The trail actually is 18 miles long, but you can pick a section and just walk a portion of it as we did. (Pacific Grove) and Haro St. and Merritt St./SR 183 (Castroville). Also, same reviewer criticized a area that's not on the trail at all when mentioning Highway 1 north of Moss Landing and the road construction there. Address: Monterey Bay Coastal Trail, Monterey, California. Continue for 1 mile to Jewell Avenue. Details. Adventurous bikers can follow a rural route that parallels Hwy 1 north towards a rec. We rode this in two sections. Together, the two trails will provide 50 seamless, paved miles of scenic coastal trail. No, it's not necessary to drive to the start as Monterey-Salinas Transit has excellent routes and will take your bikes onboard if the racks are already taken. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The Monterey Model Sister Cities Special Events & Filming Permits & Fees Monterey Conference Center Bids & RFPs Current Initiatives Services Services Directory Police Fire Parks & Recreation Community Development Public Works Engineering Environmental Regulations Harbor & Marina Parking Presidio Municipal Services Streets & Utilities The trail follows the former Southern Pacific Railroad line, which was once used to transfer goods between the historic fishing town of Monterey and the rest of northern California. The Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail extends for about one mile from the Monterey Bay Aquarium to Lovers Point. Get a FREE Rail Trails Guidebook when you become a Member with Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. It is very busy in Monterey, I would not recommend bicycling that portion if you want to go fast. Trail map of the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail from Jewell Ave. and Ocean View Blvd. The Monterey Trail is a perfect, safe route to bike to dinner or brunch. Winding along the Pacific coast, the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and a great way to tour Monterey and adjacent communities while enjoying the outdoors. Great coastal walking or running with a good amount of scenery. Previously an unused railroad corridor, this "rail-trail" is now a great place to walk Fido in Monterey! Then, as you get into town, it really integrates into the community with businesses fronting onto it, and it gets you right down into the attractions.. Don't be surprised to see kayak crossings in the pathway, whales splashing in the distance or sea lions basking on the rocky . Monterey California Coastal Trail Guide | Coastwalk California Take a Hike Around Monterey Bay Use this story map to find the California Coastal Trail around Monterey Bay, or to plan your hike. Formerly located on the Southern Pacific Railroad Right-of-Way, the trail has separate walking and cycling paths. My husband and I walked from our hotel to the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail planning to see Cannery Row, the bay, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and the Steinbeck Plaza and to eat on the pier. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. With more than 30 trails covering 127 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. The movement to create this 30-mile trail system received a boost last November when a sales tax measure to provide $20 million in funding for the project was approved by Monterey County voters. With the Monterey Bay trail as its coastal spine, the FORTAG network will add paved looping pathways to connect the coast to inland communities. 96% of travelers recommend this experience. Pass at slow speed always aware that others unknowingly may move in your direction. Once Great Experience, Needs Intervention Soon! Restaurants with outdoor seating abound for meals, snacks, and cold beverages. It reminds us of why we live here and why we love it., Best Of I'd start it from my apartment in Pacific Grove and access it at Lover's Point, then ride through the wharf area, the marina, all the way into Seaside. 94% of travelers recommend this experience. Joining up on the south end of the Lansing River . This part of the trail is relatively flat and is extremely scenic, with stunning views of sand dunes, rocky coast lines, marinas, and Monterrey's tourist areas including Fisherman's Warf and Cannery Row. On the trail, I found wonderful views of the ocean and live sea life. A must see place. Problem spots to be on the alert for: Marina to Seaside is seeing an abundance of homeless encampments and trash. This portion of trail has many more walkers and bikers but trail is wide enough for all and in very good condition. Always light traffic and never crowded. We took a total of 4 hours with stops for snacks. You can enjoy all Monterey attractions along the waterfront trail, including Fisherman's Wharf, Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium, beaches, parks, historic sites and Downtown Monterey. Continue on to into Pebble Beach (no gate fee for cyclists.) Please stay in the right lane, as you would if you were driving. What is the difference between Monterey Peninsula Recreational Trail and Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail? In the background is Point Cabrillo and the Hopkins Marine Station. Washington, DC 20037Phone: 202.331.9696 The Monterey Bay Coastal Recreational Trail runs some 18 miles from Castroville to Pacific Grove passing through Fisherman's Wharf, Cannery Row, the Monterey. Be COURTEOUS and CAUTIOUS of others. From the series HIDDEN STORIES OF MONTEREY, highlighting lesser known, people, places and things in Monterey.What is the story behind the waterfront recreati. Map Key Favorites Check-Ins. "This really is a great long-distance trail---with a few exceptions. (You do run into a number of formidable hills, though.) Hotels near Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, Monterey on Tripadvisor: Find 35,912 traveler reviews, 29,230 candid photos, and prices for 325 hotels near Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail in Monterey, CA. With aid from the Coastal Conservancy and the cities of Monterey, Pacific Grove and Seaside, the railway transformed into the beautiful and popular trail many enjoy today. Do not step into the flow of traffic on the other side of the Trail without looking to see if it is safe. The Recreation Trail is a PEDESTRIAN/BICYCLE Trail. The Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail is truly immersed in its seaside environment, providing access to sandy beaches, fishing piers and marinas bustling with small boats bright white against the deep blue water. It gets pretty crowded.. If I try it again, I think I'd rather start in Castroville, at the northern end, and ride south. The trail is very well kept with slight inclines here and there surrounded by great restaurants and shops (The Old Wharf and Cannery Row) with one of the most beautiful views of the ocean that you'll ever see. (Past Marina, there is a mile or so where you share a frontage road with some 18 wheelers, which is a little . Keep moving in a safe manner. Funded in cooperation with the Monterey County Board of Supervisors and the communities of Big Sur, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carmel Valley, Marina, Monterey, Moss Landing, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Salinas, Salinas Valley, Sand City and Seaside. Let's just wait some more and see where that gets us. For tips prepared by a 30-year resident and local cyclist--including information from and links to the best Monterey County bicycle shops, services, clubs, and other resources--you may refer to http://www.BicyclingMonterey.com - Welcome! Its no doubt the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail is considered an asset not only on this grand, regional scale, but on a personal level for residents, too. Lots of great stops, at Fisherman's Wharf, Cannery Row, Lovers Point, etc. till its terminus north of Marina at Del Monte Blvd. Standard response is: priority, resources, safety, etc. Become a member and wear your FREE T-Shirt with pride. Walk/ride/skate on the RIGHT HAND SIDE of the Trail in the direction you are going. The Monterey Bay Coastal Recreational Trail runs some 18 miles from Castroville to Pacific Grove passing through Fisherman's Wharf, Cannery Row, the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Downtown. 2021-22 Board and Committee Agendas and Minutes, FY2022-23 Board and Committee Meeting Agendas and Minutes, Monterey Car Week & Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, Pure Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach. Went this past weekend and it was amazing . Donate today or join our community by becoming a member to help make featured stories like this possible! This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. It ends and turns into the bike trail. There are great views of the coast along Monterey Bay and the trail keeps you well separated from the traffic of Hwy. 2121 Ward Court, NW, 5th Floor Beaches and picnic spots along the route. Stunning views of the coast. On our trip we biked in many areas and preferred the views along the Pacific Grove coastal trail and 17 Mile Drive. We packed all of our beach stuff in the bike trailer (along w/ the kid) and enjoyed the beautiful sunshine at Lover's Point beach. Scroll Zoom . Stop and look both ways before crossing a street intersection. From there, the pathway grew slowly north through the 1990s and 2000s. Two Routes, One Great Trail. Loved the cannery and fishermans wharf area and the whole ride was amazing. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 5 h 41 min to complete. Continue to Lovers Point. Walkers, joggers, bicyclists, and skaters are permitted. MONTEREY BAY COASTAL RECREATION TRAIL DETAILS The trail one-way will take you 1.5 hours, 18 miles. It was amazing! After 0.3 mile you come to a mural portraying the history of the area around the trail. Plan your next trail adventure right from home! But the scene soon changes as you continue north. Beginning in Pacific Grove at Lovers Point Park (the southern end of the trail), you will want to take a picture of the beautiful rocky shoreline to the west. Beyond the wharf, the pathway runs close to the usually busy Del Monte Avenue. That construction was for PG&E gas lines and was completed as of 9/23/21. The trail connects you to beaches, landmarks and Monterey attractions like Cannery Row . One of the best rides around. Swap Out a Car Trip for a Trail Trip With These Tips and Tricks (08/31/22), 3. Just beyond the aquarium, roughly 1.5 miles into the journey, you reach Fisherman's Shoreline Park and San Carlos Beach. Do not be in a hurry on this one; frequent stops for taking in the views and snapping pictures of the bay, sailboats, seals, sea otters, and the like are a must and will turn your ride into the relaxing casual event you'll never forget. We are a couple in our late 50s with road bikes. I understand. The former Southern Pacific Railroad on which the rail-trail is built once carried canned fish from here north to markets in the San Francisco Bay area. Stop at the Choke Truck in Castorville for a half-way point lunch before returning to the coast. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Caltrans periodically sets up construction on Highway 1 from north of Moss Landing and through to Castroville. There are several places to stop and get a bite to eat on the trail, or you can pack a picnic and spread a blanket out on one of the trail's many grassy areas. Just as on the street, please stay to the right whenever possible. I keep reporting them and only one so far has been cleaned. Beyond the wharf up to Castroville (the Artichoke Capital of the World) is for individuals looking for a much more intense workout. The beauty of the white sand beach and wind swept trees prompted me to pitch my tent and make a painting. All dogs must be leashed on the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. All dogs must be leashed on the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. Continue past Aguajito back toward a bridge crossing of Highway 1 and you'll see a bike trail just before you cross the bridge. Zoom in to see details. Google Map. I estimate the total additional trail to be about 10 miles from Seaside to its terminus north of Marina. Start on the Beach Range Road toward Monterey (a no vehicle road that runs next to bike trail). Help defend and expand trails nationwide. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Map Key Favorites Check-Ins. ", TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails conservancy, We're a non-profit all about helping you enjoy the outdoors, Jewell Ave. and Ocean View Blvd. Remember that you are sharing the park with others. I just noticed another post lamenting that the rider had to drive to the start in Castroville. A beautiful ride, on our list of places to go again. Trail of the Month is made possible by the generosity of trail advocates like you. The Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail is truly immersed in its seaside environment, providing access to sandy beaches, fishing piers and marinas bustling with small boats bright white against the deep blue water. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews. To learn more view our Privacy Policy. The Ocean views are breathtaking!! The rec trail is a great way for families to reach the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row, the American Tin Cannery shopping and outlet mall, Fisherman's Wharf, and much more - avoiding busy roads and parking hassles. Worst once on gets into the city of Monterey. In the span of just a few short miles, travelers will find popular shops and restaurants lining Fishermans Wharf, the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium and the historical Cannery Row, where the fishing and canning industries thrived in the early 1900s. You can either park in the paid lot at the trailhead or look for street parking nearby. In Monterey, the beach is now over-run with tents and garbage. Most will start their adventure on the trails southern end, in the communities of Pacific Grove and Monterey. Posted 05/12/17 by All the while, you will enjoy beautiful views of Monterey Bay, where you can watch sea lions and sea otters in their natural environment. Do not impede the rights of other Trail users. The Pacific Grove section of the trail is part of the recreation trail network which runs from Marina to Pacific Grove. Well also biked to the end of the trail toward Pebble Beach to watch the sunset. During the development of the citys master plan, residents were surveyed on their recreational activities, and a whopping 70 percent indicated that they use the trail at least once a week. Recognized as one of the best in the world, the aquarium exhibits a wide array of sea creatures, from a giant octopus to nearly two dozen species of shark. Download the See Monterey App to Plan Your Trip! 15.1 Miles 24.3 KM Paved Path 161' 49 m High 10' 3 m Low 427' 130 m Up 430' 131 m Down 1% Avg Grade (1) . Contact Field Offices. The ocean views were amazing!!! Veterans Memorial Park at the top of the hill gives riders the opportunity to ride into Historic Monterey. 15.1 Miles 24.3 KM Point to Point. The section of Hwy 1 through Moss Landing has been very dangerous thanks to the state road work for the past 45 years and nothing has changed and it is as dangerous now as ever. Please stay in the right lane, as you would if you were driving. :) Difficulty - Easy to Moderate. Email Monterey is an extremely pedestrian friendly place and the views and wildlife on this trail are second to none! The latest is expanding parking along the Seaside/Fort Ord area, The dunes are nice but the wind is always blowing here, so you get to see a variety of terrain. Do not impede the rights of other Trail users. $$ - $$$ Italian Steakhouse Seafood, $$ - $$$ American Seafood Vegetarian Friendly, $$ - $$$ Italian Seafood Vegetarian Friendly. Lots of shade and room to stop and take-in the fresh coastal breeze. At the 2-mile mark you come to Fisherman's Wharf, with its restaurants, shops and great views of the ocean. Highly recommend this portion of trail. Many others were there Some were on surrey bikes taking the family out. All rights reserved. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Enjoy this 3.9-mile loop trail near Pacific Grove, California. There are opportunities for sailing, fishing, hiking, and bird watching.The park's Morro Bay State Park Museum of Natural History has exhibits covering natural features, cultural history, Native American life, geology, and oceanography.The park also has a marina and a public golf course. The trail gets fairly crowded as you get into Monterey so we only took it as far as the wharf, about 10 miles from Marina Beach. I love the trail, but Im not alone in loving the trail, chuckles Virginia Murillo, a transportation planner for the Transportation Agency for Monterey County. Join TrailLink (a non-profit) to view more than 40,000 miles of trail maps and more! Several businesses along the trail offer bicycle, kayak, surfboard, scuba, and paddle rentals. Hotels near Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail: Restaurants near Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail: You can see a great deal of the coast by renting a bike (there's a bike shop by fisherman's. Flights Vacation Rentals Restaurants . The multi-use rail trail is a great . Local councils of the Boy Scouts of America The Ideal Scout, a statue by R. Tait McKenzie in front of the Bruce S. Marks Scout Resource Center, the former headquarters of the Cradle of Liberty Council in Philadelphia Scouting portal The program of the Boy Scouts of America is administered through 272 local councils, with each council covering a geographic area that may vary from a single city . Scenic ride on paved bike trail separated from traffic. Virtual Tour of Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. What hotels are near Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail? Zoom in to see details. If you are biking from Monterey through Seaside and Marina to the northern terminus at Highway #1 and Del Monte Blvd. It makes us feel connected to our community and the natural beauty, she says. Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail . Once the Southern Pacific Railway train tracks, the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail is an 18-mile paved path that winds along scenic Monterey Bay. From Castroville to Carmel, it just keeps getting better. Often there is only a single lane for bicyclists and cars and heavy trucks with trailers to use and the odds of being hit and killed is very very high as this is the busiest two lane highway in the United States. Have ridden the entire length many times in the past. Laura Stark Many thanks to the California Coastal Records Project for the excellent aerial photographs included in this story map. The trail technically "ends" in Pacific Grove, at Lover's Point - but I continued on the road, via Ocean View Blvd, to Asilomar(Sunset Drive). Longer-term paid parking is available at the City of Montereys Downtown East Garage on Del Monte Avenue, Waterfront Lot at Figueroa Street and Del Monte Avenue, and the Cannery Row Parking Garage at Wave Street. Rentals: Bicycle rentals are available at multiple locations along the trail in Monterey at Adventures by the Sea (831.372.1807, sales@adventuresbythesea.com) and Bay Bikes (831.655.2453, info@baybikes.com). California The Pacific Grove section of the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail has separate sections for cyclists and pedestrians. Enjoyed this ride and chose to go back through the state park which has some challenging hills. Also, there's great restaurants and brew pubs to be found. Then at Lapis Road & Hwy 1 the trail appeared to end at this intersection (no directional signage), could have explored down the highway at little to find remainder of trail but by then had ridden about 15 miles, so called it at that point. That expansive view of the coastline was really striking, says Barry Bergman, trail development manager for RTCs Western Regional Office, who toured the trail last month as part of the California Trails and Greenways conference. Explore the best rated trails in Monterey, CA. We stayed on Cannery Row in Monterey right across from the trail. But don't put your camera away yetthe beautiful views continue, and there are many photo opportunities along the trail of beach scenes, otters, boats, kayakers and more. 161' 49 m High 10' 3 m Low 427' 130 m Up 430' 131 m Down 1% Avg Grade (1) 10% Max Grade (5) Toolbox Plan in onX Backcountry . I was lucky that day getting the warm sun to accompany me. The wide, double-lanes makes it easy to pass and avoid the obvious foot tourists. Continue on Lighthouse Avenue for 1.4 miles, turn right on David Avenue and soon after turn left on Ocean View Boulevard. It is a pedestrian trail for walking, running and pedaling. See the City of Monterey's page on the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreational Trail for more detail on rules and regulations. 90% of travelers recommend this experience. While the Monterey Recreation Trail is the prototype, other off-road locations are being mapped by Google"s tricycle riders. You can either ride back the way you came, or arrange a shuttle beforehand in Castroville. Walkers, joggers, bicyclists, and skaters are permitted. Very few places in the world can match the beauty and splendor of this trail, especially between Lovers Point Park in Pacific Grove to the Wharf in Monterey. Winding along the Pacific coast, this scenic 18-mile paved path stretches from Castorville to Lovers Point Park in Pacific Grove along the beautiful Monterey Bay shoreline. This rail-trail is what California dreams are made of. Unfortunately we only were able to experience a very small section of the overall Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. Slow Down and Enjoy the Trail With These E-bike Tales and Tips from IZIP (04/14/22), 4. 1.This is an excellent trail for beginners and those who enjoy distance sports. Fantastic trail for running, walking, cycling, sightseeing, or anything pedestrian! How much elevation change is there on this trail? Good Walk in Monterey on the Recreation Trai. The road shoulder of Highway 1 is returned, and it's not necessary to "share the lane" with motor vehicles along that section any longer. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. find trail maps, reviews, photos & driving directions on traillink.com A lot of the main attractions are in the first couple of miles, and you hit some of the more remote and beautiful beaches further north - so it' really depends on however much you want to bike! do not proceed past Beach Road in Marina. We did divert off of this trail to ride the parallel Beach Range Road trail in Fort Ord Dunes State Park. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 15 min to complete. Using existing trails, networks and new connections, the Iron Belle Trail extends more than 2,000 miles from the far western tip of the Upper Peninsula to Belle Isle in Detroit, with a route of bicycling, and a route of hiking. Will definitely do again . Every few years I come back and I see improvements. Big downside, the Pacific Grove portion of the trail does not allow bicycles :( however, a road runs parallel with it. When passing, signal in advance with bell or horn, loudly announcing "passing on left.". 1. Please do not walk or ride abreast in large groups so that you block the Trail for other users. https://surveymonkey.com/r/MontereyATP We were able to do all this in a four mile round trip. We were in Monterey on the three day Labor Day Week-end. Sign up for eNews to get monthly updates on trail news, events and success stories from across the country. Recreation. Laura Stark is a lead writer and editor for Rails to Trails magazine, responsible for highlighting trails and the people working hard to support them across America. Our Monterey Bay Coastal Trail, from Castroville to parts of Pebble Beach, is 29 miles long. The trail traffic is lessened here as the trail rolls through the smaller communities of Seaside, Sand City, Marina and Castroville. One of the most unique features in Monterey County is the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. Between the two, the Beach Range Road Multi-Use Trail offers a parallel route as it passes through Fort Ord Dunes State Park. Scenery - OUTSTANDING!!! Easy to intermediate ride - a couple of small hills. It is a little on the narrow side, so those on foot need to keep an eye out for bikers as there isn't much room. Instead I would start near Lovers Point, there is lots of free parking either along the road or various pullouts just past it, then head back towards monterey. The trail runs over the old Southern Pacific railroad tracks that serviced Cannery Row during the famed sardine era. We rented bikes for a long weekend from the shop at Lover's Point. Be patient, especially in congested areas. 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Convention & Visitors Bureau. It is no wonder that it is near the top of Rails-to-Trails top 100 trails list. The return trip is hilly towards the end, but great cardio training. Made famous by John Steinbeck, this area offers many restaurants, as well as shopping, lodging and entertainment for all ages. A great history lesson and easy on the eyes. You come to Monterey State Beach, with its impressive sand dunes and, farther down the trail, a eucalyptus forest that separates the trail from the road.The next few miles become a bit more commercial as the trail follows the coastline toward the shopping centers at Sand City and a few more miles to the city of Marina. A alternative route going "over the hill" to Monterey would be going up (north) from Carmel Village, to Highway 1 then making a left turn to continue north for less than a mile, then exiting Highway 1 at Aguajito Road. The trailhead is near the corner of Ocean View Boulevard and Jewell Avenue. Bikes are allowed from the start at Lovers Point in Pacific Grove and are available at many points in Pacific Grove and Cannery Row. We enjoyed a walk on the Recreation Trail. San Francisco anyone? Google Map. After a string of street crossings, you arrive at Monterey Bay Aquarium. My wife is a beginning rider and other than a little apprehension with the slight inclines and declines she did great!! Loved the wide, uncrowded Fort Ord area and enjoyed the ocean views in the Sand City area, though some of that sand on the trail was pretty thick. Kim Bui Burton, who lives in Pacific Grove, enjoys walking the trail into Monterey with her husband every week. We used the free parking lot across from the entrance to the Naval PostGraduate School at Del Monte Ave and Cunningham Rd and walked all the way to the Aquarium, about 5 mile round trip, taking about 3 hours because we stopped and read all the markers along the way and took lots of pictures. By continuing to browse this site you permit us and our partners to place identification cookies on your browser and agree to our use of cookies for marketing. Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail (Monterey County) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. Name: Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, Used railroad corridor: Southern Pacific Railroad, Start point/end point: Jewell Avenue and Ocean View Boulevard (Pacific Grove) to Haro Street and Merritt Street/SR 183 (Castroville). It's a little over an hour drive for us and we can't wait to go backtomorrow in fact!! http://www.railstotrails.org/trailblog/2017/may/12/california-s-monterey-bay-coastal-recreation-trail/, Reflecting on 2022: Capturing Once-in-a-Generation Opportunities for Trails, Walking and Biking, Record-Breaking Investments in Californias Trails Amid Major Demand, Transportation Agency for Monterey County, Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport, Swap Out a Car Trip for a Trail Trip With These Tips and Tricks (08/31/22), Slow Down and Enjoy the Trail With These E-bike Tales and Tips from IZIP (04/14/22), A Tale of a Tour: Traveling by Trail in Wisconsin (02/25/22), Californias Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. The Monterey Bay Coastal Recreational Trail has two lanes, just like a regular street. Whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Ohlone Loop Trail and Umbarger Road Parkway. Find many free parking access areas throughout Lansing and East Lansing. Have funit's great!! Tiring but worth it! Much of the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail is located where the tracks of the Southern Pacific Railroad once ran. Once you find a great parking location store it in your navigation. For more parking information, visit the City of Montereys website. We decided to get away from the throngs of people along Cannery Row and head back to Wave Street where we parked our car. ", "This trail is actually LONGER than what is posted on this site. This paved path stretches 18 miles from Castroville in the north to Pacific Grove in the south. Travel 2 miles west on Del Monte Avenue, then veer right onto Lighthouse Avenue. This incredibly diverse preserve provides a wide range of recreation opportunities and experiences, from hiking to birding to mountain biking and hunting. If you're rollerblading, the section from the Naval Post-Graduate School down to the wharf can be kinda rough, as the asphalt isn't in the greatest condition. Once you cross the fence just under Highway 1.the fun begins. About a mile from the northern end, you reach Cannery Row. The trail continues toward a smaller beach, where you can view sailing and fishing boats scattered throughout the bay. Fairly easy ride, with a few hills. Walk/ride/skate on the RIGHT HAND SIDE of the Trail in the direction you are going. More info on this ride and others we've done at http://LocoJoe.com. Can't wait to ride it again. We parked at Fort Ord Dunes State Park, Marina, CA. There is a very short section of bike path from Castroville going to the first highway at which point one is on country roads with heavy trucks and speeding vehicles until one gets to the edge of the city of Marina. There are also grassy areas and tables for picnics at various points along the trail. This portion has some great scenery, a number of interpretive signs along the way, stopped to watch the Harbor Seals at a number of stops. Phone: (831) 373-3366. Check or FAQs for more common login questions. Whenever we visit the Monterey Peninsula, we always make sure to ride our bikes or walk multiple times on the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. Back then, the canneries were derelict buildings and the aquarium, now an anchor in the community, had not yet made its debut (and would not until 1984). Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail Uploaded: 3/16/2019 This has to be one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world. I have urged Monterey County to either fix this section of the trail it or close it. I would recommend to return from Carmel by going over the hill into Monterey on any number of routes. Amenities (food/restaurants/shops) - Great Trail Condition - Great (asphalt and concrete) Parking - You just have to MapQuest like I say and find it. I have received no response from them. in Trail of the Month. The wharf is the go to spot for for panhandling. We walked down Cannery Row and through shops. Even though there are many street crossings, the trail surface is excellent and the scenery is beautiful until you get to Seaside. Trail Map Download; Arcadia Dunes: Camp Arcadia Trails - St. Pierre Trailhead. Please be respectful of others who are using the Recreation Trail, and stick to the area that is specific to your activity. Getting to Castroville safely requires the use of a personal car. The City of Monterey would like your input! The Recreation Trail is a PEDESTRIAN/BICYCLE Trail. Description: Whether you prefer jazz, blues, folk, or American song, the discerning jazz music fan is sure to find both old favorites and visionary new artists to love at the Monterey Jazz Festival. Some parts still are. Just south of Roberts Ave, take the turn up and over the dunes instead of going straight and then having to use the road to continure on the trail. For your own safety, look both ways before crossing any road. This trail used to be so incredible. 3.5 miles. Bird Rock is a good place to stop and picnic with clean tables and restrooms. Thank you for all your good work, including helping people to access local information sources. The trail also connects to multiple beaches, and passes many local restaurants and businesses. If youre coming from San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, Phoenix or Las Vegas, another option is to fly into Monterey Regional Airport (200 Fred Kane Drive, Monterey), which is only 10 minutes from Monterey. From there one crosses multiple intersections until out of the city. We rented bikes for a half-day ride along the trail. This is really a very diverse trail with the urban area thru Monterey in the south, the ocean views in the middle and then road views up north. Another project underway is the Fort Ord Rec Trail and Greenway, a grassroots effort spearheaded by two local professors. Get your choice of one of our 13 guidebooks with your support for the trails you love! This is a fantastic, scenic trail that is very protected for bikes. Second Section: Started again at Casa Verde Way heading south to end of trail at Lovers Point and return. If you want the nicest route, views and clean space, start at Lovers Point. If I lived on the peninsula, I'd be somewhere on that trail every day! Copyright 2001-2020 Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC). Unfortunately we only were able to experience a very small section of the overall Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. That road is much wider and nicer to ride. Along the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, visitors can rent bikes and surreys (canopied quadricycles capable of seating up to six people), in-line skates and kayaks from several local businesses including Adventures by the Seaand Monterey Bay Kayaks. Farther north, the existing Monterey Bay trail is planned to connect with a proposed 32-mile pathway that will continue along the bay in neighboring Santa Cruz County. My wife and I have taken this trail several times, the first being about 15 years ago with 6 children in tow and the last being this month. Good trail signage, just know to make a Right hairpin turn under the freeway interchange. The trail is our most used recreational amenity, says Kim Bui Burton, Community Services Director for the City of Monterey. To navigate the area with an interactive GIS map, and to see more photos, user reviews and ratings, plus loads of other trip-planning information, visit TrailLink.com, RTCs free trail-finder website. I would surely go out of my way to ride this trail again. The Lansing River Trail is 17+ miles of paved trail in Lansing following the banks of the Grand River, the Red Cedar River and Sycamore Creek with multiple boardwalk sections skirting out over the river and wetland areas. Its condition and quality is excellent with the following editorial comments. This popular paved path hugs the coast, following the same route as the old Southern Pacific Railway. It is quite scenic, in spots, but you also ride through some urban congestion and cross a number of busy intersections. Skate in a forward movement and not swagger. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. While on my walk to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, I discovered the trail. The wharf is probably the most popular destination on the trail because of its location, scenery and historical displays, including several generations of fishing craft. Getting there: The closest major airport is the Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (1701 Airport Blvd., San Jose), which lies about 70 miles north of the trail. The trail continues just behind crowded Fisherman's Wharf and Cannery Row. Skateboard individually and not abreast in groups. Heading south through rolling sand dunes, I saw very little to no mid-morning foot or bike traffic, until I reached the Seaside/Monterey boundary, at Dennis the Menace Park. Two of the Nine Sisters chain of volcanic peaks, Black Hill and Cerro Cabrillo, are within the . A Tale of a Tour: Traveling by Trail in Wisconsin (02/25/22). The trail follows a railroad but is not actually on the railroad bed so there is some climbing. Bike or walk through gorgeous scenery, with views of Monterey Bay and wildlife viewing, harbor seals, sea otters, sea lions, and whales. Lots of hills and wind to give you a workout. Hotels near Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, Monterey County on Tripadvisor: Find 42,587 traveler reviews, 224 candid photos, and prices for 331 hotels near Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail in Monterey County, CA. Do not damage public or private property with your skateboards. Take that trail downhill to enter Monterey from the east. If you're traveling with a large group, leave enough space for others who are enjoying the trail to get by. This bike ride blows away anything down in SoCal, by a long shot. This last time we started from a large shopping center in Sand City and turned around at Lovers Point, making the ride about 10 miles round trip. This wonderful coastal rail-trail currently extends 18 miles from Pacific Grove to Castroville and is regarded as one of the most scenic long trails in California. On a weekend, upwards of 2,000 people a day will use the trailso many that the City of Montereys updated parks and recreation master plan, published just last year, outlines upcoming efforts to widen the pathway in its busiest spots. The new park, established in 2009, preserves the coastal areas of the former Fort Ord Army post. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. From Marina, it's another 8 miles to the trail's end in Castroville, famous for its artichokes, artichoke festival and Artichoke Queens. Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau. The map below shows a parking area with . I was traveling north on Highway 1 when my artist's eye led me down to the beach. Location: Monterey Jazz Festival, 2004 Fairground Rd, Monterey, CA. Every mile offers scenic vistas and wildlife viewing, including harbor seals, sea otters, sea lions, birds and sometimes even whales! I have ridden this trail many times and would recommend it to just about any level of rider. The Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District came up with the inspired idea to transform the abandoned lines into a public trail. What a trail. We had drinks from a food truck that was parked there and then headed back.It is a really nice trail that takes you through the dunes with nice views of Monterey Bay. It is truly a beautiful place and urge people to come see this place themselves. Vision, Mission, Value Drivers, & Strategic Initiatives, Meeting Agendas, Official Documents & Records, https://www.railstotrails.org/trailblog/2017/may/12/california-s-monterey-bay-coastal-recreation-trail/?tag=Trail+of+the+Month, CHAPTER 23, Article 1 - General Regulations. Commuters, residents, and visitors to avoid busy roads, get exercise or enjoy a scenic trip. The trail itself supports walking, jogging, and biking. Summer excursions dont come much better than this: 18 miles of smooth, paved trail ringside to Californias stunning Monterey Bay, in some places so close to waters edge that waves occasionally wash over it. However, as of Feb. 2001, the section from Seaside Beach all the way to Marina has been repaved, is unbelievably smooth, and best of all, completely uncongested. There is both beauty and history here. Riding or jogging this path was my favorite activity when I lived here. I turned around at Seaside because I got tired of the traffic noise, hilly terrain, and exhaust fumes. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. It is not difficult to continue to Pebble Beach and with all the ultra rich having multiple home in this community, road traffic is largely non existant if not on the marked 17-mile drive section. North of this tourist hotspot, the trail veers inland, traversing sand dunes and a eucalyptus grove before skirting the boundary of Fort Ord Dunes State Park, a former military base that now offers miles of shoreline and pristine natural areas. Use the QR code or link to participate in a survey to help the City in securing federal grant funding for our local Active Transportation Plan Improvement Projects. . San Carlos is a popular destination for diving, and you might see some shore divers preparing for an underwater adventure. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. I had a hard time figuring out how to find parking from THIS site, but once I MapQuested "Monterey Bay Coastal Trail" I was able to stumble across some parking while following the MapQuest's navigation. My ride began in Marina, CA at Reservation Road. The movement to create this 30-mile trail system received a boost last November when a sales tax measure to provide $20 million in funding for the project was approved by Monterey County voters. The Monterey-Salinas Transit hub is there for those that want to take mass transit rather than continue pedaling. America's Trails, Trail Use. and Higway 1. If you're traveling with a large group, leave enough space for others who are enjoying the trail to get by. Distance from hotel: 1.67 miles. 91% of travelers recommend this experience. We rode this in mid October and the weather was great. I highly recommend this route to see Old Fishermans Wharf, Cannery Row, the Pacific Ocean and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Variety of hills and level areas, windy cool weather, glad to have several layers, full gloves and headband to cover ears. Out and back was 20.5 miles and took about 3 hours of riding (Note: I averaged 7 mph with loaded panniers, my ultra fit husband could ride it much faster). The northern terminus is at Del Monte Blvd and Lapis Road on the north side of Marina. It's also not very well marked. Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail Description View Trail Itinerary View Trail Map Winding along the Pacific coast, the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and a great way to tour Monterey and adjacent communities while enjoying the outdoors. Be patient, especially in congested areas. Photo by: acewickwire MBCT Uploaded: 1/29/2019 Over the dunes Photo by: dina.northcutt Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail Uploaded: 9/10/2017 To reach the Pacific Grove trailhead from State Route 1: Take the Del Monte Avenue (402B) Exit toward Pacific Grove. I rode part of this trail last week, from Pacific Grove up to the town of Seaside. You can continue south around Ocean View Blvd and Sunset Drive past the Asilomar Beach on to the 17 mile drive which allows bikes at no charge. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. We loved biking along the Monterey Bay Coastal trail! Please be considerate and patient, especially in congested areas. Grade: The rail-trail is relatively flat with the exception of a steep climb over the sand dunes at the border between Monterey and Seaside. Good public restroom stop on right near London Bridge Pub, just past Monterey Kayaks. Now a well-regarded, well-loved success, the trail serves as a catalyst for the regions next generation of trails. Your donation will help us to continue connecting more people to trails around the country. 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