Hikes We Like: Giving Thanks in Our Backyard
Spending time in nature is one of the simplest and most profound ways to restore balance, release stress, and cultivate a sense of gratitude. In our daily lives, it’s easy to become caught up in the constant hum of technology, deadlines, and obligations, leaving little room for reflection or quiet. Nature invites us to pause, breathe, and reconnect — not just with the world around us, but with ourselves.
Whether you’re seeking a peaceful place for quiet reflection, a gentle path for mindful movement, or a more invigorating hike to clear your mind, these local trails provide a sanctuary from the busyness of everyday life. Each step offers an opportunity to notice the textures, sounds, and rhythms of the natural world, encouraging presence, awareness, and even wonder. By slowing down in these spaces, we can reset our nervous system, nurture our creativity, and return to our routines with renewed energy and perspective.
These trails are not just paths through the landscape; they are invitations to practice gratitude, attention, and self-care in a way that feels effortless yet deeply restorative.
1. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve (Carmel‑by‑the‑Sea) – Sea Lion Point Loop
Distance: 1.5–2 miles round trip (easy, mostly flat) | Best For: Awe & Sensory Engagement
Point Lobos offers sweeping coastal vistas, dramatic cliffs, and abundant marine life. The Sea Lion Point Loop is accessible and flat, allowing you to slow your pace and fully absorb the surroundings. Pause to notice the sound of waves crashing, the scent of salt air, and the sun filtering across tide pools. The trail encourages mindful observation and sensory immersion, helping your mind shift from distraction to deep presence.
Why it fits our theme: The sensory richness of Point Lobos naturally activates reflection and calm, encouraging awe, gratitude, and a mental “reset” from constant digital input.
2. Jacks Peak County Park (Monterey) – Summit Trail Loop
Distance: 3–4 miles round trip (moderate) | Best For: Perspective & Focus
Jacks Peak offers trails through oak woodlands and chaparral with rewarding views of Monterey Bay from the summit. The moderate incline requires gentle focus and attention to footing, which draws you into the present. Once at the top, pause to take in the panorama — the city, the coastline, and the surrounding hills. The view encourages both literal and mental perspective, offering space for gratitude and reflection.
Why it fits our theme: The combination of physical movement, sensory engagement, and expansive vistas promotes focused attention, mindfulness, and a sense of interconnectedness with the natural world — a perfect counterbalance to screen-driven mental clutter.