Jacks Peak County Park sits just two miles from Scenic Highway 68 in Monterey, offering 525 acres of ridgetop hiking with views that stretch across the entire Monterey Peninsula. The landscape here feels different from typical coastal parks—towering Monterey Pines create a shaded, almost forest-like canopy that makes hiking comfortable even on warmer days, and your dog will appreciate the softer ground under paw compared to packed coastal trails.

The main draw is the Skyline Self-Guided Nature Trail, which runs about 8.5 miles along the summit and gives you genuine elevation and perspective without feeling overly strenuous. What makes this trail interesting beyond the views is that you’ll actually see fossils from the Miocene epoch embedded in the rock—real reminders that this ridge was once underwater millions of years ago. Pick up the brochure at the entrance station to identify them as you walk. The trail is well-marked, and there’s something satisfying about following a ridgeline where you can see in multiple directions at once.

Your dog needs to stay on a leash no longer than 6 feet throughout the park, which is standard for county parks in this area. The trails handle leashed dogs well, and the shade from the pines means you’re not dealing with full sun exposure on warmer afternoons. There are picnic areas scattered throughout if you want to sit and take in the views with your dog after the hike.

If you’re planning something larger, the Monterey Pines group area can be reserved for groups up to 50 people and has BBQ pits and tables. For a typical dog walk, though, you’ll want to arrive earlier in the day to avoid crowds and get the best parking near the trailheads. The park’s relatively quiet atmosphere compared to some of Monterey’s busier coastal destinations makes it a solid choice when you want solitude and actual elevation gain without the tourist traffic.