Jacks Peak, the Top of the Monterey Peninsula
5 Miles | 10 Minutes Drive
Jacks Peak County Park sits on the highest point of the Monterey Peninsula, a little over 1,000 feet above sea level, about 10 minutes from Scottish Fairway Inn. Its forested ridge trails look out over Monterey Bay, the Peninsula, Carmel Valley, and the Santa Lucia Mountains.
The park has about 8.5 miles of trails for hiking and horseback riding (no bikes). The Skyline Self-Guided Nature Trail crosses the summit and passes fossils from the Miocene era, when this ridge was under the sea. It is a quiet morning hike and a good way to see the whole Peninsula before a round of golf.
Tips
- Check the County of Monterey parks site for hours and the day-use fee.
- Go on a clear morning. Fog can hide the views later in the day.
- Bring water and layers. Trails are shaded and can be cool.
Photo: Jacks Peak (21026189891) by Thomson20192, via Wikimedia Commons. Released under CC0 1.0. Resized; website renditions may be cropped and converted in format.
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