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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Big Sur, California
Sand Dollar Beach
4.80.35 mi / 82 ft gainHead into Big Sur and get a campsite at Plaskett Creek. You can either make a reservation through recreation.gov or show up and hope to luck out on one of the first-come, first-serve campsites. The campground is much more crowded during the prime summer months, so if you want to get better surf ...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Hike down to Jade Cove
2.00.3 mi / 65 ft gainThe entrance to jade cove is off the side of the road on Hwy 1. There is lots of side parking available. You go down a short unmarked trail and keep left. You'll find yourself at the top of a cliff/mountain side that uses 2 ropes to get down. The first rope is short and not super difficult. ...Read more -
Davenport, California
Beach Picnic at Shark Fin Cove
4.3Shark Fin Cove is a large rock formation in an inlet off Highway 1 in Northern California. It is located 1 mile south of Davenport and 10 miles north of Santa Cruz. There is a sizable parking lot located on the side of Highway 1 to park in. Walk down the path left of the parking lot and cross the...Read more -
Felton, California
Hike to Limestone Kilns and Big Ben Redwood
5.08 mi / 1500 ft gainHenry Cowell Redwood State Park is a super easy destination to get to from Santa Cruz, but the seclusion of the Fall Creek Unit makes this a big bang for buck hike. This hike will take you to Big Ben, a medium sized old growth Redwood, and the abandoned Henry Cowell Lime and Cement Company Kilns ...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Explore San Carpoforo Creek
4.0Just south of Ragged Point, San Carpoforo Creek is an open beach that is fun to explore. There is a quick hike from the highway to the beach. During heavy rain years, the creek will be flowing deeper, so you might need to do some swimming. There are waves occasionally here with a couple of surfe...Read more -
Big Sur, CaliforniaLuxurious Camping at Treebones Resort
5.0If you’ve always wanted to experience Big Sur, but sleeping on the ground isn’t really your thing, Treebones might be exactly what you’re looking for. Nestled along Big Sur’s beautiful coastline, Treebones Resort offers expansive views and easy access to everything the area has to offer. With a t...Read more -
Monterey County, California
Camp at San Martin Top
San Martin Top is a magical spot overlooking the coast in Big Sur. Accessible via a rutted, windy dirt road, it’s remote enough to guarantee some privacy though you’ll see fellow adventurous souls on surrounding ridges. Take care on the drive up, then set up camp overlooking the ocean or rolling ...Read more -
Morgan Hill, California
Backpack to Coit Lake
5.026 miThis trail can be started from Coe Headquarters or Hunting Hollow Trailhead. The trail from Coe HQ is 2 miles longer, almost all elevation but provides beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. These directions will be starting from Coe HQ.Follow the loop around the parking area to the backpa...Read more -
Morgan Hill, California
Backpack to Mississippi Lake
5.026.4 mi / 3600 ft gainIf you're tired of trying and failing to get reservations for backcountry camping around the bay area, then Henry Coe State Park is the perfect place to visit. No reservations need to be made prior to the trip. All you need to do is get to the HQ on the morning of your trip, get your permits and ...Read more -
Davenport, California
Hike around Greyhound Beach and Climb Greyhound Rock
0.7 mi / 0 ft gainThe trailhead is at the Greyhound Rock State Marine Conservation Area which is directly off Highway 1. There is a large paved parking lot with a good amount of trees so finding a shady parking spot isn't that difficult (if that's important to you). The parking lot is located on the beach cliffs ...Read more
