At 4,756 acres, the park has a range of habitats, with riparian, grassland, and oak woodland. See the Toro County Park Map for various trails. The park is very popular and busy most days, so arrive early. A short walk will pass the most crowded areas. The park opens at 8:00 and closes around sunset.  

The birds that you will find are typical of the different habitats.  A day of birding can capture many woodpecker, sparrow, warbler, and other species in the oak woodland and riparian habitats.  Hawks abound. 

The park valley has many picnic areas for groups large and small. Trails head from the various parking lots. After the Badger Flats picnic area, the asphalt road is closed to non-park vehicular traffic. This gives and extensive area of ADA-accessible roadway shared with bicycles.  

Be very cautious on the narrow trails:  the aggressive mountain bikers do not honor the “No Bikes/Hikers Only” trail designations. The park is often used for special events, such as Highland Games, mountain biking, and cross-country running events, so plan accordingly.

Pre-pandemic the park charged for vehicular entry. Check the website for status (link above).

Bring a picnic!

See the trails on the Toro County Park Map.

The Ollason Trail is a riparian habitat whose creek often only runs in the spring. It is nicely shaded with Coastal Live oaks and California Buckeye. A nice loop can be made with the Gilson trail, and extended with an addition of the Meyers Loop which will include grassland habitat and species. 

The East Ridge, Cougar Ridge, and Toyon Ridge Trails ascend steeply; the higher grasslands will yield additional species. The August 2020 River Fire significantly damaged the park. As of April 2023, The Black Mountain and Marks Canyon Trails are closed indefinitely due to downed trees, erosion, and overgrown poison oak.