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MTB trails
United States
California
Monterey County

Sand City

The best MTB trails around Sand City

4.5

(33)

447

riders

28

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.

Best mountain bike trails around Sand City

  • The most popular mountain bike trailโ€ฆ

Last updated: June 24, 2026

22

riders

#1.

Fan Shell Beach โ€“ Lovers Point Beach loop from Monterey

34.8km

01:53

190m

190m

Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

Moderate
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Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.

Moderate

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate

Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Popular around Sand City

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Tips from the Community

Funkymaus๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡น
September 2, 2025, Lovers Point Beach

Beautiful beach

Translated by Googleโ€ข

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maniboyflex
June 28, 2025, Mudhen Lake

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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Matthew
February 4, 2025, Moss Beach

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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mtm05005
December 18, 2024, Mudhen Lake

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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mtm05005
December 18, 2024, Shoreline Park Path

Great paved trail that runs along the Pacific Ocean. You get wonderful views of the water and will pass through several popular cultural attractions in the area.

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As the hill crests out you get sweeping panoramic views of the massive Fort Ord trail network. From here it is all downhill to Barloy Canyon and Mudhen Lake.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many mountain bike trails are available around Sand City?

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.

Are there mountain bike trails suitable for beginners in Sand City?

Yes, Sand City offers several easy mountain bike trails perfect for beginners. For example, the Fort Ord โ›ฐ๏ธ๐Ÿšต 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.

What are some challenging mountain bike trails near Sand City?

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.

Are there any loop mountain bike trails in Sand City?

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.

What is the average length of mountain bike trails in the Sand City area?

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 โ›ฐ๏ธ๐Ÿšต 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.

What kind of terrain can I expect on mountain bike trails around Sand City?

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.

What do other mountain bikers say about the trails in Sand City?

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.

Are there any interesting landmarks or attractions near the mountain bike trails?

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.

Is there parking available at the trailheads?

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 โ›ฐ๏ธ๐Ÿšต MTB trailhead โ€“ Gigling Road gate loop typically have parking available at their starting points.

What is the best time of year for mountain biking in Sand City?

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.

Are there any trails that pass by lakes or water features?

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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