The best walks and hikes around Monterey

Monterey offers over 30 hiking trails, catering to various skill levels. The majority, more than 25, are classified as easy, making the region very accessible for casual walkers and families.

Hiking in Monterey provides a diverse range of landscapes. You can explore rugged coastal paths with dramatic ocean views, tranquil redwood forests, lush oak woodlands, and rolling inland hills. Notable areas include the dramatic cliffs and pristine beaches of the Monterey coastline, and the serene forests found further inland.

Yes, Monterey has many family-friendly options. The Monterey State Historic Park via Monterey City trail is an easy 3.3-mile route connecting historic sites with urban and bay views. The Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail is also a flat, paved path ideal for leisurely walks with children, offering easy access to attractions like the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

For stunning ocean views, explore coastal areas like Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, which features shoreline trails with breathtaking Pacific Ocean vistas. Garrapata State Park also offers rugged coastal paths with expansive views. The Cannery Row – Cannery Row, Monterey loop from Monterey is another excellent choice, following the historic waterfront with views of Monterey Bay.

While most trails are easy to moderate, you can find more challenging options in the inland hills. Toro Park, near Salinas, offers over 20 miles of trails, including the challenging Joaquin Murrieta Trail to the summit of Mount Toro, which features an 1,800-foot elevation gain and sweeping views of the Santa Lucia Mountains and Salinas Valley.

Monterey is rich in natural attractions. You can visit Sea Lion Point for marine wildlife viewing, or explore the iconic Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. The Lone Cypress Tree is another famous landmark. Inland, Jacks Peak County Park offers ridge-top vistas overlooking Monterey Bay and Carmel Valley.

Yes, many trails in Monterey are designed as loops. For example, the Monterey Beach – Old Fisherman's Wharf loop from Del Monte is a 4.6-mile trail that takes you through coastal areas and along the beach. Within Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, the Cypress Grove Loop is a popular circular path.

Dog policies vary by park and trail in Monterey. While some state parks have restrictions, many regional parks and specific trails are dog-friendly. For instance, Garland Ranch Regional Park in Carmel Valley generally allows dogs on leash. Always check specific park regulations before heading out with your pet.

Yes, if you venture slightly south into the Big Sur region, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is home to the Pfeiffer Falls Loop. This easy path winds through a redwood grove and leads to a beautiful waterfall viewpoint, offering a refreshing natural spectacle.

The hiking experience in Monterey is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars. Hikers often praise the diverse natural landscapes, from rugged coastal paths to serene redwood forests, and the variety of options for all ability levels.

Public transport options to trailheads can be limited for some of the more remote parks. However, trails within Monterey city, such as those along the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail or near Cannery Row, are generally accessible via local bus services. For state parks and regional reserves, driving is often the most convenient option.

Most major parks and reserves in the Monterey area, such as Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Garrapata State Park, and Jacks Peak County Park, offer designated parking lots, though fees may apply and spaces can fill up quickly during peak times. For urban trails, street parking or public garages are available.

Yes, you can experience redwood forests inland from the coast. Jacks Peak County Park features trails winding through 'cathedral-like forests' of Monterey pine, and further south, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park offers paths through magnificent redwood groves.