BEST TRAINING AND RECREATIONAL RUNS
Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail (Various cities)
The Recreation trail hugs the coastline from Castroville to Lover's point in Pacific Grove. The trail continues with some breaks along the Pacific Grove coast and into Pebble Beach where it ends at Bird and Seal Rock. From Castroville to Pacific Grove, the trail accommodates both bicycles and runners, and alternates between concrete and asphalt. Once in Pacific Grove, runners are encouraged to stay on the decomposed granite side of the trail. The trail is lit at night in the section between Seaside and Cannery Row, and parts of the trail in Pacific Grove are lit as well. The Rec Trail is gently rolling and provides magnificent views of the Monterey Bay, the Marina and Fisherman's Wharf, Cannery Row and the Pacific Grove rocky coast. There are several drinking fountains on the trail along the stretch through Monterey. If runners choose to start from Pacific Grove, there is a parking lot at Lover's Point, although there is a two hour time limit. Parking is available in Monterey at Fisherman's Wharf or the downtown Parking Garages for a fee.
17-Mile Drive (Pebble Beach)
A run along 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach is probably even better than playing 18 holes at Pebble. Beginning from the Pacific Grove Gate at the intersection of 17-Mile Drive and Sunset in Pacific Grove, runners have the option of a well-groomed dirt path or of running in the bike lane on 17-Mile Drive. Proceeding south, runners will pass the Spanish Bay Golf Course before making a right turn after a mile and heading down to the ocean. The dirt path continues all the way to Bird Rock, about 4 miles from the start. Runners pass by several world famous golf courses, including Spyglass and Cypress Point. Frequently there will be surfers riding the waves at Spanish Bay Beach. Animal life is abundant... deer graze on the golf course, pelicans soar overhead, Canadian Geese float on several golf course ponds, and you may glimpse the occasional fox or rabbit. In the fall, if a storm is imminent, enormous waves crash down in the rocky coast, tossing driftwood in the beach and creating a mist of salty air. Just past Bird Rock, the path ends and runners can get back on 17-Mile Drive. In the next 4 mile stretch, runners go slightly inland and pass through a neighborhood consisting of enormous mansions. You will run past the Crocker Grove, the Lone Cypress and Pescadero Point before coming to the world-renowned Lodge at Pebble Beach. The distance form the Pacific Grove Gate to the Lodge is approximately 7 miles.
Garland Ranch Regional Park (Carmel Valley)
Where: From Highway One, take Carmel Valley Road east for 8.6 miles. The parks entrance is marked and there is a large parking lot with no parking or access fee.
What: 4,462 acres between the Carmel River and the southeastern Santa Lucia Mountain Range. Only one trail is flat, hugging the Carmel River; the others wind up and across the northern slope of the mountains. Elevations range from 200 to 2,000 feet.
Trails: Trail maps are available at the Visitor's Center. There is a Ranger/Naturalist staff on hand and a variety of education programs and outdoor interpretive hikes are available.
Jack's Peak County Park (Monterey)
Where: Located above Monterey Bay. Take Olmstead Road off of Highway 68 near the Monterey Airport. Look for the gated turnoff to the park. Park hours vary according to the season, but is general open between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. There is a $2.00 vehicle entrance fee Monday-Friday, $3.00 on weekends.
What: One of Monterey's best kept secrets, Jack's Peak Park is small in acreage, but offers a variety of rugged trails and some of the best views on the Peninsula. The park offers nearly 8.5 miles of trails.
Trails: Trail distances vary from one to six miles and all involve hills ranging from easy to extreme. Keep your eyes peeled for poison oak which is abundant in this area.
Pt. Lobos State Park (Carmel)
Where: Located on Highway One 2 miles south of Rio Road. Opens daily at 9:00 a.m. There is a vehicle charge of $5.00 but you may park on Highway One and walk in free of charge.
What: Robert Louis Stevenson called it "The greatest meeting of land and water in the world". Incredible ocean views as well as a variety of flora and fauna make Pt. Lobos the "crown jewel of the State Park System".
Trails: Over 10 interconnecting trails throughout the park. Of special interest are China Cove, Sea Lion Point and Whaler's Cove.
