toro county park

If you need some exercise (and who doesn't) head on out to Toro. You can park just outside the gate and walk into the park for free. But if you're not a cheapskate, then you can drive in and park in one of the spacious parking areas. I recommend a hike over Toro Peak where you will have an amazing view of the entire Monterey Bay. There are plenty of clean bathrooms with water available. Picnic sites can also me used and reserved for special events. Enjoy your outdoors park.

Lots of parking and marked trails. This is a great place any level hike you want to try. From just a mile or 2 to a more extended hike, there are hills and flat trails and the views from the top are amazing! What a great way to spend time with friends or family and IT'S FREE!

Toro Park is an amazing little gem for family picnics and for the exercise enthusiast. The valley of the park is an improved area with picnic tables, playground equipment, and vast lawn areas. A Very nice area!What I have enjoyed most are all the hiking, running, bicycling trails that leave out of the valley area and meander throughout the hillsides. They fork and reconnect to make for a huge variety of trail options, both long and short. Even though there are MANY circuitous route don't worry about getting lost. It all leads the same ways, either up or down, and you can figure out a way back down, one way or another. The vistas from the higher trails are really gorgeous and give interesting perspectives on the Salinas Valley. I believe these trails in this park and the areas around the park as well, were originally made to train the Ford Ord recruits. They have certainly left us, today, with great exercise opportunities. What a gift!You can drive in for a picnic for a fee, or many people park outside the gate and walk in since they are there for the exercise.

Nice picnic areas. We were close to a baseball diamond so the family had a softball game and we could watch from the table. Clean bathrooms with flushing toilets (I'm not a camper). Maintenance people were emptying garbage cans frequently so there was never a problem with trash.

I have hiked, ran, rode my bike, romantic walks there for years! Family BBQs went to different friends' weddings. Toro park is an amazing out place i recomende it to everyone. Free Parkin if you park out side of the park. Cows are out there with you they won't bother you.

beautiful park in between Salinas and Monterey on Highway 68. has biking and hiking trails galore. beautiful view from Eagle Peak of Monterey Bay and the Northern Salinas Valley.

Spend about one hour in the park for lunch time. Nice views and lots of trails. Pretty green park to spend some famiy time and get together

Toro Park is a great place to walk and experience the seasons. The tans are present in summer, and the greens durning the rainy season. Very pretty, and never too busy when I have been there. You can park outside the park to avoid fees, or pay and drive inside.

Toro County Park, located a few miles southwest of Salinas on Highway 68, is a great place to hike, bike, and take the family for an afternoon picnic. Plenty of hiking trails on both "sides" of the park; that being the west side nearer to the highway, and on the east side hills towards Mount Toro. Several trails lead up towards Ollason Peak, one of the more popular hikes in the park. Other trails head up to the east toward Black Mountain and beyond, to the highest point in the park at Simas Peak. Although many of the trails are designated for hikers only, always keep an eye out for mountain bikes heading downhill, that at times tend to miss the "no bike" signs. Several trails are also shared with grazing cattle so don't be surprised when you come around a oak tree and are a few feet from a herd of cows. Some of the trails are traditional hiking trails while others are more like oud ranch roads or fire breaks. The "road" trails can get very steep in areas so use extreme caution, especially when descending. Mountain biking is generally limited to the Ollason Trail / Peak area but it is a worthy accomplishment to make it to the "1800" sign on Ollason Peak. Although the Harper Canyon trail heads down to Harper Canyon Road, there is a locked gate at Harper Canyon Road so you'll to have to find a way to get your bike over the fence. Plenty picnic areas available and there are several group areas that can be reserved. The grass picnic areas always remain green but the hills dry out every year due to the lack of naturally flowing water. A few wise tips when using Toro County Park; 1) Keep dogs on leashes at all times, even on the trails. 2) No alcohol in the Park. 3) You may want to avoid the park on Easter Sunday. If the weather is good that day, the park will completely fill up. By afternoon every single table, parking space, and blade of grass is taken. 4) To avoid the vehicle entry fee, simply park outside the gate and walk in. This is a great place for hiking, biking, and enjoying time with the family during a picnic. Best time of year; the Spring.

I have hiked all the trails in this park, and it is just beautiful, no matter where you go. I would recommend that you take water, as once you start hiking, there is none available, but it is such a great place to hike. On the flat part there are picnic areas and soccer fields, and even play equipment for the kids. There are lots of different trails, so get a park map. You don't want to hike to Simas peak if you're out for a casual hike. Get out there and enjoy Toro Park!

My wife and I go to Toro Park at least twice per week.We REALLY enjoy it. Sometimes my partner will mountain-bike there, but feels like the trails at Ft. Ord and near Santa Cruz are better-maintained. It is a great place to go if you have (leashed) dogs. The scenery is wonderful, regardless of the trail you take.Highly recommended.

I have walked/hiked many miles at this park and always enjoy it. Clean, safe, nature, peace! They have restroom facilities, BBQ area, lots of birds, deer, etc.

Remember Steinbeck's book about a valley near Monterey. Well, Toro Park is near there, the upland hills above the lush valley. There are miles of trails, all with stunning views.

An expansive county park located between Monterey and Salinas in the "sun belt". Toro Park has lots of trails, wide grass areas, playgrounds and picnic areas. It is a delight!

Hidden away off Highway 68, this is not only a favorite local venue for schools and other organizations, it provides a place for hiking and picnicking.