A cyclist rides a windy path through grasslands with purple flowers marked by an Anza Trail sign
30-150 Minutes

Hike, cycle, or ride through Fort Ord National Monument

Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail

Hike or ride a strenuous 4.5-mile segment that crosses the majestic grasslands of Fort Ord National Monument. 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.

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

Tags

BikingColonization and SettlementExplorers and ExpeditionsGrasslandsHispanic American HeritageImmigrationLatino American HeritageMigrationsMilitaryMonuments and MemorialsNative American HeritageTrailsFort Ord National MonumentBureau of Land Managementblmanza expeditionanza trailSalinas ValleyOhloneCreekside TerraceBadger Hills

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Details

Duration

30-150 Minutes

Duration Details

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

Fees Apply

No

Seasons

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

Time of Day

Day, Dawn, Dusk

Accessibility

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

Pets

Yes — Pets allowed on a leash 6' long or shorter.

Reservations

No — None required. However, organized/advertised, commercial and competitive use of the route may require a Special Recreation Use Permit.

Location

Creekside Terrace Trailhead

View on NPS.govBack to Juan Bautista de Anza

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