One of the most popular and scenic local walking paths is the series of trails between Asilomar State Beach and historic Cannery Row.
On any given day, walkers, runners and bicyclists share trails and small, picturesque beaches with painters and photographers, picnickers and solitary readers. Locals and visitors alike come with a similar goal - a calming stroll or reinvigorating break along this spectacular stretch of the California seashore.
We can attribute much of this unprecedented coastal access - the section from Lovers Point Park through Cannery Row and on into Monterey - to some forwardthinking public officials who saw an opportunity in the abandoned railroad tracks once used to carry passengers and freight
"The Recreation Trail is an old part of the Southern Pacific right-of-way," explains Celia Perez Martinez, manager of Pacific Grove Public Works. Historic photographs at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History website show the steam engine chugging along the shoreline toward a train station not far from Lovers Point.
"In the late 1970s, Southern Pacific wanted to abandon the railroad line," explains Gary Tate, who was general manager of the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District (MPRPD) at the time. "Across the country, people were looking at abandoned railroad tracks as ready-made, natural trails." Through a three-party Joint Powers Agreement, the cities of Monterey and Pacific Grove and the
Due to its railroading past, this part of the Rec Trail, from Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium to Lovers Point Park, is paved, wide and flat. This trail is extremely popular with walkers, bicycle-riders and fourperson surreys.
As you leave this more commercial area behind, the Monterey Bay stretches before you. Enjoy the
In addition to the breathtaking natural scenery, take a moment to enjoy some manmade artistry: the Christopher Bell bronze of the sea otters, "Life at the Top" in Jacobson Park, and, between 11th and 13th streets, the 344-foot mural designed by artist John Ton. In sepia tones, the mural depicts the indigenous peoples of the area, Pacific Grove's Chinese village and Japanese abalone divers.
From Cannery Row, it's about a mile to Lovers Point Park, a favorite spot for weddings and other gatherings and Pacific Grove events. The Swan Boats and Japanese Tea House of the 1890s have been replaced by kayak and
From Lovers Point to Perkins Park, the trail is a lovely off-road natural footpath. When it's in bloom, the ice plant is a glorious pink carpet, a buffer between you and the traffic. Atop a rock seawall, fishermen try their luck.
In a turnout between Asilomar Avenue and Acropolis Street, overlooking Crespi Pond, a plaque honors Fr. Juan Crespi, chronicler of the 1769 Portola Expedition. Conveniently, picnic tables and restrooms can be found here. This past fall, another plaque was installed in the adjacent parking pullout that honors the memory of singer John Denver, who was killed in a plane crash in 1997 off this rocky stretch of coastline.
Take a moment to enjoy the incredible beauty of land and sea from one of the many memorial benches along the trail, including that of the poetic Bud and Betty: "They saw God's beauty and stayed."
From here to Lighthouse Avenue, Oceanview Boulevard skirts the perimeter of the Pacific Grove Golf Links and the lovely historic 1855 Point Pinos Lighthouse until it becomes Sunset Drive. The path is just off the road, a bit tricky if you're walking with unruly dogs. Carefully maneuver along the road, or head for the rocky beach. While this is well-posted Marine Sanctuary, the real action is closer to land, with hundreds of squirrels darting in and out of the rocks.
Jewell Avenue marks the beginning of Asilomar State Beach. Approximately one mile in length, footpaths wind down to the rocky shore, and up to the road. Crumbly sandstone trails are dotted with ice plant, and split-rail fences preserve the dune habitat restoration areas. If you prefer an uninterrupted walk, without the meandering, join the bike riders and runners on Sunset. Whichever route you choose, it's a gorgeous part of the coast.
Leashed dogs are allowed on Asilomar State Beaches, and this a perfect spot to let them explore the crashing surf. This is also a good spot to end your hike. It's such a beautiful and soothing walk, you'll hardly notice you've traveled over four miles.
Learn more about the Monterey Bay area at MontereyBayAdventures.com.
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