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Monterey County Hiking Trails

Hiking and Backpacking Trails in Monterey County


Monterey County has some of the best hiking trails available in the Los Padres National Forest. Most trails start from Highway 1 and offer the hiker amazing panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and feature canyons that are lined with Redwoods and abundant water from dependable creeks and rivers. The inland mountain regions of Monterey County are almost devoid of human habitation so you will be able to find remote trails and camps that are truly wild.
A total of 59 Monterey County Hiking Trails are currently available. ×
Arroyo Seco Trail - 4.66 Miles
4E10 • Ventana • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
The Arroyo Seco Trail is located in the Ventana Wilderness in Monterey County. A good starting point for this hike is at the Santa Lucia Memorial Park Campground, which has some amazing rock formations. The trail keeps close to the creek as you ascend to the trail junction of Rodeo Flat Trail (4E26),…
Bear Basin Connector Trail - .49 Miles
3E16 • Ventana • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
A very short .5 mile connector trail in the Ventana Wilderness. The trail connects Bear Basin Trail (3E11) and the Pine Ridge Trail (3E06).
Bear Basin Trail - 2.46 Miles
3E11 • Ventana • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
The Bear Basin Trail is located deep in the Ventana Wilderness in Monterey County. The trail connects the Carmel River Trail (3E03) and the Pine Ridge Trail (3E06) and the Black Cone Trail (3E14).  From Pine Valley…
Bee Camp Trail - 1.16 Miles
3E13 • Ventana • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
The Bee Camp Trail is located in the Ventana Wilderness inside the Monterey Ranger District, the 1 mile trail starts from the North Coast Ridge Trail (3E10) and proceeds down the north fork creek to Upper Bee Camp, the short trail ends at Lower Bee Camp. This trail very gets little…
Big Pine Trail - 7.60 Miles
2E03 • Ventana • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
The Monterey County Hiking Trails is a scenic 0.1 mile trail in the Wilderness in . The trail connects the Skinner Ridge Trail (1E04) and the Carmel River Trail (3E03). Please let us know if you have explored this trail recently.
Big Sur Trail - 8.80 Miles
3E07 • Ventana • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
The Monterey County Hiking Trails is a scenic 0.1 mile trail in the Wilderness in . The trail starts at Cold Springs Campground (3200 feet) and connects to the Pine Ridge Trail (3E06). Please let us know if you have explored this trail recently. 
Black Cone Trail - 7.74 Miles
3E14 • Ventana • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
The Monterey County Hiking Trails is a scenic 0.1 mile trail in the Wilderness in . The trail connects the Pine Ridge Trail (3E06) with the South Fork Trail (3E09). Please let us know if you have explored this trail recently.    
Buckeye Trail - 8.61 Miles
5E09 • Silver Peak • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
A beautiful trail that has ocean views and travels through oak groves, redwood groves, chaparral. A nice place to camp is at Villa Creek, the camp is set among redwood trees and the creek provides a tranquil sounds of flowing water. The Monterey County Hiking Trails is a 0.1 mile long trail in the …
Camp Cawatre Trail - 2.02 Miles
4E24 • Non Wilderness Area • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
A short 2 mile trial in the Ventana Wilderness connecting Arroyo Seco Campground and the Santa Lucia Creek Trail (5E03). Parking available at the Arroyo Seco Campground.
Carmel River Trail - 13.20 Miles
3E03 • Ventana • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
A 13 mile long trail in the Ventana Wilderness that starts at the Los Padres Dam and ends at the Pine Ridge Trail (3E06).
Carrizo Trail - 5.29 Miles
4E27 • Ventana • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
A beautiful 5 mile trail in the Ventana Wilderness that connects the North Coast RidgeTrail (3E10) and the Salsipuedes Road (21S03).
Church Creek Trail - 5.13 Miles
3E05 • Ventana • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
The Church Creek Trail is a 5 mile trail in the Ventana Wilderness, located in Monterey County. The trail connects the Pine Ridge Trail (3E06) and the Horse Pasture Trail (4E05).
Cone Peak Trail - 3.30 Miles
4E12 • Ventana • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
The Cone Peak Trail is a 3 mile trail in the Ventana Wilderness, located in Monterey County. The trail connects the Central Coast Road (20S05.3) and the Gamboa Trail (4E11). The trail has impresive views of the Pacific Ocean as you climb to top of
Cruickshank Trail - 6.22 Miles
5E10 • Silver Peak • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
The Cruickshank Trail is a 6 mile trail in the Silver Peak Wilderness, located in Monterey County. The trail starts from Highway 1 and completes at the South Coast Ridge Road 20S05.6. The Buckeye Trail (5E09) crosses this trail about midway. The Cruickshank…
Danish Creek Trail - 0.87 Miles
2E10 • Non Wilderness Area • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
The Danish Creek Trail is a short 1 mile connector trail just outside the Venatan Wilderness located in Monterey County. The trail connects the Big Pine Trail (2E03) and the Rattlesnake Creek Trail (2E11).
De Angulo Trail - 0.90 Miles
2E07 • Non Wilderness Area • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
The De Angulo Trail is a short 1 mile trail just outside the Ventana Wilderness, located in Monterey County. The trail climbs from the Partington Ridge Road and completes at the North Coast Road (20S05.1).
Dutra Trail - 2.91 Miles
6E09 • Silver Peak • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
The Durta Flat Trail is a 3 mile trail in the Silver Peak Wilderness, located in Monterey County. The trail connects the Spruce Creek Trail and the South Coast Road (20S05.7).
Gamboa Trail - 4.39 Miles
4E11 • Ventana • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
The Monterey County Hiking Trails is a scenic 0.1 mile trail in the Wilderness in . The trail connects Stone Ridge Trail (4E13) and the North Coast Ridge Trail (3E10). The trail has a junction midway with the Cone…
Horse Pasture Trail - 5.09 Miles
4E05 • Ventana • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
A 5 mile trail in the Ventana Wilderness located in Monterey County. The trail connects the Tassajara Road and the Marble Peak Trail (4E07).
Jackson Camp Trail - 1.22 Miles
2E08 • Ventana • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
The Monterey County Hiking Trails is a scenic 0.1 mile trail in the Wilderness in . The trail starts from the Little Sur Trail (1E03) and ends at Jackson Camp (950 feet).
Kirk Creek Campground Trail - 0.20 Miles
4E21 • Non Wilderness Area • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
A very short coastal trail at Kirk Creek Campground.
Kirk Creek Spur Trail - .14 Miles
4E22 • Non Wilderness Area • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
A short coastal trail at Kirk Creek Campground.
Kirk Creek Trail / Vicente Falt Trail - 5.02 Miles
4E17 • Ventana • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
The Monterey County Hiking Trails is a 0.1 mile trail in the Wilderness in . The trial starts at Highway 1 accross the highway from Kirk Creek Camp, the trail connects to the Stone Ridge Trail (4E13). As the trail climbs from Highway 1 to theVincente Flat…
Little Sur Camp Trail - 0.54 Miles
2E09 • Non Wilderness Area • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
The Monterey County Hiking Trails is a very short 0.1 mile trail in . The trail leads from Palo Colorado Road (18S05.2) down to the Little Sur River, A small trail camp named Little Sur Camp exists here and would make for a quick overnight trip.
Little Sur Trail - 6.06 Miles
1E03 • Non Wilderness Area • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
The Monterey County Hiking Trails is a senic 0.1 mile trail in . The trail head is located off the Coast Road at , . Please let us know if you have explored this trail recently.
Lost Valley Connector Trail - 1.55 Miles
4E09 • Ventana • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
The Monterey County Hiking Trails is a 0.1 mile trail in the Wilderness in County.  The trail connects the Lost Valley Trail – Ventana Wilderness (4E08) and the North Coast Ridge Trail (3E10). Please let us know if you have explored…
Lost Valley Trail Ventana Wilderness - 11.08 Miles
4E08 • Ventana • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
The Monterey County Hiking Trails is a 0.1 mile trail in the Wilderness in .The trail connects the Marble Peak Trail (4E07) and Escondido Campground (2200 feet). Please let us know if you have explored this trail recently.
Lottie Potrero Trail - 5.96 Miles
7E01 • Silver Peak • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
The Monterey County Hiking Trails is a senic 0.1 mile trail in the Wilderness in County. Please let us know if you have explored this trail recently.
Marble Peak Trail - 13.14 Miles
4E07 • Ventana • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
The Monterey County Hiking Trails is a scenic 0.1 mile trail in the Wilderness in . The trail connects the Coast Ridge Road (20S05.2) to the Arroyo Seco Road. The Monterey County Hiking Trails has numerous trail junctions, from Arroyo Seco Road the first junction is…
Mill Creek Trail - 3.06 Miles
5E12 • Ventana • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
The Monterey County Hiking Trails is a scenic 0.1 mile trail in the Wilderness in . The trail connects the Naciemiento Fergusson Road and the South Coast Ridge Road (20S05.4)Please let us know if you have explored this trail recently.
Miller Canyon Trail - 7.98 Miles
3E04 • Ventana • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
The Monterey County Hiking Trails is a 0.1 mile trail in the Wilderness in . The trail connects the Miller Canyon (19S03) and the Carmel River Trail (3E03)Please let us know if you have explored this trail recently.
Mt Manuel Trail - 7.96 Miles
2E06 • Silver Peak • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
The Monterey County Hiking Trails is a scenic 0.1 mile trail in the Wilderness in . The trail connects the Pfeiffer Big Sur Road and the Little Sur Trail (1E03). Please let us know if you have explored this trail recently.
North Coast Ridge Trail - 11.14 Miles
3E10 • Ventana • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
The Monterey County Hiking Trails is a scenic 0.1 mile trail in the Wilderness in . The trail connects the North Coast Ridge Road (20S05.2) and the Central Coast Ridge Road (20S05.3) Please let us know if you have explored this…
Pine Ridge Trail - 22.88 Miles
3E06 • Ventana • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
The Pine Ridge Trail is a true classic of the Big Sur region and one of the most iconic trails in the Los Padres National Forest. The PRT, as it is sometimes called, connects Big Sur Station off Hwy 1 with China Camp along Tassajara Road. There are too many highlights to mention along the PRT and…
Prewitt Loop Trail - 11.42 Miles
5E06 • Non Wilderness Area • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
The Monterey County Hiking Trails is a 0.1 mile loop trail in Monterey County . The trail connects the located off the Highway 1 near the Pacific Valley Ranger Station. Please let us know if you have explored this trail recently.
Puerto Suelo Trail - Ventana - 2.00 Miles
3E08 • Ventana • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
The Monterey County Hiking Trails is a scenic 0.1 mile trail in the Wilderness in . The trail connects the Carmel River Trail (3E03) and the Ventana Double Cone Trail (2E04). Please let us know if you have explored this trail recently.
Rattlesnake Creek Trail - 3.40 Miles
2E11 • Ventana • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
The Monterey County Hiking Trails is a scenic 0.1 mile trail in the Wilderness in .
Rocky Creek Trail - 5.54 Miles
4E04 • Ventana • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
The Monterey County Hiking Trails is a scenic 0.1 mile trail in the Wilderness in . The trail leads to Rocky Creek Camp - (1400 feet). Parking available in the large parking area and the trail head is across the bridge.
Rodeo Flat Trail - 2.73 Miles
4E26 • Ventana • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
The Monterey County Hiking Trails is a scenic 0.1 mile trail in the Wilderness in . The trail connects the North Coast Ridge Trail (3E10) and the Arroyo Seco Trail (4E10). Please let us know if you have explored this trail recently.
Salmon Creek Trail - 5.00 Miles
6E11 • Silver Peak • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
The Monterey County Hiking Trails is a scenic 0.1 mile trail in the Wilderness in . The trail connects the South Coast Ridge Road (20S05.6) and the Highway 1. You can access the trail from Highway 1 at , . Please let us know if you have explored this…
San Antonio Trail - 3.60 Miles
5E04 • Ventana • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
The Monterey County Hiking Trails is a scenic 0.1 mile trail in the Wilderness in . The trail connects the Centrail Coast Ridge Road (20S05.3) and the Salsipueded Road (21S03). Please let us know if you have explored this trail recently.
San Clemente Trail - 1.86 Miles
2E01 • Ventana • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
The Monterey County Hiking Trails is a short 0.1 mile trail in the Wilderness in .The trail connects the Skinner Ridge Trail (1E04) to Pine Creek Camp (2500 feet) . Please let us know if you have explored this trail recently.
Sand Dollar Jade Cove Trail - 0.72 Miles
5E13 • Non Wilderness Area • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
A short coastal bluff trail at Plaskett Creek Campground. This trail has great views of the Pacific Ocean and gives access to Sand Dollar Beach and Jade Cove. Please see Plaskett Creek Campground for more information.
Santa Lucia Creek Connector Trail - 1.0 Miles
5E03 • Ventana • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
The Monterey County Hiking Trails is a scenic 0.1 mile trail in the Wilderness in . The trail connects the Indians Road and the Santa Lucia Creek Trail (5E03). Please let us know if you have explored this trail recently.
Santa Lucia Creek Trail - 16.05 Miles
5E03 • Ventana • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
The Santa Lucia River Trail starts at Santa Lucia Memorial Park Campground and climbs towards the junction of the Santa Lucia Peak Trail before the long hike down towards Arroyo Seco.  The trail is most commonly used by hikers headed to Santa Lucia Peak and is within the Ventana…
Santa Lucia Peak Trail - 2.69 Miles
6E01 • Ventana • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
The Monterey County Hiking Trails is a short 0.1 mile connector trail in the Wilderness in . The trail connects the Santa Lucia Creek Trail to Junipero Serra Peak. Please let us know if you have explored this trail…
Skinner Ridge Trail - 7.14 Miles
1E04 • Ventana • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
The Monterey County Hiking Trails is a scenic 0.1 mile trail in the Wilderness in . The trail starts at Bottochers Gap Car Camp (2200 feet) and climbs to Devils Peak (4158 feet) and finally connects with the Ventana…
Slick Rock Trail - 3.25 Miles
5E20 • Ventana • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
The Monterey County Hiking Trails is a scenic 0.1 mile trail in the Wilderness in . The trail starts at Ponderosa Car Camp (1500 feet) and proceed to the fire road.  Please let us know if you have explored this trail recently.
Soda Trail - 0.45 Miles
5E17 • Non Wilderness Area • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
The Monterey County Hiking Trails is a short 0.1 mile connector trail in the Wilderness in . The trail starts from Highway 1 just after the Buckeye Trailhead and connects with the Buckeye Trail (5E09) which then enters the Silver…
South Fork Trail - 4.58 Miles
3E09 • Ventana • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
The Monterey County Hiking Trails is a 0.1 mile trail in the Wilderness in . The trail connects the Big Sur Trail (3E07) to the Marble Peak Trail (4E07) and the Black Cone…
Spruce Creek Trail - 5.07 Miles
6E10 • Silver Peak • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
The Monterey County Hiking Trails is a scenic 0.1 mile trail in the Wilderness in . The trail connects the Salmon Creek Trail (6E11) to the Dutra Trail (6E09) and the Lottie…
Stone Ridge Trail - 7.67 Miles
4E13 • Ventana • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
The Monterey County Hiking Trails is a scenic 0.1 mile trail in the Wilderness in . The trail connects the Gamboa Trail (4E11) to the Kirk Creek Trail (4E17) and the San…
Terrace Creek Trail - 1.48 Miles
3E22 • Ventana • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
The Monterey County Hiking Trails is a short 0.1 mile trail in the Wilderness in . The trail connects the North Coast Ridge Road 20S05.1 to the Pine Ridge Trail (3E06).  
Tin House Trail - 1.16 Miles
2E05 • Ventana • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
The Monterey County Hiking Trails is a 0.1 mile connector trail in the Wilderness in . The trail connects Mt Manuel Trail 2E06 to the Tin House Camp (2400 feet).
Tony Trail - 2.63 Miles
4E06 • Ventana • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
The Monterey County Hiking Trails is a 0.1 mile trail in the Wilderness in . Starting at Tassarajara Hot Springs the trail climbs up to the Marble Peak Trail (4E07)
Turner Creek Trail - 1.21 Miles
1E02 • Ventana • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
The Monterey County Hiking Trails is a short 0.1 mile connector trail in the Wilderness in .The trail connects Skinner Ridge Trail 1E04 to the Turner Creek Camp (2500 feet).
Ventana Camp Trail - 1.10 Miles
2E14 • Ventana • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
The Monterey County Hiking Trails is a scenic 0.1 mile trail in the Wilderness in .The trail connects Pine Ridge Trail 3E06 down to the Big Sur River and Ventana Camp (650 feet).
Ventana Double Cone Trail - 7.53 Miles
2E04 • Ventana • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
The Monterey County Hiking Trails is a scenic 0.1 mile trail in the Wilderness in . The trail connects Skinner Ridge Trail 1E04 along a few camps and Little Pines Mountain 4189 feet and then completes…
Willow Creek Trail - 1.98 Miles
5E08 • Silver Peak • Monterey Ranger District • Monterey County
The Monterey County Hiking Trails is a scenic 0.1 mile trail in the Wilderness in .