Fort Ord National Monument

Free trails on a former army base above the bay

⏱ 2-4 hours👤 All agesFree

Fort Ord opened in 1917 and became a major training base for army infantry for most of the twentieth century. It closed in 1994, and much of the former base was gradually transferred to public ownership. In 2012 President Obama designated a large part of the land as Fort Ord National Monument, protecting a mosaic of oak savanna, maritime chaparral and grassland habitat that shelters rare plants and animals and is home to deer, bobcats and a wide range of birds.

Visitors come for the trails, which include dozens of miles of routes for hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders in a mostly open landscape. The terrain ranges from easy fire roads to steeper singletrack, with ridge views over Monterey Bay and the Salinas Valley and spring wildflower displays when the hills turn green. Unlike a developed park, it is largely undeveloped, with few services, so come prepared with water, a map or trail app and sun protection. The land was once used for military training, so the monument asks visitors to stay on designated trails and roads because of the possibility of hazards left over from that use; treat that rule seriously, and follow the signs and the current guidance.

Practicals: several trailheads are reached from Highway 68 and from the Seaside and Marina side, a 10 to 20 minute drive from Monterey. Trail conditions change with weather and season; poison oak grows beside many paths, and ticks are common in grassy areas, so wear long pants in the wetter months and check yourself afterwards. Dogs are generally welcome under the monument's rules, so confirm the current ones before you go. Summers are warm and dry inland. Fit: mountain bikers, trail runners, hikers, dog walkers, horse riders and travelers who want a free, uncrowded outdoor morning away from the coast crowds. It pairs well with the beaches and dunes of Marina and a late lunch in Monterey.