Carmel Valley, California
The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Carmel Valley, California, offer a variety of top outdoor adventures. The Garland Ranch Regional Park is a must-visit for its scenic hiking trails that wind through dense forests, steep canyons, and along the Carmel River. The park is home to unique rock formations and a waterfall, providing a challenging yet rewarding hike. Nearby, the Palo Corona Regional Park offers more leisurely walks with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. For a different kind of outdoor activity, try horseback riding at the Carmel Valley Ranch or visit the Earthbound Farm Stand for a farm tour. These attractions make Carmel Valley a top destination for outdoor adventure.
Top Spots in and near Carmel Valley
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Soledad, California
Explore Dreamy Wrath Wines Vineyards
Just a short drive from some of the best trails and rock climbing at Pinnacles National Park, Wrath Wines' Soledad winery is a great way to wine'd down after a day of adventure. What makes this grape growing region unique is the constant marine layer fog and wind stress out the grapes (that’s a ...Read more -
Big Sur, CaliforniaTimber Top and Boranda Trail
5.05.67 mi / 2690 ft gainTucked deep in the Ventana Wilderness of Los Padres National Forest, the Timber Top and Boranda Trail is one of Big Sur's most underrated — and demanding — backcountry hikes. The 5.67-mile out-and-back packs 2,690 feet of elevation gain into its short distance, climbing through chaparral and fo...Read more -
Moss Landing, California
Whale Watching off Moss Landing
The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is home to some of the most diverse and rich waters in our oceans, and you have the chance to see it up close and personal! The big prize is getting to see a whale, but these waters are teeming with other wildlife from dolphins to otters to sea lions. F...Read more -
Moss Landing, California
Kayak with Humpback Whales in Monterey Bay
5.0Disclaimer: Please keep a respectful distance from the whales and other sea wildlife for their protection and your own. Note, changing the animal's natural behavior is a violation of federal law.Every year, humpbacks whale migrate north from their winter and breeding grounds down in southern Mex...Read more -
Moss Landing, California
Kayak in Elkhorn Slough
4.7Elkhorn Slough is located in Moss Landing, which is in the dead center of Monterey Bay, California. Elkhorn Slough is one of California's largest wetlands and part of a National Estuarine Reserve located in central Monterey Bay, California, just a short trip from the Monterey Peninsula and the Sa...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Big Sur's Tin House via Tanbark Trail
4.06.38 mi / 3166 ft gainWhen it comes to the beauty of Big Sur, a half day on Tanbark Trail to the Tin House captures it all. From the redwood forest along Partinton Creek, to the abandoned Tin House, to Highway 1 and coastal views, you can't ask for much more. The hike starts on the east side of Highway 1 - the northe...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Partington Cove Trail
5.01.09 mi / 262 ft gainPartington Cove Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Big Sur, California.Read more -
Big Sur, California
Explore The Hidden Rock Caves At Partington Cove
4.5Partington Cove which is located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, is one of Big Sur's hidden gems. It's a very short hike with enough views to show why Big Sur earned the nickname " Little Yosemite." The whole hike can easily be completed in less than an hour, although there are definitely eno...Read more -
Greenfield, California
Marble Peak Bridge via Arroyo Seco Campground
4.65.46 mi / 1506 ft gainThis off-the-beaten-trail adventure has a little bit of everything for everyone and is as challenging as you make it. Many just make it about a mile down to the river for a leisurely day of relaxing, swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying a few cold beverages. Others embark on a 5+ mile adventure up ...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Waters Ridge Trail (Closed)
5.07.13 mi / 2776 ft gainThis trail is temporarily closed. For updates, please head to Parks.CA.Gov. Situated on a cliff above Highway 1, the Waters Ridge Trail offers spectacular views of the rugged coast and soaring condors. This hike above the clouds is a small detour off of the Ewaldson Trail, and is a must see! Ac...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Ewoldsen Trail (Closed)
4.54.2 mi / 1500 ft gainThis trail is temporarily closed. For updates, please head to Parks.CA.Gov. The Ewoldsen Trail is one of the more accessible yet challenging hikes in Big Sur. It is a stunning hike through the redwood forest up the mountains of Big Sur to a gorgeous overlook of the Pacific. It is a beautiful ~4...Read more -
Big Sur, California
McWay Falls
4.6McWay Falls is one of the most iconic waterfalls in BIg Sur and can be seen from Highway 1. The trail to the falls is located in Julia Pfeiffer. For all of you history buffs, Mcway Falls is named after Christopher McWay, an early settler and farmer from New York who ventured west in the late 1800...Read more -
Paicines, CaliforniaCondor Gulch Trail to High Peaks Trail Loop
4.68.63 mi / 2147.42 ft gainIt’s hard to believe how many people don’t know about this place, which was newly designated as a National Park in January 2013. Pinnacles National Park is hidden just south of San Jose in the Gabilan Mountains, and is a short drive for anyone living in the Bay Area. With beautiful rock spires p...Read more -
Paicines, California
Hike the Juniper Canyon, High Peaks, Tunnel Trail Loop in Pinnacles NP
5.04.3 mi / 1200 ft gainPinnacles National Park is located just over two hours outside of San Francisco (depending on the traffic). It was designated the 59th national park in 2013 and while it is small it offers beautiful views and unique wildlife viewing. Keep an eye out for California condors on this hike! This trail...Read more -
Paicines, California
Balconies Cave Trail
2.63 mi / 617 ft gainBalconies Cave Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Paicines, California.Read more -
Paicines, California
Hike to Bear Gulch Reservoir in Pinnacles National Park
3.51.5 mi / 275 ft gainStart the hike from the Bear Gulch Trail Parking lot. While pulling in, the trail head is on the left. The Trail is marked Reservoir, Caves, and High Peaks. Continue down the trail until faced with a junction. Make sure to admire rock formations while hiking!At the junction take the Bear Gulc...Read more
