Fort Ord National Monument

Explore the natural beauty and historical charm of Fort Ord National Monument, a hidden gem and former military base on the Monterey Peninsula. With over 86 miles of trails winding through rolling hills, coastal grasslands, and oak woodlands, this expansive preserve is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. 

Fort Ord is open year-round and is conveniently located near Monterey, making it an ideal destination for day trips and outdoor adventures. Don’t forget to bring water, sun protection and your sense of adventure!

Things to Do at Fort Ord

For day use, Fort Ord is great for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking and wildlife watching. Trails are open daily from dawn to dusk and run through a range of environments. Visitors are advised to stick to the trails to avoid damaging ecologically sensitive areas. Certain signed, fenced-off areas have been deemed hazardous by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and must be avoided.

Hiking and Trail Running

Enjoy a variety of trails perfect for casual strolls or challenging treks. The trails showcase breathtaking vistas, wildflower blooms in spring and glimpses of local wildlife. Hikers can enjoy the gorgeous views that the 6 mile Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail has to offer.

Horseback Riding

Saddle up and experience the monument's scenic beauty from a new perspective on its equestrian-friendly trails, including the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail. Equestrians should use the entrance at Inter Garrison Rd., where parking is available for horse trailers.

Mountain & Paved-Road Biking

Known as a mountain biker’s paradise, Fort Ord features diverse terrain, from smooth paths to thrilling single-track trails. Flatter roads give riders a close-up view of resident wildlife, while steep and strenuous hills offer breathtaking views that extend from the cliffs and valleys of the former Fort Ord to the Salinas Valley and Gabilan Mountains

Guided Bike Tours with VineCycle Tours

Take your biking experience to the next level with VineCycle Tours. This guided tour service combines Fort Ord's natural wonders with a touch of local charm. Pedal through the stunning landscapes while learning about the area's history, flora, and fauna from experienced guides. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in the monument's beauty, whether you're new to biking or an avid cyclist.

Suggested Fort Ord Biking Route

This eight mile route is a great introduction to biking at the Fort Ord National Monument. It has several hills, including one that is a slow and steady climb over three-quarters of a mile. The views from the top are amazing, and the downhill that comes after will give you a chance to rest your legs!

Park at the lot at Gigling Road and Eighth Avenue. East and south of this point, Fort Ord is closed to all motor traffic. Hop on your bike and take Gigling Road east for a mile and a half. You'll ride through forests of coast live oaks.

Turn left onto Hennekens Ranch Road, and prepare for a long hill climb. The reward, however, is a spectacular view of the wildlands of Fort Ord, as well as Toro Peak and parts of the Salinas Valley. It's a perfect spot to pull off, catch your breath, and admire the landscape.

Follow Hennekens Ranch Road until it ends (about 1.8 miles), and turn right onto Eucalyptus Road - and prepare for another steep hill! From the top, you'll look east over Fort Ord, and may be able to catch a glimpse of the ocean in the distance. Follow for 2.7 miles from Hennekens Ranch until the second time you see Parker Flats Road, and turn right.

Follow Parker Road for just over 2/3 of a mile, and turn right on Normandy. Follow Normandy for just over 2/3 of a mile, and turn left onto the 8th Avenue Extension. This will bring you back to the parking lot.

View Fort Ord bike route in a larger map

Events

April's Sea Otter Classic holds many rides and races on Fort Ord. This 4 day event is one of the largest consumer bike expos in the world and brings over 10,000 bikers and 50,000 fans from across the globe.

Wildlife

The Fort Ord National Monument has a vast array of endangered and rare species of plants and animals, some of which are rarely found outside Fort Ord. Animals that can often be seen in this coastal region include black tailed deer, turkeys, bobcats, coyotes, badgers, red tailed hawks, Canadian geese, California quail, gopher snakes, coast horned lizards, golden eagles, and mountain lions.

The botany on this terrain is just as diverse as the animals that roam it. Fort Ord has vegetation ranging from maritime chaparral to grasslands, marshes and gorgeous fields of wildflowers. Click here for a BLM-maintained list of rare plants found at Fort Ord.

Directions

The Fort Ord National Monument has two main access points. The Creekside Terrace Trailhead is located off of Reservation Road and the Badger Hills Trailhead is located off of Highway 68 in Salinas (across from the Toro Cafe).