Easy hikes and walks in Fort Ord Dunes State Park
4.8
(103)
1,548
hikers
90
hikes
Easy hiking trails in Fort Ord Dunes State Park traverse nearly 1,000 acres of public land, featuring expansive coastal landscapes and four miles of ocean beachfront along Monterey Bay. The park is defined by its towering coastal dunes, some reaching up to 150 feet, which create a unique environment with scenic vistas of the Pacific Ocean. Diverse ecosystems support approximately 250 different plant species, and the area offers continuous views of Monterey Bay.
Best easy hiking trails in Fort Ord…
Last updated: October 11, 2026
5.0
(6)
8
hikers
5.92km
01:33
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
890m
00:14
0m
10m
The Marina Dunes Preserve Trail offers a truly unique coastal experience, guiding you through a landscape of wind-sculpted dunes and native vegetation. You'll find yourself on soft, sandy paths, occasionally…
7.37km
01:56
50m
60m
Hike the easy 4.6-mile Fort Ord Trail 51 and Trail 52 Loop through Fort Ord National Monument, enjoying oak groves, grassy fields, and a ver
6
hikers
6.28km
01:37
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(6)
205
hikers
5.39km
01:24
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
A lovely wharf you should see
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Nice flat run on footpath to aquarium.
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Fort Ord Dunes State Park, opened to the public in 2009, reveals itself as a haven across nearly 1,000 acres of public land. Discover 4 miles of coastal beauty with awe-inspiring views along the ocean beach, showcasing the splendor of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. This sanctuary for endangered species urges responsible exploration, staying on designated trails, and following CA State Park rules to preserve these delicate habitats.
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Kalisa Moore, known as the “Queen of Cannery Row,” was born in Latvia and came to America after World War II. She bridged the eras, opening her fine dining restaurant when most canneries had already closed. Over the years, “Kalisa’s” evolved into a bohemian coffeehouse where artists, writers and poets “hung out.” Her weekend cabaret was filled with musicians, dancers and the occasional celebrity from the Monterey Jazz Festival. As time went on and Cannery Row was reborn, Kalisa became a major factor in preserving memories of Steinbeck’s era and promoted tourism and commerce as president of the Cannery Row Foundation. For fifty years, she was a friend to the famous and a mother to the needy with a local following that knew and loved her. Kalisa's La Ida Cafe was a very special time and place, and Kalisa will always be remembered as the "Queen of Cannery Row."
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Cannery Row, the waterfront district that boomed in the 1850s - For thousands of years it was home to the Ohlone, Esselen and Salinas tribes, and in the 19th century immigrants from Europe and Asia settled here to fish the waters, especially for sardines. Thanks to the canneries that resulted, Monterey became known as the "Sardine Capital of the World." John Steinbeck, born and raised in nearby Salinas, immortalized this era in his 1945 novel Cannery Row, and the name stuck.
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Bruce Ariss Way is a narrow alley, the pedestrian-only continuation of Irving Avenue between Wave Street and Cannery Row. What was once an unofficial walkway between the residential area of the row, across the railroad tracks, and the waterfront canneries has been converted into a small park. In the early 1990s, the City of Monterey relocated three worker's shacks from 866 Wave Street to this site and opened them to the public. They are interpreted as being occupied by a Japanese, a Filipino, and a Spanish family, respectively, alluding to the cultural mix that characterized cosmopolitan Cannery Row and representing the living conditions of workers between the 1920s and 1950s. There were many shacks like this in the neighborhood in the early 20th century, but these are the only remaining remnants of this housing type on Cannery Row.
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Nice, small (and free!) museum just before Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey. Nice exhibition.
1
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Beautiful little wharf, touristy but still OK. Starting point for a (wonderful) whale watching tour. There is a sea lion colony on the edge - just watching these animals is worth a visit.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many easy hiking trails are available in Fort Ord Dunes State Park?
Fort Ord Dunes State Park offers a wide selection of easy hiking trails, with over 50 routes specifically categorized as easy. These trails allow you to explore the park's unique coastal landscapes at a comfortable pace.
What kind of terrain will I encounter on easy hikes in Fort Ord Dunes State Park?
Easy hikes in Fort Ord Dunes State Park primarily feature coastal paths and sandy dunes. You'll find trails traversing towering coastal dunes, some reaching up to 150 feet, and four miles of ocean beachfront. The Fort Ord Dunes State Park loop, for example, offers coastal views and access to sandy areas.
Are there any family-friendly easy hiking options in the park?
Yes, Fort Ord Dunes State Park is very family-friendly. Many of the easy trails are suitable for all ages, offering gentle gradients and engaging natural features. The Marina Dunes Preserve Trail is a short, easy path with scenic ocean views, perfect for families.
Can I bring my dog on the easy hiking trails?
Yes, dogs are permitted on leash on many trails within Fort Ord Dunes State Park. The paved Fort Ord Dunes State Park Rec Trail, which spans four miles, is a popular option where dogs are allowed on leash.
Are there any easy loop trails in Fort Ord Dunes State Park?
Absolutely. Loop trails are a great way to experience the park without retracing your steps. A popular easy loop is the Fort Ord Dunes State Park – Fort Ord Dunes State Park loop, which is 3.4 miles long and offers coastal views and access to sandy dunes. Another option is the Fort Ord Trail 51 and Trail 52 Loop, which is 4.6 miles and leads through coastal dunes.
What natural features and wildlife can I expect to see on an easy hike?
Fort Ord Dunes State Park boasts diverse natural features including towering coastal dunes, four miles of ocean beachfront, and expansive views of Monterey Bay. You might spot various wildlife, including endangered species like the western snowy plover and Smith's blue butterfly. The Monterey Bay area is also known for whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds.
Are there any historical sites or points of interest along the easy trails?
Yes, the park has a rich history as a former U.S. Army training ground. Hikers can observe remnants of its military past, such as old ammo storage bunkers tucked into the dunes. Interpretive signs throughout the park also provide educational insights into its natural and cultural history.
Is there a paved trail suitable for wheelchairs or strollers?
Yes, the Fort Ord Dunes State Park Rec Trail is a notable paved path spanning four miles. It's popular for walking and biking and is suitable for strollers and wheelchairs, offering accessible views of the coastal environment.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the easy trails in Fort Ord Dunes State Park?
The easy trails in Fort Ord Dunes State Park are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 80 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the continuous ocean views, the unique coastal dunes, and the serene, undeveloped beachfront. The opportunity to spot marine life and birds is also a highlight for many.
When is the best time of year to visit Fort Ord Dunes State Park for easy hikes?
Fort Ord Dunes State Park offers beautiful hiking conditions year-round. The coastal climate generally provides mild temperatures. While specific seasonal advice isn't provided, the park's continuous ocean views and diverse ecosystems can be enjoyed in any season, making it a flexible destination for easy hikes.
Where can I find parking for the easy hiking trails?
Fort Ord Dunes State Park provides designated parking areas for visitors. You can typically find parking at the main entrance points to access the trail network. For specific trailheads, it's advisable to check the park's official website or detailed komoot tour information for precise parking locations.
Are there any less crowded easy trails for a more peaceful experience?
While popular, the park's expansive nature and four miles of beachfront offer opportunities for solitude. Shorter trails like the Marina Dunes Preserve Trail can be less crowded, especially during off-peak hours. Exploring the less developed sections of the beach can also provide a more peaceful experience.
Most popular routes in Fort Ord Dunes State Park
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