Complete your loop of Point Lobos by taking the Bird Island Trail around China Cove and Gibson Beach, with great views of a Brandt's cormorant nesting area. You can then continue along the Sea Lion Point Trail for 6/10 of a mile (with views of - you guessed it - sea lions, as well as fascinating rock formations), and follow another mile along the coast along the South Shore Trail. If you're looking for more, take the Cypress Grove loop, which leads through a natural cypress grove and along spectacular seaside cliffs for 8/10 of a mile. If that's enough for you, just follow the paved road back to the Whalers Cove parking lot. This trail runs 1.4 miles to the Sea Lion Point parking area. You'll continue to see these stunning views throughout your hike - a perfect excuse to stop and catch your breath! From many of the cliffs, you'll have great views of the Carmel coastline and Pebble Beach. Take that staircase, and, when you get to the top, take a break by admiring the view. That's the beginning of the North Shore Trail. From the parking lot, you'll see a staircase going straight up the steep hill. Once you enter the reserve, take a right and head to the parking lot at Whalers Cove, where you'll begin your hike. This beautiful promontory has been called "the crown jewel of the State Park system." It's also an inviting hiking spot, with convenient trails that allow hikers to go for short scenic walks or long traipses. See the Monterey County Park & Trail Maps for more info. This will add roughly another 1.8 miles of beautiful views to your hike. If you're feeling energetic, take a right on the Iris Trail, follow it to the Rhus Trail, and take a left to return to the parking lot. Once you've completed the trail (about 8/10 of a mile), you can take a left on the Iris Trail and head back to the parking lot. Within about 2/10 of a mile, you'll see sweeping views of Monterey Bay, and about 2/10 of a mile after that, you'll be rewarded with sweeping views of Carmel Valley and Point Lobos. As you walk along the trail, you will find it is very well marked, with signs pointing you in the right direction. To the left of the information board is the start of the Skyline Nature Trail. Grab a flyer for the Skyline Nature Trail from the information board near the picnic tables. Follow this road to the parking lot at the end. One parking area is located very close to the aforementioned peak, allowing you to see breathtaking views without getting out of breath!įor your first hike, take a right once you pass by the park gatehouse. If you're new to hiking, there's no better place to start than Jacks Peak County Park. Let's keep these areas pristine for generations to come! Learn More on how to have a sustainable moment. Please remember to stick to the trails, adhere to signage and pack up your trash. Pack sunblock you don't want a sunburn as your souvenir! If it's an all-day hike, pack a sandwich for lunch. Put the water in a small backpack along with a couple of granola bars, a bagel or a bag of trail mix for a quick burst of energy. Wear a hat it will shade your face from the sun, protecting you from sunburn and making it easier to see.īring water studies show that by drinking water, you increase your stamina for physical activities. Hiking boots are great, but for a light hike a sneaker with a heavy tread will be just fine. Wear layered clothing it may seem chilly now, but once you start hiking, you'll warm up quickly. But a few minutes of preparation means you'll go home with a smile on your face instead of blisters on your feet! See our list of Monterey County's Top 10 Campsites!įor a light day hike, you won't have to buy any special gear or intimidating equipment. 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.Ĭombine your hikes with a great overnight camping trip. 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.
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