Fort Ord Public Lands

Beautiful, if not totally wild, place to take a hike (as long as you have a sense of direction and/​or a map). Historic, varied, and often quiet (sometimes in a spooky way), with wildflowers galore, incredible vistas in some places, vernal ponds, frogs, birds, and the occasional coyote.

Great place to get out and pedal around a little. Plenty of trails to keep you busy. There are too many hikers that dislike the bikes and horses poop everywhere but its still fun. It gets pretty dry out there and sandy. Ruts typically arent a huge issue except the sea otter just came and the trails need maintenance, but its within riding distance from my house and its always a good time.

Great place to mountain bike, hike, or take an easy walk. We’re blessed to have such a beautiful area. It will take you a long time to enjoy the whole area.

Off-​leash hiking makes this one of the very best places to take your dog. There are great trail maps and you can literally walk for hours. There are bikers, horseback riders, and hikers, so you have lots of company. There are great hills which lead to amazing views. Some conveniently places benches allow for nice picnics. The rangers are also out patrolling regularly, so if you need anything, they can help.

Oh this is just about the best place ever to get rolling on your mountain bike. We went out here last week, parked on the lot of Hwy 68, and had this huge choice of trails, anything from more or less flat, to rolly, to major technical. One of the best parts was that it wasn’t crowded, even on a weekend, and we were able to tool around up by the Laguna practice track. Can’t wait to go back when they are practicing on the track. This is just a wonderful combination of an accessible beautiful area, with lots of space and choices.

It’s a nice day in nature to run… This is one of the nicest places to run off stress.
Breath and take it all in when you come.

I have lived here all my life and was born and raised on the central coast. I simply love mountain bike riding on this piece of property. The trails never get old and I always find a way to challenge myself. Anyone that has a chance to ride there mountain bike should come out and enjoy this pretty piece of gods earth. No wonder why they hold the largest mountain bike event in the USA here.

Beautiful scenery, lots of open space. A friend of mine introduced me to this place a few years ago. A great place to hike, with lots of accessible trails. If your simply looking for a nature walk, or a hike I highly recommend coming here. In the summers I suggest you wear insect repellent.

This is just about the best place on the Peninsula to ride your mountain bike. Lots of long distance trails, hills, green oak trees and space. I particularly like biking up to the Laguna Seca track and watching the practice runs and then bombing downhill back to the Salinas Hwy parking lot. Just a jewel of a site. Note that it is a «manure free» area for horses and dogs-​now that is a nice concept for us hikers and bikers.

BOMB DIGGETY OPEN SPACE!
This 50+ square miles of rolling hills & open space northwest of Toro Park (between Salinas & Monterey off of Hiway 68) that I like to call «my backyard» is a runner’s paradise! The weather is almost always perfect for running here! If you have ever been to the Leguna Seca race track, than that is the general area that this review is about! The only thing that would be better is if there was an ocean view, but you can drive a short distance west if you want that. Although I haven’t been motivated to mountain bike much lately, this land is also great for mountain biking as I see many bikers here. Maybe its time to air up my tires… hmm.
I really enjoy open spaces, and this is why I enjoy living backed up against my own little 50 square mile playground for a change… a nice break from the congestion in much of the bay area! All I do is open the gate in my backyard fence, and there is the trail right there… decision, go left or right… it doesn’t matter which path you take because they all lead to a place where you become stronger!
Here are some words to take up some space regarding running/​exercise…
Don’t «Just Do It», do it again & again & again & again!!! and know it doesn’t get easier, its that you are getting stronger, so keep pushing yourself! Your body & mind will thank you!

Can’t beat the weather. Nice Mountain bike trails and fire road. There is a great 22 mile route and also getting to the side of Laguna Seca track to see the races is epic!
Cool place to bring your buddies. All for My Cycling Group!

I love these hills!
On an nice day, skip the gym and hit the trails instead! Trails are open for hiking, trail running, mountain biking and horse back riding. .. with over 83 miles available, you will never get bored!

Hiking trails are good exercise on beautiful sunny days. Horse back riders must pick up after their rides, as the posted signs declare this a «Manure Free» area. Doggie owners also must clean up, after their pets. Nice views of the produce farms of the Salinas Valley, in all their glory. Enjoy!