AT PLAY CAMPING AND HIKING The epic hikes in Monterey County could fill this publication by themselves—and they’ll fill imaginations for years. Be on the lookout for poison oak (avoid it) and wildlife (watch, but don’t approach it). Note that slides, floods and other events may affect access. Check information before you go. Andrew Molera State Park This 5,000-acre park stretches along the Pacific for four miles, with access to one of the longest beaches in Big Sur. It offers fishing, hiking, equestrian and picnic facilities. A footbridge over the Big Sur River is installed seasonally. 21 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1, Big Sur. (831) 667-2315, bit.ly/MoleraSP Arroyo Seco Recreation Area The magnificent Arroyo Seco gorge is flanked by a popular day-use area for swimming, grilling and lounging at the sandy beach. For a more adventurous day (or multiple days), walk up the road to access a number of trails in the Ventana Wilderness. Campgrounds accommodate RVs or tents. Arroyo Seco Road, 5 miles west of the junction with Carmel Valley Road, Greenfield. (831) 385-5434, recreation.gov Garland Ranch Regional Park Miles of nature and equestrian trails wind through this 4,500-acre park, a local favorite that rises from the Carmel River to the headlands of the Santa Lucia range. An hour of energetic uphill hiking affords sweeping panoramic views, or follow creeks (with seasonal footbridges) through majestic redwood canyons. 8.5 miles east of Highway 1 on Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley. (831) 372-3196, mprpd.org/garland-ranch-regional-park Garrapata State Park Garrapata’s 3,000 acres encompass scenic shorelines, deep canyons and steep mountains. The Soberanes Canyon Trail is lined with redwoods and offers a rewarding hike without the exertion. The full loop trail remains closed, but another option is an easy coastal loop with beautiful scenery on the west side of Highway 1. 10 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1, Big Sur. (831) 624-4909, bit.ly/garrapataSP Jacks Peak County Park This park boasts 10 miles of trails, as well as unsurpassed views of Monterey Bay and Carmel. This is a great family park with easy day hikes in the Monterey pine forest, picnic grounds and a self-guided nature trail. 25020 Jacks Peak Park Road, Monterey. (831) 7966425, bit.ly/JacksPeakPark Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park This South Coast state park encompasses 4,000 acres stretching from the Pacific coastline to the 3,000-foot peaks of the Santa Lucia range. Hikers revel in redwood groves, river walks and views of McWay Falls as they empty into the Pacific Ocean; note there is no beach access here. 52801 Highway 1, Big Sur. (831) 667-1112, bit.ly/JuliaBurnsSP Laguna Seca Recreation Area The county-owned park is unique for its varied offerings, which includes a convenient campground a short distance from either Salinas or the Peninsula. Available for both tents and RVs, expect sweeping views and fabulous spring wildflowers. And on race weekends, the famed track is right there. Hikers and mountain bikers can hit the trail straight from camp. 1021 Highway 68, Salinas. (831) 242-8200, weathertechraceway.com Los Padres National Forest Almost half of the 2-million-acre forest that overlays the Coast Range is wilderness. Translation: superb hiking and backpacking (though be prepared for trails to be impassable or closed due to past wildfires, etc.). There are ranger stations on both sides of the mountains, one in Big Sur, 32 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1, another at 406 S. 40 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® 2025-2026 Ocean Ave. at Monte Verde, Carmel 831-625-1585 info@diggidydog.com www.diggidydog.com Christy O’Connor, Owner at Carmel Beach THE HAPPIEST STORE IN CARMEL© We have everything you need to keep your four legged friend happy, healthy and out on the town in style! Bring in this ad or use the code MVG for 10% off Locally Owned and Operated! DiggityDog_1-2h_VG25_kpr.indd 1 6/5/25 1:54 PM
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