Toro Park is Salinas' top location for horseback riding, mountain biking and other outdoor activities. The park's hiking trails lead to breathtaking views of the Salinas Valley and Monterey Bay and its 4,756 acres are perfect for horseback riding, mountain biking and family gatherings. Over 100 geocache sites are located at Toro Park. It is also a popular spot for birding and is a stop on the Central Coast Birding Trail.
Day Use
Toro Park is ideal for strenuous hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding, and has facilities for volleyball, baseball and horseshoes. Children will enjoy the well-equipped playground at the park.
Planning a picnic? Toro Park's many picnic sites have tables and grills and are all very close to both restrooms and outdoor activity areas.
Hiking, Riding and Mountain Biking
Toro Park's 20 miles of trails, all of which lead to sweeping views of the Salinas Valley and Monterey Bay, offer a range of environments for the hiker, cyclist or horse rider. The most popular trail is the "1800" trail, which rises from sea level to 1,800 feet and provides the best scenic views. Refer to item four on our page of Top Ten Day Hikes in Monterey County for a detailed description of the Ollason Trail and Cougar Ridge Trail loop. See the Monterey County Parks map of Toro Park's hiking trails for more information.
Events
Five picnic areas are available at Toro Park for large groups to rent and two are available to groups under 50 people. The Quail Meadows and Buckeye picnic areas allow alcohol consumption with the purchase of a permit and separate insurance.
Planning an outdoor wedding? Toro Park's Buckeye Area can accommodate 100 to 500 people. It has a shelter area, barbecue pits, restrooms, electrical circuits, horseshoe and volleyball courts, trees and grass, and is close to a baseball field.
Overnight Camping
Toro Park is only available to organized youth groups for overnight camping. Contact the Monterey County Parks Department at 831-755-4899 for more information.
Directions and Maps
From Route 101, take Route 68 six miles west. Toro Park will be on your left.
From Route 1, take Route 68 13 miles east. Toro Park will be on your right.