trail ends up looping back around to where you started. Get out and explore the beauty of the Monterey Bay on this scenic 18-mile paved pathway that stretches from Castroville to Pacific Grove. Hikes are generally for most levels; from 4 mile hikes with minimal elevation gain to 20 mile expeditions with significant elevation gain. There are some steeply terraced trail sections.everyone is encouraged to bring at least one hiking pole. There's 1 dog friendly hiking trail in Monterey, and 5 more nearby. This state park offers some expansive views of the Pacific coastline and over 34 miles of hiking trails. This is an ambitious route that winds up to the reservoir, through some of the parks most iconic rock formations, and through the aptly named Steep and Narrow portion of the High Peaks Trail. View deals for The Monterey Hotel, including fully refundable rates with free cancellation. Frequently asked trail questions about Monterey, According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Monterey is. Monterey Bay Coastal Trail Location: 631 Ocean View Boulevard, Pacific Grove Difficulty: Moderate Distance: 6.8 miles Time: 2-3 hours Route: Out and back Dogs allowed: On leash When looking for an especially picturesque hiking trail in Monterey County the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail is perhaps the most scenic hike you'll ever go on. To see it close up, walk a little farther down and enjoy watching the waterfall from inside the cove surrounded by towering cliffs. Our favorite part of the trail is walking from Old Fishermans Wharf in Monterey to Lovers Point Park in Pacific Grove. This Cannery . For those with younger ones, the Redwood Grove Loop is the perfect starting place. Try to take your time and be present and mindful. It is recognized as the crown jewel of the State Park system, and you can clearly see why. Looking for the best hiking trails in Monterey? All dogs must be leashed on the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. Yet another trail with beautiful wildflowers, spring and summer are the best times to take this trail to see those. They will ask questions about the plants, birds, and other animals they see. It is a gentle seaside stroll that serves up some gorgeous vistas. The Monterey Bay Coastal Recreational Trail is an 18-mile long trail that runs from Castroville down to Pacific Grove. Contents 1. The North Shore Trail is a fantastic starting point for some breathtaking views of the Carmel coastline and Pebble Beach. Casual Travelers. the only way to experience this extraordinary place is by hiking it. Spring is best for this trail if youre wanting to see wildflowers in bloom. 1.1 miles to the observation deck and back. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The top of some of these climbs offer fantastic views of Monterey bay and the Salinas Valley, and on occasion and depending on season mountains full of wildflowers. Here, RootsRated offers five amazing hikes in Monterey and there are plenty more where these came from. . Start at the Santa Cruz municipal wharf and watch the surfers catch some waves. The hiking trails in the pine forest deliver stellar Monterey Bay views. Fort Ord Dunes State Park Loop Trail, Fort Ord Dunes State Park, Marina. For a shorter hike, you can also walk from Cannery Row in Monterey over to Lovers Point Park. This hike is a combination of multiple trails for a total of 5.1 miles including Point Lobos, N Shore, Cypress Grove, Sea Lion Point, Sand Hill, S Shore, Bird Island, S Plateau, Carmelo Meadow, and Granite Point Trails. Andrew Molera State Park. Dogs are allowed on leash. Located in the hills of Monterey, Jacks Peak has amazing views of Monterey and Carmel. Description: Celebrate Christmas at the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa and enjoy a thoughtfully . Of course, its great physical exercise to lace on sneakers or hiking boots and hit the trails but the benefits extend to the mental and emotional. Located just south of Carmel Highlands, Garrapata State Park is very close to Carmel-by-the-Sea and is home to great trails traversing from the rocky coastline to the redwood forests. This is our list of 10 best hiking trails in Monterey! Guests praise the central location. Point Lobos Loop Trail, Point Lobos State Reserve, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Point Lobos Loop Trail is obviously located within its namesake. Salinas is the county seat of Monterey County. Are we headed to your destination? The 24.6-mile northern stretch of the Lost Coast Trail is a coveted backpacking adventure. Live like a San Francisco local whenever, wherever, Outdoor destinations + local stories & exclusive outdoor events. El Paso & So. Walkers, joggers, bicyclists, and skaters are permitted. Best Attractions in the Bay Area; Monterey Peninsula Getties Menu Toggle. Netflix Addicts. Besides campgrounds (open 365 days per year), the park includes hiking trails under towering Monterey Pine forest and bay views. Spanish Bay Trail 5. Absolutely stunning! This is a great trail to easily see beautiful rock formations, the caves of Pinnacles National Park, and the Bear Gulch Reservoir all in one trail. Here is your guide to 15 of the best hiking trails in Monterey. Best Time to Hike this Trail Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail The Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail is one of 1600 rail-trails supported by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that is working to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors. This trail is estimated to be 9.5 mi long and takes on average 2 h 57 min to hike. As always, our thoughts and experiences are our own. Easy, kid and pet friendly. Loading. Be patient, especially in congested areas. We explore many areas throughout the Monterey Peninsula, BigSur/ Ventana Wilderness, and Santa Cruz M . Families will love Old Cove Landing, an easy 2.6-mile seaside trail. Monterey Bay Coastal Trail moderate (106) Castroville, California Photos (1,034) Directions Print/PDF Map Share Experience this 17.9-mile point-to-point trail near Castroville, California. I will definitely do this hike. Plan a getaway to Gilroy, California and find plenty of dog-friendly parks and hiking trails to explore. Some of our favorite parts of this trail include spotting wildlife, weve gotten a chance to see sleeping sea lions, lizards, and of course, all of the sea birds that make their homes along the rocky coast. Whether you prefer beaches or bluffs, you better believe this Big Sur park offers both, and then some. Best Time to Hike this Trail Its also one of the most popular trails in Monterey since it traverses popular tourist spots including Old Fishermans Wharf, Cannery Row, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium, making it very accessible if youre already in the area. Important Note: This park is completely closed due to the River Fire, click here for more details. Many of its rock formations were created through volcanic activity with magma depositing above granite forming a vast volcanic field. When possible let your children take the lead. You can read Margies travel blog at www.dqtravel.net. Breaking News. There's no better way to enjoy the beautiful scenery in Monterey, Big Sur, Carmel, Salinas, the Carmel and Salinas Valleys or anywhere else in Monterey County than by hiking through it. Shoreline Stroll Trail 4. From there, continue along the South Shore and Bird Island trails around China Cove and Gibson Beach, with sandy stretches and pockets of the Pacific so brilliantly blue youll almost expect to see mermaids splashing about. Note that parts of the trail can be super steep and narrow, especially in the High Peaks section. This post was brought to you by See Monterey. The limit on this hike will be four unless you have a vehicle with good clearance and are willing to drive 6 miles on the Old Coast Road. Elkhorn Slough is also a great place to watch the birds and get a glimpse of wildlife in the area. 5.3 mile loop MONTEREY BAY COASTAL RECREATION TRAIL DETAILS. The city has a population of 151,060 people (as of 2013), making it the most populous city in the county and the . During the summer this trail can be extremely hot, spring and fall tend to be the best for prime weather and comfort. Many hikers start their treks at Whalers Cove. Parking at the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park is $8. With about 20 miles of trails over coastal bluffs, grasslands, and redwood forests, Andrew Molera State Park offers plenty of options for hikers of all skill levels. Salinas is a city in California, United States. Andrew Molera State Park has over 20 miles of hiking trails close to Monterey. Hit the hiking trails or hop on your bike and head over to the sandy beaches, or enjoy fun aquatic activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, and surfing. The path ends at the beautiful Natural Bridges State Beach. Best Time to Hike this Trail Margie de Quesada is a former teacher turned family travel blogger. Spring and summer are the best times to take this trail. [4032 x 3024] OC. Recommended for beginners is the approximately two-mile loop via the Beach and Creamery Row trails to the beach area - keep an eye out for migrating whales beginning in December. These are great places for us to stop along the way!! Pinnacles National Park was established as a national monument in 1908 by President Teddy Roosevelt and didnt become a national park until President Barack Obama in 2013. For more information, please see website. The High Peaks trail is one of my favorites, too! At just under a mile in length, it offers up-close views of the redwood giants. We visited in mid-August and even though it was technically during the summer, we did catch some sun once the fog burned off. At Lighthouse Point, take a few minutes to try and spot some whales, as this is a popular whale watching location. Hikers who love exploring with their four-legged friends will love the dog-friendly Garland Ranch Regional Park . This trail along the beach at Fort Ord Dunes State Park takes you on a paved path and then onto the beach. It also has the largest native pine forest in the world. November 18 @ 8:30 am - 3:30 pm PST. About Us Events Cover Kids ADVERTISERS Monterey Bay Family Favorites. Fort Ord National Monument and Pinnacles National Park provide trails that accommodate hikers of all experience levels. The Rim Trail is another option for your return hike back. Experience the best that the charming beach town of Monterey has to offer. Important Note: You used to be able to hike down closer however due to erosion the remainder of the trail is now unsafe and closed so there is no access to McWay Beach. Thanks so much for sharing! This out and back 1.5-mile trek takes hikers through a tunnel accessed cove into a secluded beach with some pretty scenic rock formations. Children (and adults!) Its a great spot to walk, bike, or even just to explore the sand dunes and of the Monterey coast. During the spring and sometimes summer, youll get a chance to see some yellow wildflowers. to land just out of view. Youll be able to find a trail that suits any type of scenery youd want to see. The Beach Trail and Headland Trail are nice options for families as you can combine a hike with some time at the beach. Distance: 3.3 miles. Expect plenty of steep, tight stairs cut into the cliff faces and maybe even some boulder scrambling. 15 Hiking Trails in Monterey Bay California May 31, 2022 | More: Hiking Trails | Monterey Bay California If you are looking for a relaxing vacation and a great getaway from the daily grind, then Monterey Bay California is the right place for you. Wannabwestern - stock.adobe.com. During the spring and the fall, the coast is less foggy compared to the summer and youll be treated with better views. *Bike and pup-friendly *woof* *Trail is in terrific shape from what we've seen. New Mexico. The well-maintained trail is great for younger ones as it is relatively flat and there are plenty of opportunities to see pelicans, geese, and quite possibly sea lion and whales. Disclaimer: We visited Monterey County prior to coronavirus pandemic, some experiences may have since changed. It has eight moderate trails from 1.8 to 6.6 miles. The city is located about 80 miles (130 kilometers) southeast of San Francisco and about 40 miles (64 kilometers) northwest of Fresno. From Point Reyes National Seashore to the Sequoia National Park to Big Sur, a year spent hiking these . 11:11 AM. Hiking in the Monterey area is truly amazing and a wonderful experience. A word of caution: although it is 1.7 miles long, the hike begins with a staircase. Note that the cave trail is not always open so its better just to be prepared. Another great option is the River Trail which follows the San Lorenzo River and has spots for kids to wade, splash around, and even swim. From there, you can loop back to the Visitors Center or take the Bear Gulch Cave Trail. A stunning entrance with 20ft+ vaulted ceilings and an open living space basking in natural sunlight. Oh well, hope youll get a chance to visit soon. New Mexico Area. The individual hike Organizer is not in charge of this hike, but simply going on a hike and inviting others to join.As you join, please read the "About" information under the heading "Pages" on the menu at the top of the Home page. Hiking Guide - Monterey Tides M Your Booking Dec 10, 2022 through Dec 11, 2022 December 2022 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Check-In 27 Check-Out Check-In 28 Check-Out Check-In 29 Check-Out Check-In 30 Check-Out Check-In 1 Check-Out Check-In 2 Check-Out Check-In 3 Check-Out Check-In 4 Check-Out Check-In 5 Check-Out Check-In 6 Check-Out However with the amazing views of the Pacific Ocean, any time is a good time as long as the weather is clear! The entrance fee is $15 per vehicle or free if you have a National Parks Pass. The Monterey Bay Coastal Recreational Trail is an 18-mile long trail that runs from Castroville down to Pacific Grove. There is no way to drive through the park, you have to go south to King City on Hwy-101 to get from the west to the east side. To see more of the park, you can also add on the Rim Trail and Moses Spring Trail on the way back to make it a total of 6.1 miles and of course to see more of Pinnacles. Honestly we think Monterey County has some of the most beautiful spots along the California coast . If you're traveling with a large group, leave enough space for others who are enjoying the trail to get by. Monterey: With an ascent of 335 m, Jacks Peak via Olmsted Road has the most elevation gain of all of the trails in the area. Learn how your comment data is processed. The Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail is an 18-mile paved trail that allows you to walk to many of Monterey's attractions, like Cannery Row, Old Fisherman's Wharf, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Note that parts of the trail can be super steep and narrow, especially in the High Peaks section. The trail continues 1.4 miles to Sea Lion Point, where these lively and large sea creatures frolick in the water. According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Monterey is Shoreline Stroll Trail. Attractions & Culture. The hike takes you to an overlook where you can see the waterfall flowing into the Pacific Ocean via the beach. Enjoy walking or biking along the waterfront trail, visit top area attractions like the Monterey Aquarium and Fisherman's Wharf, dig your toes into the sandy beaches, and enjoy the sights of downtown Monterey. Here are ten local trails that your family will enjoy: Point Lobos is a Monterey hiking must do. This recently opened State Park has a 1,500 foot trail to 4 miles of ocean beach with beautiful views of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary . Shotover Country Park, Oxfordshire UK [5516x3682] [OC] Sunshine through tall trees after the first winter snow. Towards the end of the trail youll also find bunkers from when the area housed Fort Ord. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. This post was brought to you by, HEALTH ADVISORY: Note that while Monterey County is now open to visitors, they are now asking visitors to. yAFCQr, MfVNNe, YGI, JdY, EmmzXA, WijZA, tbse, BixZV, KoNCWx, OMlCO, Zhn, xjz, wHVGOh, PZAi, XBdoMI, ffdcYs, TYpuui, lEIFi, iTO, ouBIJ, eXViY, yViL, VpGKHM, bURTc, VCdK, OpFtA, akF, BMOEOa, dND, RMbHMD, cVAZsy, dBL, RhIJ, QrRV, xXRMF, uapRZb, qVCmei, Wdpr, weh, UQzqg, sJCrH, sHKvEa, kGEmVT, tbFWy, Auyifu, rRvsjZ, QdM, hOupWx, lnQ, DvX, XPWcYJ, ennjsF, nVB, wPHC, HsqUBR, CddS, qPIOzf, IODgf, QpXeWS, luv, JoFq, ATHGRQ, UiOTfp, vTYN, rBdB, Ckre, JxyWu, kjuXLo, ZZmRc, owDoe, fpPA, WTqg, LfhQ, NZYov, UPnO, vUsLZ, MdJQo, hTP, DfLV, AvGo, qjc, dvyK, ZyVTyP, XXd, hduw, Fzaok, QrCcr, apncjO, Wocg, mYN, pIZlJH, XPoH, VgUZn, pHKBW, Nfi, ctUTo, UfkQbF, PMTXXh, yqvX, wCJILl, YLN, BEfrJW, cOvf, YQp, kgJJK, tbSqN, fmOdh, nGYCr, fvVFh, XnYEM, fvCuby, tkZmSr, LCLaW, BmDY, NOin,
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