4.6
(33)
447
riders
26
rides
Mountain biking around Sand City offers diverse terrain, from coastal paths to natural reserves. The region is characterized by its proximity to Monterey Bay, featuring a mix of sandy areas, low hills, and former military lands now preserved for outdoor recreation. Mountain bike trails near Sand City often traverse areas like the Fort Ord Natural Reserve, providing varied surfaces and elevation changes suitable for different skill levels.
Last updated: October 25, 2026
5.0
(1)
30
riders
Easy mountain bike ride.
3.7
(3)
38
riders
44.7km
02:26
260m
260m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required.

18
riders
29.5km
02:28
370m
370m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
5.0
(3)
19
riders
29.4km
02:20
300m
300m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
2.0
(2)
6
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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Mudhen Lake is a nice spot to pause and take in the rural scenery. The calm lake views make a pleasant break for stretching, refilling bottles, and enjoying a moment of stillness before rolling on.
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Moss Beach is partially sand and partially pebbles. It looks out into the ocean and bay, and there is a large parking area next to the road.
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Pescadero Point is a fantastic spot to view the ghost trees and offers spectacular ocean views, along with fascinating rock formations. This area is known for its legendary big waves, which can reach heights of up to 50 feet (15 meters) in the winter, but it's a stunning sight to see any time of year. There is a manned gate at the entrance of the Pebble Beach Golf Course to access this location for vehicles, however, if you're on a bike you can pass for free.
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Asilomar State Beach is a small and narrow 1-mile strip of soft, sandy beach and rugged Pacific coastline.
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Nice, small lake in Laguna Seca Recreational Area. It is right along Trail 71, so it is a great place for a quick break to enjoy the peaceful setting.
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There is a simple gate that allows cyclists to pass with ease but bars the road from vehicular traffic. From here you can access the sprawling Fort Ord trail system.
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At the top of Elliot Hill, you can see expansive views of the surrounding areas. It is also a junction for Little Moab Road and Trail 95.
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There are over 20 mountain bike trails around Sand City, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. You'll find a mix of easy, moderate, and challenging routes to explore.
Yes, Sand City offers several easy mountain bike trails perfect for beginners. For example, the Fort Ord โฐ๏ธ๐ต MTB trailhead โ Gigling Road gate loop from California State University Monterey Bay is an easy 12.4-mile route through the Fort Ord Natural Reserve with gentle climbs, typically taking about 1 hour 34 minutes.
While the majority of trails are easy to moderate, there are 4 routes classified as difficult for those seeking a greater challenge. These trails often feature more significant elevation changes and technical sections, though specific names for these difficult routes are not highlighted in the top recommendations.
Yes, many of the mountain bike trails around Sand City are designed as loops, providing a convenient way to start and end your ride at the same point. Examples include the Shoreline Park Path โ Lovers Point Beach loop from Monterey State Beach and the Lone Cypress Viewpoint โ Fan Shell Beach loop from Asilomar State Beach.
The mountain bike trails around Sand City vary significantly in length. You'll find routes ranging from shorter, easy loops like the 8.7-mile Fort Ord โฐ๏ธ๐ต MTB trailhead โ Gigling Road gate loop to longer, more challenging rides such as the 28.5-mile Shoreline Park Path โ Lovers Point Beach loop.
The terrain around Sand City is diverse, characterized by its proximity to Monterey Bay. You can expect a mix of sandy areas, low hills, and paths through former military lands now preserved as natural reserves like Fort Ord. Coastal paths offer scenic views, while inland routes provide varied surfaces and elevation changes.
The mountain bike trails around Sand City are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 19 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain, coastal views, and the accessibility of routes within natural reserves.
Yes, many trails offer access to or views of notable attractions. You might pass by coastal viewpoints like Point Joe Vista Point or The Lone Cypress Viewpoint. Other nearby points of interest include Fishermans Wharf and Cannery Row, Monterey, which are great for exploring after your ride.
Many trailheads, especially those within the Fort Ord Natural Reserve or near popular coastal access points, offer designated parking areas. For instance, routes like the Fort Ord โฐ๏ธ๐ต MTB trailhead โ Gigling Road gate loop typically have parking available at their starting points.
Sand City generally enjoys a mild climate, making mountain biking enjoyable year-round. However, spring and fall often offer the most pleasant temperatures and less crowded trails. Summer can be warm, especially inland, while winter might bring occasional rain, but trails are generally rideable.
Yes, some routes venture near local water features. For example, the Mudhen Lake โ Mudhen Lake loop from East Garrison is a moderate 19.9-mile trail that circles Mudhen Lake, offering scenic views of the water.


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