Salinas, California
The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Salinas, California offer a variety of scenic outdoor adventures. One of the top must-visit trails is the Toro Park Trails, known for its panoramic views of the Salinas Valley and Monterey Bay. The trail includes a challenging mix of steep inclines and descents, making it suitable for hikers of all levels. Along the trail, you will come across the Ollason Peak, a prominent rock formation that is a popular landmark. The trail also features a beautiful river that adds to the scenic beauty of the hike. Near Salinas, the Pinnacles National Park offers unique rock formations and is home to a variety of wildlife. Remember to pack your camera for these outdoor attractions!
Top Spots in and near Salinas
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Santa Cruz, California
Monarch Butterfly Natural Preserve Loop
5.00.66 mi / 30 ft gainMonarch Butterfly Natural Preserve Loop is a loop trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Santa Cruz, California.Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
Natural Bridges to Lighthouse Field
3.53.92 mi / 174 ft gainThis is a paved trail that can be used for hiking, jogging, or walking. It offers over 2 miles of beautiful California coast. Walk through flowers, see the jagged cliffs, and of course the lighthouse at the end! This walk can be done from either direction. Start at Natural Bridges and head We...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Camp at Andrew Molera State Park
4.51 miAndrew Molera is about 27 miles south of Carmel and one of the first State Parks you'll hit heading down the coast. There will be signs for the Park as you approach and the main parking lot is only a couple hundred yards from Hwy 1. There are a number of hiking trails and activities to do around ...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Camp at Ventana Campground, Big Sur
4.6This campground is a gem when it comes to Big Sur camping, book here. Each site includes a parking spot, a campfire ring with grill, a picnic table, and plenty of space for 1-2 tents. There are multiple immaculate restroom facilities with showers, clean trash enclosures (emptied and sanitized dai...Read more -
Los Gatos, California
Soquel Demonstration Forest Flow Trail
14.21 mi / 2080 ft gainAs with many trail systems there are multiple routes and loops available at Sequel Demonstration forest of varying lengths and difficulty. The 3 main trails are all accessed via the same parking area on highland way. The most popular trail is the all skill levels "Flow" trail, followed by two sho...Read more -
Paicines, California
Camp in Pinnacles National Park
4.0/ 1819 ft gainPinnacles Campground is accessible from the east side of the park, and you generally lose cell service about 20 minutes before the park entrance. The campground offers tent camping, group camping, and a handful of RV sites. The tent and group sites have individual picnic tables and fire rings, an...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Pfeiffer Falls
4.21.39 mi / 341 ft gainThis trail is a staff favorite at Big Sur. This family-friendly waterfall trail provides only a moderate challenge for young children and older family members. There are two starting points for this hike depending on where you stashed the car. If you’re parked near the gift shop, the head up the ...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Camp at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
5.0The campground at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park offers a spectacular variety of natural settings to enjoy. Each of the 189 tent and RV sites is located within the redwood groves, oak woodlands, grassy meadows and they even have riverside camping.Each site has a picnic table, fire ring, access to dr...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Big Sur River Gorge
4.00.36 mi / 56 ft gainIf you are in the Big Sur area during the summer, exploring the Big Sur River Gorge is a must! The gorge is located in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, and your closest parking will be day use parking lot 3. The trailhead to the gorge can be found at the northeast end of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park C...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Sykes Hot Springs via Pine Ridge Trail
4.318.96 mi / 7339 ft gainThe trek to Sykes Hot Springs is about 10-miles one way along the Pine Ridge Trail. This is a great backpacking trip, but can be done as an out-and-back hike from the campgrounds at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park if you're really moving. The trail is moderately challenging, you'll cross the river t...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Pine Ridge, North Coast Ridge Loop
2.033.45 mi / 11388 ft gainIf you are looking to do some backpacking in the Big Sur area, you've come to the right place. This post shares a suggested 4-day backpacking loop in the Ventana Wilderness that will offer a bit of everything - challenging hiking with a healthy does of elevation, beautiful primitive camping amon...Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
Old Landing Cove
5.02.39 mi / 161 ft gainOld Landing Cove Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Santa Cruz, California. The Old Landing Cove Trail, located in Wilder Ranch State Park near Santa Cruz, California, is a picturesque 2.4-mile loop trail offering easy hiking and walking with stunning coas...Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
UC Santa Cruz Arboretum
5.0No matter the time you'll decide to visit the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum, you'll have thousands of interesting plants and birds to see and watch. The Arboretum is located on the west side of UCSC campus, between the main campus entrance and the west entrance. Parking is 5$ for adults and 2$ for chil...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
Pfeiffer Beach
4.10.81 mi / 75 ft gainPfeiffer Beach located in Big Sur may truly be one of the most awesome beaches in California...if you can find it. I lived within 40 miles of this beach for over 20 years and just discovered it recently. This beach is located on an unmarked road called Sycamore Canyon Road. On Highway 1, this roa...Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
Rincon Fire Trail to San Lorenzo River
5.01.42 mi / 328 ft gainThe Rincon Fire Trail Starts at a small dirt parking lot next to CA-9 and traverses down the mountain to the San Lorenzo River Connecting with the Pipeline Trail. The trail can be a simple one of a mile out and back or up to 5 miles depending on your preference. The elevation will change by about...Read more
