Fort Ord National Monument

My friends and I did the hike to the top of the Badger hiking trail within Fort Ord National Monument, it offered beautiful views of the Salinas Valley, the trail is steep in areas, make sure to wear proper shoes and stay hydrated. There is a free parking lot at the base of the trail and a restroom. Hikers we encountered on the trail were very friendly and people tend to stay on the marked trails.

Very clear paths; the shortest circular route is about 6 miles / 10k. It is just stunning. So quiet. Parking for free; toilets at parking area

Great place to hike! Variety of trail options, from flatter, to challenging! We usually hike the 6 mile loop. Great for bicycles, horses or dogs with many off-leash portions. Fun to watch the goats mow down the hills' overgrowth in the fall.

Great park, most of the trails are double track but it's pretty peaceful

Great hiking, great trails. Big hill is worth the hike! Be sure not to leave things out and visible in your car! So many people leave things so that they can easily be seen through a window! Be aware!

Great safe, and less trafficked location. Trash cans and restrooms at the main entrance. A path for horses and a separate for bikes/hikers. Get here early around 8am and you'll have it all to yourself. Dog friendly but must be on leash. Lots of dog poop though so watch out. We occasionally see rabbits but no other wildlife thus far.

There are distracted, aggressive drivers & inconsiderate bicyclists amongst us. At Fort Ord, one can pretty much avoid the dregs of Humanity, get some big doses of Nature, and get in a family bike ride/hike up to technical trail riding. Keep it to yourself, please.

My GSD and I walk two miles on Watkins Gate Road every morning. It is an old paved road with many trails crisscrossing , for bikers, hiking and walking/running (no motorized transport).
Slightly hilly, it’s a good cardiac exercise. It is beautiful and majestic, with pine and oak trees lining you way.
The temperature is usually 50-60 degrees depending on fog and clouds.
There is a breeze always and feels so refreshing!

Excellent place to mountain bike, hike, or walk the dogs. Expansive open space, with various terrain and multiple trails such as singletrack, gravel, or paved roads away from cars and traffic. There are many hills in Fort Ord but also fun downhills.

Great trails... A new experience for me. I have never ridden exposed trails before. Trail 31 to 41 and up Oil Well Rd make for a great couple of loops in and hour.

Wonderful trail if you're more than a leisurely walker. The views are scenic, plenty of sun, and an occasional breeze as the day progresses. It is a challenge climbing the several hills. Take water and pace yourself, if you're not in shape or have physical limitations. No shade past the trail entrance, but occasional beautiful oak trees off the path.

Open space for everyone. Gentle, rolling hills. Well groomed trails. One of the best marked trail systems I've ever been on. You almost don't even need a map. And always a coastal breeze.

Beautiful view of the Salinas Valley. It is about 400ft of elevation gain in around 1.75 miles so it is a bit steep. Can get pretty busy.

I haven't hiked in Salinas before. I didn't even know that there were any trails, like Fort Ord National Monument Badger Hills Trail, to hike in Salinas. It was a nice surprise. Interesting, that this trail could be as short or as long as you'd like. It is not shaded, so it's best completed in the fall or spring. Very open and offers lovely views.

I ended up hiking 8 miles total with about 1200 feet of elevation, which was theoretically not a difficult hike, but in the sun makes you feel more tired than you really are. There were a lot of people in the beginning, but pretty much nobody after the first 2 miles.

Gorgeous scenery, great way to see the entire valley!!

Great hiking. Easy, moderate and hard trails. Fun area to explore

In 80-81 my now ex-husband was stationed in Fort Ord where we were given newly built housing, but he was TDY in Jolon 89 miles away. It was a waste as, save for a few days every 3 months, the house sat empty.
It was a shame because Fort Ord was the cleanest base I had ever seen before and since.

Good spot. Pretty hilly, so there are plenty of inclines and downhills. Beautiful during the spring when everything is green.

So many trails to choose from and awesome views of the salinas valley. It is especially beautiful now that everything is green. :)

The path is simple, but well maintained. I think it's completely beautiful out there. Very quiet and a good place to get some exercise with the hills for people and their dogs.