The best walks and hikes in Monterey County

Yes, there's a wide variety. You can explore over 220 routes across the county, ranging from easy coastal walks to challenging mountain climbs. About two-thirds of these are considered easy, making the region accessible for many fitness levels.

The region is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars. Hikers frequently praise the stunning coastal views, the serene redwood groves in Big Sur, and the well-maintained trails within the state parks.

Absolutely. For an easy and scenic walk that's great for all ages, consider the Creamery Meadows Trail — Andrew Molera State Park. It's a relatively flat 2.5-mile (4 km) path that leads through meadows to a beautiful beach, offering plenty of space for kids to explore.

Many parks have restrictions, but Garland Ranch Regional Park is a well-known local favorite for being very dog-friendly. It offers a variety of trails where dogs are welcome, from easy riverside paths to more strenuous canyon climbs.

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is your best bet for waterfalls. The Valley View Overlook via Valley View Trail is a popular choice that not only leads to a viewpoint of the 60-foot (18 m) Pfeiffer Falls but also offers panoramic vistas of the Big Sur River Valley.

For a very accessible and beautiful coastal walk, the Whaler's Cove to Sandhill Cove — Point Lobos State Natural Reserve trail is an excellent choice. It's about 3 miles (4.9 km) with minimal elevation gain, following the stunning shoreline and offering great opportunities for wildlife spotting.

For a more strenuous outing with significant elevation gain, the Bluffs & Ridge Trails Loop — Andrew Molera State Park is a great option. This 8.4-mile (13.6 km) loop involves a steep climb that rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific coastline.

Yes, the Buzzards Roost Trail loop — Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is a fantastic circular route. This 3.6-mile (5.8 km) trail takes you through redwood groves and then up to a viewpoint offering wonderful vistas of the ocean and the Santa Lucia mountains.

Big Sur is famous for its redwoods. A great trail to experience them is the Buzzards Roost Trail via Redwood & River Path loop. This route combines a peaceful walk alongside the Big Sur River with a climb through a beautiful forest of coast redwoods.

You can hike year-round, but spring (March to May) is particularly beautiful when the coastal wildflowers are in full bloom, especially in places like Garrapata State Park. Autumn (September to November) is also ideal, offering clear skies and pleasant temperatures.

Both offer stunning coastal scenery, but they have different characters. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is more compact and famous for its incredible biodiversity and unique geological formations, often called the 'crown jewel' of the state parks. Garrapata State Park is more rugged and expansive, with trails that climb steeply from the coast into the mountains, offering dramatic, sweeping views and beautiful spring wildflowers.

Pinnacles offers a range of difficulties. While there are some easier trails on the canyon floors, the park is known for its more strenuous routes that climb steeply through its unique volcanic rock formations. Many trails are narrow and exposed to the sun, so be sure to bring plenty of water.