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  • Monterey County, California

    Monterey County in California is a top spot for outdoor adventures with a multitude of scenic trails and activities. One must-visit trail is the Soberanes Canyon Trail. This 4.7-mile loop offers a moderate difficulty level and features a river and beautiful wildflowers. For a more challenging hike, the Skyline to Sea Trail is a 25.9-mile trail that features a waterfall and is best used from April until November. For a unique outdoor activity, try whale watching at Monterey Bay or exploring the tide pools at Asilomar State Beach. The best Trails and Outdoor Activities are abundant in Monterey County, making it a perfect destination for those seeking an active and scenic getaway.

    Top Spots in and near Monterey County

    • Greenfield, California

      Adventure at Arroyo Seco

      4.6
      This 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 7+ mile adventure up...
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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 ...
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    • Big Sur, California

      Hike the Ewoldsen Trail

      4.5
      4.2 mi / 1500 ft gain
      The Ewoldsen Trail is one of the more accessible yet challenging hikes in Big Sur. It is a beautiful ~4-mile loop through the redwood forest that starts in the Julia Pfeiffer state park parking lot, which is across the street from McCay falls. During the first part of the hike, you'll pass picnic...
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    • Big Sur, California

      Hike the Waters Ridge Trail

      5.0
      7 mi / 2100 ft gain
      Access the Waters Ridge Trail from the Ewoldsen Trail, located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Although steep, this path is fairly short, and rewards you with spectacular views at the top. About halfway around the Ewoldsen Trail Loop, you'll come across a turnoff on the right, with a sign dem...
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    • Big Sur, California

      McWay Falls

      4.6
      McWay 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...
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    • Big Sur, California

      Hike to Big Sur's Tin House

      4.0
      When 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 northern...
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    • Big Sur, California

      Explore The Hidden Rock Caves At Partington Cove

      5.0
      Partington 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...
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    • Big Sur, California

      Partington Cove Trail

      5.0
      1.09 mi / 262 ft gain
      Partington Cove Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Big Sur, California.
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    • Paicines, California

      Hike the Juniper Canyon, High Peaks, Tunnel Trail Loop in Pinnacles NP

      5.0
      4.3 mi / 1200 ft gain
      Pinnacles 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...
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    • Paicines, California

      Balconies Cave Trail

      2.63 mi / 617 ft gain
      Balconies Cave Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Paicines, California.
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    • Paicines, California

      Hike to Bear Gulch Reservoir in Pinnacles National Park

      3.5
      1.5 mi / 275 ft gain
      Start 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...
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    • Big Sur, California

      Goat Camp via Twitchwell Flat Use Trail

      5.0
      9.2 mi / 3852 ft gain
      To find this trailhead, head down Highway 1 towards Limekiln State Park Campground. Between Lucia and Limekiln, there should be a shoulder off the side of the road to park overnight. Cross the street to the trailhead of Twitchwell Flat Use Trail. Bear in mind that there is abundant poison oak alo...
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    • Big Sur, California

      3 Branches of the Limekiln

      4.0
      1.98 mi / 696 ft gain
      The Limekiln Trails offer up a moderate hike with defined trails, creek crossings, and limited elevation. From the parking area, head east under the canopy of redwoods until you get to the bridge, where there’s a kiosk marking the trail. The three branches are ~0.5 miles each, making it easy to ...
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    • Big Sur, California

      Camping at Limekiln State Park

      4.3
      This campsite is split into two sections and is located directly below a bridge along Route 1 the Pacific Coast Highway. Be cautious turning into the park as the incline and turn are quite serious.Below the bridge are campsites located both along the tree line and tiered up along the hill. Under ...
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    • San Benito County, California

      Explore Pinnacles National Park

      4.6
      It’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 pie...
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    • Paicines, California

      Hike the Old Pinnacle Trail in Pinnacles National Park

      5.0
      9 mi / 2000 ft gain
      Start at the Old Pinnacles Trailhead and embark on a roughly 9 mile long adventure surrounded by amazing geological rock formations and natural landscapes. Bask in the peace of nature... meander through meadows alongside the West Fork of Chalone Creek and into Old Pinnacles. Continuing on at the ...
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    Camping and Lodging in Monterey County

    Big Sur Lodge
    Big Sur, California

    Big Sur Lodge

    From $199 / night

    Asilomar Hotel and Conference Grounds
    Pacific Grove, California

    Asilomar Hotel and Conference Grounds

    From $176 / night

    Salinas / Monterey KOA
    Prunedale, California

    Salinas / Monterey KOA

    Guides, Insights and Stories from Monterey County

    Making a Wrong Turn in Pinnacles National Park

    Making a Wrong Turn in Pinnacles National Park

    Benjamin Canevari

    Seek Beauty on the Big Sur Coast

    Seek Beauty on the Big Sur Coast

    Sara Sheehy

    Slow Down and Explore Big Sur

    Slow Down and Explore Big Sur

    The Outbound Collective

    Over a Year after Massive Mudslide, Big Sur's Scenic Highway 1 Reopens

    Over a Year after Massive Mudslide, Big Sur's Scenic Highway 1 Reopens

    The Outbound Collective

    Exploring Big Sur, a Photographer's Dream

    Exploring Big Sur, a Photographer's Dream

    Rufino Martinez

    5 Photos of Big Sur's Ever-Changing Seasons

    5 Photos of Big Sur's Ever-Changing Seasons

    Jovelyn Gruspe