Fort Ord National Monument is a vast protected area in central California featuring coastal dunes, grasslands, oak woodlands, and chaparral. It offers a premier destination for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing in the Monterey Bay region. The monument protects military history, rare species, and diverse habitats formerly used as an army training base.
Overview
Fort Ord National Monument, managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), was established in 2012 on lands formerly used as a U.S. Army base from 1917 to 1994. The 28,000-acre monument stretches along the central California coast from Marina through Seaside to Monterey, encompassing rolling hills, expansive dune systems, and scenic coastal bluffs.
- The monument preserves significant cultural resources related to nearly 80 years of military training at Fort Ord, including barracks, firing ranges, and training areas.
- After base closure in 1994, the land was gradually restored and transitioned to public stewardship, with further protections added through designation as a national monument.
- Today, Fort Ord is part of the larger Monterey Bay ecosystem and provides critical habitat for rare and endemic species while offering outstanding recreation close to California’s central coast.
Plan Your Visit
Fort Ord National Monument is open year-round and free to the public. Its extensive multi-use trail network makes it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds.
Hiking
The monument features over 80 miles of trails traversing diverse terrain from coastal bluffs to interior hills.
- Marina Dunes Preserve: This trail network explores coastal dunes and beaches with unique plant communities and expansive Pacific views.
- Couture Trail: A favorite for both hikers and mountain bikers, this trail offers challenging climbs and rewarding overlooks of the Monterey Bay.
- Fort Ord National Scenic Trail: This main spine travels nearly the full length of the monument, connecting to many side trails and providing excellent panoramic scenery.
Mountain Biking
Fort Ord is world-renowned for mountain biking with trails suitable for every skill level.
- King City Loop: A popular loop known for fun flow sections and technical features.
- Laguna Seca Loop: This challenging trail includes rocky sections and steep climbs, taking riders near the famous Laguna Seca Raceway.
- Ewoldsen Trail: Though primarily a hiking trail in nearby Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, it is illustrative of the type of terrain Fort Ord offers.
Equestrian Use
More than 30 miles of trails are open to horseback riders, including fire roads and multi-use trails that provide scenic rides through oak woodlands and grasslands.
- Wherry Loop Trail: A longer loop favored by equestrians for its varied terrain and wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Blackhorse Trail: Offers access to both interior hills and scenic coastal overlooks.
Camping
While Fort Ord National Monument does not have developed campgrounds, dispersed camping is generally not allowed except in authorized areas. Visitors should check with BLM for current camping policies and nearby options.
Additional Activities
- Wildlife Viewing: The monument is prime habitat for many species, including the threatened giant kangaroo rat and Monterey spineflower.
- Geocaching: Several geocaches are hidden along trails for visitors to find.
- Photography: Scenic vistas, coastal dunes, and diverse flora and fauna provide excellent photo opportunities.
Management and Conservation
Fort Ord National Monument is managed by the Bureau of Land Management with a focus on habitat restoration, recreational access, and cultural resource preservation.
- The monument contains rare and sensitive species such as the Monterey manzanita and Stockton’s bush lupine, which are protected through ongoing restoration efforts.
- Trails are maintained for multi-use recreation while minimizing environmental impacts through sustainable design.
- Partnerships with local organizations and volunteer groups help foster stewardship and public engagement in the monument.
Additional Information
For more details on trail maps, current conditions, events, and management, please visit the official BLM webpage for Fort Ord National Monument:
This resource provides the latest updates on access, recreational opportunities, and stewardship initiatives in the monument.
Last updated: Sat Jun 7, 2025
