A Look at Hiking Trails in Monterey County
Daniel Hollingsworth, Staff Reporter
There are places in Monterey County for people who love nature and are not afraid to work up a sweat to enjoy it. Hiking trails are abundant here and just take a little ambition to find and dedication to conquer.
While most of these places charge vehicle entrance fees, they also offer free parking outside their gates. Vehicle entrance times are restricted, but most parks are open from sunrise to sunset for people walking in.
Fort Ord:
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Fort Ord Public Lands (FOPL) are like CSU Monterey Bay, as they are part of the old Fort Ord Army Base. However this special piece of property was carved with trails for equestrians and bikers.
Popular biking events such as the Sea Otter Classic and 24 Hours of Adrenalin take place here. These are some of the best mountain biking trails in Monterey County.
Because of the close proximity to the campus, FOPL is an ideal place for students that need a breath of fresh air.
Garland Ranch Regional Park:
Difficulty: Easy to Difficult
Sitting in the middle of Carmel Valley, Garland Park has some of the best scenery short of going to Big Sur. With over 50 Miles worth of hiking trails, and views of ponds and waterfalls, Garland Park is worth the trip.
For the dedicated hiker, try Sky Ridge Trail, which offers vivid views of Carmel Valley and Carmel.
Toro Regional Park:
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Toro Regional Park is situated just across Highway 68 from Fort Ord, but is a whole different world.
Monterey Peninsula College student Matt Eckhart hikes Toro as much as possible. “I’ve hiked all over Monterey, and Toro is by far my favorite.”
Hiking to Simas Peak at over 2300 feet is a grueling challenge that lasts about four hours roundtrip, but offers a rewarding view of Salinas Valley, Monterey and Carmel.
Jacks Peak County Park:
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Jacks Peak sits in the hills near Monterey Airport off of Olmsted Road. The relative shortness of the trails is made up by the breathtaking views and cathedral like trees.
The Skyline Nature Trail has a section in which one may search for seashell fossils in the side of a rock wall.
Point Lobos State Reserve:
Difficulty: Easy
Point Lobos is probably one of the best-known outdoor destinations in Monterey County. While the trails are flat and easy, the scenery is unparalleled. “You can get a great workout and it’s absolutely beautiful,” said Raewyn Scot, CSUMB Psychology Senior.
China Beach is just one of many spots where locals and tourists go to picnic. More often than not, local landscape painters can be seen working on their next masterpiece.
There are many other destinations in Monterey County that are a little off the beaten path, but have much to offer in the way of adventure. For maps and more information on Monterey County Parks and hiking, go to www.mprpd.org, or http://www.co.monterey.ca.us/parks/.
