Fort Ord National Monument covers more than 7,000 acres of the former US Army base, now managed by the Bureau of Land Management as a recreational area and conservation zone. The combination of military history and recovered coastal scrubland habitat makes it one of the more unusual destinations on the Monterey Peninsula.
The trail network is extensive and well-marked, ranging from easy flat walks to more challenging routes through the rolling terrain. The landscape of Monterey pine, coast live oak, and chaparral supports several rare species, including the threatened sand garter snake. Remnants of the former base — concrete slabs, overgrown roads, a few intact structures — appear throughout the trails. The main trailhead at Parker Flats has a good map kiosk. The monument is open for day use; no fee. Mountain bikers and hikers share the trail system.