camping ~ hiking

Andrew Molera State Park

This 5,000-acre state park stretches along the Pacific for four miles with access to one of the longest beaches in Big Sur. It offers fishing, hiking, equestrian trails and picnic facilities, as well as walk-in camping in a huge meadow situated close to the ocean. 21 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1, Big Sur. 667-2315.

Garland Ranch Regional Park

Miles of nature and equestrian trails wind through this 4,500-acre park, a local favorite that rises from the Carmel River to the headlands of the Santa Lucia range. An hour of energetic uphill hiking affords sweeping panoramic views. About 8.5 miles east of Highway 1 on Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley, 659-4488.

Jacks Peak County Park

This readily accessible park, named after pioneering real estate mogul David Jacks, boasts 10 miles of hiking and riding trails as well as unsurpassed views of the Monterey Bay and Carmel. This is a great family park with easy day hikes, picnic grounds and a self-guided nature trail. Off Highway 68 on Olmsted Road, Monterey, 755-4899.

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

The southernmost state park in Big Sur encompasses close to 4,000 acres stretching from the Pacific coastline to the 3,000-foot peaks of the Santa Lucia Range. Hikers can revel in beautiful redwood groves, river walks and views of the picturesque McWay waterfall as it empties into the Pacific Ocean. Primitive camp sites available. 37 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1, 667-2315.

Laguna Seca Recreation Area

This is a good choice for family and RV camping (with both short- and long-term spaces) close to the main attractions on the Monterey Peninsula. Recreational facilities include a playground, boating, fishing and a shooting range. World-class auto and motorcycle racing are also featured at the nearby raceway. Highway 68, Monterey, 755-4899.

Lake San Antonio and Lake Nacimiento

Both the manmade lakes that border Monterey and San Luis Obispo counties are popular summertime destinations for waterskiing, fishing, camping and picnicking. Concessions include a marina, general store, laundromat, cabin rentals and service station. Lake San Antonio enjoys the distinction of being one of the largest winter habitats (Nov.-April) of bald eagles in Central California. Lake San Antonio: off Highway 101 near Bradley; Lake Nacimiento: near Paso Robles. Call 805-472-2311 and 805-238-2376.

Los Padres National Forest

Almost half of the 2-million-acre forest that overlays the Coast Range from Big Sur to Los Angeles County is wilderness. Translation: superb hiking and backpacking. There are 11 non-wilderness campsites in the Monterey area. Ranger station is 32 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1, 385-5434.

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Established in 1933, this popular state park offers hikes through dense redwood canyons leading up to scenic peaks. Located within its 850 acres are the Big Sur Lodge and cabins, a store, a restaurant, plenty of camping, and numerous sites for picnicking, swimming, and fishing. 31 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1, 667-2315.

Pinnacles National Monument

The jagged remains of a long-extinct volcano jut out of the Salinas Valley to form this hiker’s paradise, with 32 miles of trails, two caves and spectacular terrain that doubles as a launch site for California condors being reintroduced to the wild. A unique must-see for outdoor enthusiasts. Tent and RV camping available. From Salinas, Highway 101 south 25 miles to Soledad, Highway 146 east 13 miles to park, 389-4485.

Point Lobos State Reserve

“The greatest meeting of land and water in the world,” as landscape artist Francis McComas called Point Lobos, offers 14 interconnecting trails that wind through lovely Monterey pine forests, cypress groves and spectacular, rugged coastal scenery. Whalers’ Cove and other locations provide plenty of opportunities to view 250 bird and animal species, including sea otters, sea lions and, from December to April, migrating gray whales. Day use only. Two miles south of Carmel on Highway 1, 624-4909.

Veterans Memorial Park

This 50-acre city of Monterey park offers overnight RV and group camping facilities, trails, picnic areas, and play fields. Check in at the kiosk for availability, as camping is provided on a first-come, first-served basis only. At the end of Skyline, Monterey, 646-3865.

(resources)

  • Big 5 Sporting Goods, | 1000 Northridge Shopping Center, Salinas, 449-6767 2259 | N. Fremont Blvd., Monterey, 375-8800
  • Booniez | 865 Fir Ave., Sand City, 392-0538
  • J&S Surplus | Hwy 1 and Struve Rd., Moss Landing, 724-0588
  • Outdoor World | 2222 N. Fremont Blvd., Monterey, 373-3615
  • Treadmill | 111 Crossroads Blvd., Carmel, 624-4112
 
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