Home › California › Monterey › Jacks Peak Park
Jacks Peak Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 540 Google reviews · Running trail in Monterey, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Jacks Peak Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Hiking & horseback trails wind 8+ miles through a Monterey pine forest to a peak with vista views.
What runners say about Jacks Peak Park
“The paths were well kept, the elevation change was minimal, the sweeping valley views breathtaking and we had sure footing the whole route (Skyline Loop)!”
“The scenery is absolutely beautiful, offering a peaceful escape where you can connect with nature, enjoy some quiet reflection, and unwind from the busyness of everyday life.”
“So many amazing trails that are easy to navigate but definitely not for the faint of heart.”
“The scenery is absolutely beautiful, offering a peaceful escape where you can connect with nature, enjoy some quiet reflection, and unwind from the busyness of everyday life.”
I was here on April/4/2021. I was hiking up to Jack Peak, it is a loop about 6 miles, 1,000 ft of elevation gain. it is super nice trail, not many people, very peaceful, and a lot of shady. It has a benches, picnic tables, bathroom. Nice view of Carmel Valley, Watsonville,Santa Lucia mountain, and Monterey bay.
Certainly one of the nice areas to check out in Monterey. The views are spectacular, and hiking is really fun provided you don't have kids with you who need a stroller.
We did a short hike here 2 days after the Monterey Bay Half Marathon. The paths were well kept, the elevation change was minimal, the sweeping valley views breathtaking and we had sure footing the whole route (Skyline Loop)! Self pay $2/person for day use.
Beautiful trails and not too challenging. Brought my dog and he also enjoyed it. The trails are lined with poison oak so be careful but that’s nature for you! A few people had their dogs off leash. Which is NOT allowed. They tried to excuse it saying their dogs are friendly… but what if mine isn’t?
Trail conditions & character
“The scenery is absolutely beautiful, offering a peaceful escape where you can connect with nature, enjoy some quiet reflection, and unwind from the busyness of everyday life.”
“There were several dogs out and leashed with their owners, as was mine.”
“Parking lot with restrooms and picnic area at the end of the road leading to Skyline Loop Trail.”
“Parking lot with restrooms and picnic area at the end of the road leading to Skyline Loop Trail.”
“The scenery is absolutely beautiful, offering a peaceful escape where you can connect with nature, enjoy some quiet reflection, and unwind from the busyness of everyday life.”
“The paths were well kept, the elevation change was minimal, the sweeping valley views breathtaking and we had sure footing the whole route (Skyline Loop)!”
“The paths were well kept, the elevation change was minimal, the sweeping valley views breathtaking and we had sure footing the whole route (Skyline Loop)!”
“The views are spectacular, and hiking is really fun provided you don't have kids with you who need a stroller.”
Plan your run at Jacks Peak Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteco.monterey.ca.us
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–7 PM |
Running trails near Monterey
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Palo Corona Regional Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 218 reviews
Reclaimed golf course featuring an old cart path, plus trails that cross through grassy fields, hills and trees.
El Estero Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,479 reviews
Popular playground that's good for kids, with swans, geese and other birds.
Monterey Bay Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 262 reviews
Small lawned oceanfront park with a sand volleyball court allowing dogs on leashes.
Mission Trail Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 293 reviews
Former estate that is now a 33-acre nature preserve with 5 miles of trails through pine & redwood.
Laguna Grande Regional Park, Monterey side
4.5 ★★★★★ 1,719 reviews
Green space on the water offering a volleyball court, play area, picnic tables & public barbecues.
Laguna Grande Park, Seaside, Ca
4.6 ★★★★★ 136 reviews
City park with a lake, picnic tables, playground, and BBQ grills, plus fields for sports.