Name: Trail 47 (Couch Canyon)
Rating: 4.0

“A hike with a view from Laguna Seca through the grasslands of Couch Canyon on Fort Ord.”

— Darius Rike

GPX File

Features -none-

Fort Ord National Monument trails are closed from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise.

Description

This fun trail can be reached from near the top of Skyline Road or from the parking at Laguna Seca Recreation Area through the east end of the Grand Prix Campground.

Starting from Skyline Road, climb up the hill toward Laguna Seca and look for the trail to split off to your left. The initial descent behind turn 6 of Laguna Seca Raceway is quite nice. After the descent, climb a bit and pass the entrance/exit to the Grand Prix Campground and then start a long descent down the hillside through the Fort Ord Grasslands. Look for a split in the trail. Straight ahead is Trail 48 which re-connects with Trail 47 after a short distance.

For a little longer hike down the hill and take Trail 47 to the right. After another climb, follow the trail around a hill and then drop down into the bottom of Couch Canyon. After crossing a dry stream bed gradually climb up and out toward Skyline Road. Trail 47 dumps out at the Top of Guidotti Road. Bear left to re-connect to Skyline Road or take a right to head down to Toro Park.