Hike, cycle, or ride through Fort Ord National Monument

Cycling through Fort Ord National Monument

NPS/Bhoj Rai

Travel back in time to March 10, 1776, when Anza expeditioners left their campsite in what is now the Salinas Valley. They passed through the river valley towards the Royal Presidio of the port of Monterey. This 4.5-mile segment crosses the majestic grasslands of Fort Ord National Monument. The trek offers a nostalgic look of what the native grasslands looked like prior to large-scale European expansion and settlement. The non-motorized segment spanning the Monument complements the Anza Trail auto tour segment of State Route 68 and parallels the El Toro Creek terraces, which were known to support some small settlements of the native Ohlone people. The Monument segment is anchored by the Creekside Terrace Trailhead and the Badger Hills Trailhead where restrooms, maps, and interpretive displays are provided. The Creekside Terrace Trailhead has potable water.

Brochure and trail map: Fort Ord 2022 Brochure

Details

Duration

30-150 Minutes

By foot and hoof, this segment is a moderately strenuous 2.5-hour trek. By mountain bike, the stretch takes about 30 minutes.

Activity

Biking

This segment is available for hiking, jogging, cycling, horse riding, wildlife viewing, and occasional livestock operation viewing.

Pets Allowed

Yes

Pets allowed on a leash 6' long or shorter.

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Creekside Terrace Trailhead

Creekside Terrace Trailhead is just off Highway 68 near the intersection of Reservation Road and Portola Road. Badger Hills Trailhead is just off Highway 68 six miles east of Salinas, CA.

Reservations

No

None required. However, organized/advertised, commercial and competitive use of the route may require a Special Recreation Use Permit. 

Season

Year Round

During the winter, the seasonal flowing El Toro Creek bifurcates the path requiring a wet crossing. 
 

Time of Day

Day, Dawn, Dusk

Trail is open from dawn to dusk (1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset).

Accessibility Information

This is a narrow non-motorized dirt road with elevation gain.