If you don't have a bike, it is best to start near one of the bicycle rental shops at Fisherman's Wharf or on Cannery Row. Most popular part of the trail starts at Fisherman's Wharf heading towards Pacific Grove. Take the Pacific Grove/Del Monte Ave exit off Hwy 1 and head straight towards downtown. Park at Fisherman's Wharf.
Hours:
Always Open
Description:
This popular, paved bicycle trail is also used by rollerbladers and pedestrians. It extends for several miles from Lovers Point in Pacific Grove through Monterey (Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf) and out by the Del Monte Beach and Windows on the Bay Park and continuing now out to Castroville -- about 18 miles from Pacific Grove.
Laguna Seca Recreation Area (MODERATE-DIFFICULT)
Location:
Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca
Directions:
From Monterey, take Hwy 68 East towards Salinas. Watch for the entrance on your left hand side (halfway between Monterey and Salinas)
Hours:
Not Available
Description:
Besides being a raceway, this recreation area offers a range of trails from easy to difficult in a rural setting. The area is famous for hosting the "Sea Otter Classic" each March -- a huge event for bicyclist. There is an entrance fee of $5 per car.
Toro Regional Park (MODERATE-DIFFICULT)
Location:
Toro Regional Parkis located east of Monterey and just south of Salinas along Hwy 68.
Directions:
From Monterey, take Hwy 68 East towards Salinas for about 9 miles. Exit at Portola Road and go into the Toro Park entrance.
Hours:
Varies by month but generally open from 8a - 6p (closing later in the Summer months -- call for exact hours at 831-755-4899).
Description:
Toro Park encompasses hundreds of acres of land in a rural setting with both easy trails and very difficult trails that climb up in the mountains with breathtaking vistas. There are also several picnic areas with barbecues, a children's playground, and large grassy areas with plenty of mature trees. Out of the total of 20 miles of trails, one of the favorites is called the "Ollason Peak" trail which is an intermediate trail that takes you through rolling grasslands, valley views, open meadows and forested canyons.
Fort Ord Public Lands (EASY-DIFFICULT)
Location:
Former Ford Ord Army base (between Monterey and Salinas)
Directions:
Popular trails can be accessed from a variety of points along the former Fort Ord but the two main access points are at Toro Creek Road (off of Hwy 68 - large, dirt parking area just 1.5 miles west of Toro County Park) and Old Reservation Road (take Portola Road Exit off of Reservation Rd at junction of Hwy 68. Follow Portola Road for about half a mile to the parking area on the left at the dead end portion of the road).
Description:
There is a total of 80 miles of trails in the Fort Ord Area - most of which are dirt trails but a few are asphalt or gravel. There are free trail maps provided at each of the trailheads. As your riding, you may spot deer, bobcats, turkeys and all sorts of other wildlife. Definitely a favorite for local, hard core bicycle enthusiasts and very rustic. A nice place for a quiet ride away from civilization. Keep in mind that pathways are shared by pedestrians and horses.There is a new 3.5 mile trail which includes steep runs over rocky trails as well as flat tracks past ponds, forests, meadows and wildflowers.
Old Coast Road (MODERATE)
Location:
Big Sur Coastline
Directions:
Highway 1 to Bixby Bridge, about 15 mi. S. of Carmel. Or all the way to Molera St. Pk., 25 mi. S. of Carmel. Old Coast Road is a dirt road navigable in the dry season.
Description:
This was the old road that connected Big Sur to the Monterey Peninsula and was used before Bixby Bridge was built. The most recommended route (fairly easy and nice scenery) is to go from Bixby Bridge towards the turnaround at the Andrew Molera Park entrance (this is the North end of the trail) which presents nice ocean views through historic Redwoods . Only a good ride if you have a mountain bike and enjoy quick downhill rides (braking) (about 3 miles).
Seventeen Mile Drive (EASY-MODERATE)
Location:
Pebble Beach
Directions:
We would suggest starting at the Pacific Grove Gate located just off of Hwy 68 at the intersection of 17 Mile Drive. Check-in at the guard gate.
Hours:
Closed to bicyclists on weekends.
Description:
Considered one of the top 100 bicycle rides in America. This scenic drive is best seen on a slow bike ride past lush golf courses, the ocean and rugged coastline and multi-million dollar homes as well as several other famous points of interest. This is a small, narrow road at times so really just recommended for someone comfortable on a bike and without kids.
Carmel Valley Road Ride (Moderate-Hard)
Location:
Carmel Valley Road connects Carmel from Hwy 1 out to Carmel Valley
Directions:
From Hwy 1 heading south, turn left onto Carmel Valley Road. Almost immediately to your right will be several shopping centers where you can park your car and start your ride.
Hours:
Would only do this ride during daylight hours for safety (and early morning is the best)
Description:
This is one of the most popluar rides for locals. The beginning of the ride is relatively flat and will lead past many scenic points including wineries, fields with horses, luxury hotels and golf courses. Keep in mind there are several severe climbs that you will encounter as well as steep descents. After riding for about 11 miles, you will be in Carmel Valley Village where you can stop for some refreshments and enjoy the clean "country air" and slower pace. For a really difficult ride, you can turn left onto Los Laureles Grade and climb it for spectacular mountain views (again, only if you are used to this kind of ride). Traffic can be a little hectic so make sure you are also use to riding alongside traffic.
MORE:
Click here for a complete listing of all the great things to do and places to go in Monterey County along with your own personalized itinerary, maps, visitor guides, and valuable coupons and discount offers.
Bay Bikes - Bicycle Rentals
Location:
585 Cannery Row Suite 101, Monterey
Directions:
Located just off of the recreation trail in Monterey in the Cannery Row area about one and a half blocks from the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Hours:
Open daily at 9am (closing times vary by season and daylight hours)
Description:
Bay Bikes has been around for quite some time and we have always had a favorable experience with them. Aside from a big selection of two wheeled bikes, they also offer Surreys (those big four wheeled bikes that can fit a small family) and even trailers to tow the kids. Rates for the bikes start at about $7 per hour and about $20 per hour for the Surrey. Their location just off of the rec trail is great to get you out towards Pacific Grove or back towards Fisherman's Wharf.
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