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Rip Van Winkle Open Space
4.6 ★★★★★ 180 Google reviews · Running trail in Pacific Grove, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Rip Van Winkle Open Space'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.
A narrow strip of forested terrain popular with hikers, joggers, bikers & off-leash dog walkers.
What runners say about Rip Van Winkle Open Space
“A beautiful piece of paradise where you can walk and get lost in nature.”
“Trails for an afternoon stroll or dog walk with lots of bird life, especially acorn woodpeckers.”
Absolutely the best area for dogs to be off leash and explore. The trails are easy and the natural beauty is stunning! It’s like being in an enchanted forest! We visited daily during our vacation in Monterey/Pacific Grove!
Best dog park I’ve ever been to. It’s located in the Pebble Beach forest directly adjacent to an outer parking lot used by Spanish Bay employees. This 30 plus acre park is free, has multiple trails, and is a great place for FRIENDLY dogs to run off leash and have fun.
Lovely little patch of wild Pacific Grove Oak and pine forest. Trails for an afternoon stroll or dog walk with lots of bird life, especially acorn woodpeckers. Preserved native plants and wildflowers. Great place to get away from the tourists.
Great place to walk with dogs off leash. The trails are easy to follow and wide enough for dogs to run and play. Plus it is very scenic with trees and flowers.
Trail conditions & character
“I didn’t have my dog when I visited but lots of other had theirs with them and it seemed like an area that is good for a dog to run around in.”
“A beautiful piece of paradise where you can walk and get lost in nature.”
“It’s located in the Pebble Beach forest directly adjacent to an outer parking lot used by Spanish Bay employees.”
Plan your run at Rip Van Winkle Open Space
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 — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitecityofpacificgrove.org
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–8 pm |
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