Best Hikes to Add to Your List in 2024
As the New Year unfolds its pages beckoning us to embrace fresh adventures and cultivate newfound joys, what better way to begin this chapter than by stepping into the great outdoors? Monterey Peninsula, with its diverse landscapes and breathtaking vistas, offers a tapestry of hiking trails waiting to be explored. In the crisp air of the early year, where resolutions meet the trailhead, let the allure of nature and the promise of scenic wonders guide your journey. Whether you seek the rhythmic waves along the coastline, the tranquility of oak-dappled valleys, or the panoramic views from ridge lines, the hiking trails in Carmel, Monterey, and beyond stand as invitations to savor the simple pleasure of being amidst nature.
Carmel Valley
Garland Ranch Regional Park - Snively's Ridge Trail
Trail Highlights: Panoramic views of Carmel Valley, diverse landscapes, and oak woodlands. Horses and dogs (on leash) permitted.
Distance: Approximately 5 miles round trip.
Difficulty: Moderate, suitable for families with older children.
Palo Corona Regional Park
Trail Highlights: Gentle paved trail, diverse variety of plants, dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean.
Distance: Varies, customizable for different lengths.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate, family-friendly.
Monterey
Jack's Peak Park - Iris Canyon Green Trail
Trail Highlights: Diverse vegetation, panoramic views of the bay, and coastal forest.
Distance: Approximately 2 miles round trip.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate, suitable for all ages.
Veteran's Memorial Park - Upper Trail Loop
Trail Highlights: Wooded trails, panoramic views of Monterey Bay, and a peaceful atmosphere.
Distance: Around 3 miles round trip.
Difficulty: Easy, suitable for all ages.
Big Sur
Garrapata State Park - Soberanes Canyon Trail
Trail Highlights: Redwood groves, coastal views and a waterfall.
Distance: Approximately 4.5 miles round trip.
Difficulty: Moderate, some elevation gain. Not recommended for very young children.
Garrapata State Park - Rocky Ridge Trail
Trail Highlights: Panoramic coastal views, wildflowers, and meadows.
Distance: Approximately 7 miles round trip.
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous, steep sections.
Garzas Creek Loop in Garrapata State Park
Trail Highlights: Coastal views, redwood groves, and a creek.
Distance: About 4 miles round trip.
Difficulty: Moderate, suitable for older kids.
Andrew Molera State Park - Bluff Trail
Trail Highlights: Coastal bluffs, Big Sur River, and Molera Beach.
Distance: About 8 miles round trip.
Difficulty: Moderate, suitable for older kids.
Carmel
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve - Sea Lion Point Trail
Trail Highlights: Dramatic coastal scenery, wildlife viewing, and wildflowers.
Distance: Around 2 miles round trip.
Difficulty: Easy, suitable for all ages.
Pacific Grove
Asilomar State Beach Trail
Trail Highlights: Coastal dunes, tide pools, and scenic shoreline.
Distance: Around 1.5 miles round trip.
Difficulty: Easy, suitable for all ages.
Pebble Beach
Bird Rock Trail
Trail Highlights: Coastal views, birdwatching, and wildflowers.
Distance: Approximately 2 miles round trip.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate, family-friendly.
As the sun sets on each hiking trail painting the sky with hues of warmth and tranquility, we find ourselves not just at the conclusion of a walk but at the beginning of a connection—a connection to the earth beneath our feet, the wind whispering through the trees, and the boundless beauty that surrounds us. Monterey Peninsula, with its array of hiking venues, becomes not just a destination but a sanctuary for those seeking solace, adventure, and the untold stories hidden within the rustling leaves. So, in the spirit of the New Year and the wonders of exploration, may these trails be your companion, leading you to moments of discovery, serenity, and joy found in the simple act of putting one foot in front of the other on a path yet untrodden. Happy hiking!
Cover Photo by Jon Flobrant on Unsplash
