East Ridge & Cougar Ridge Loop

Just a short drive from downtown Monterey you will find yourself amongst the rugged yet serene hills of Toro Park. For a day-use admission fee ($) you will have access to 20+ miles of trails that climb through canyons and run along ridgelines to peaks with views of the ocean in the distance.

While the map is full of official trails, you will find additional social trails weaving through the hills that make it easy to link up several paths and create your own adventure. While there are certainly some steep sections that will get your heart rate up, the overall grade is very manageable. The trails are also quite suitable for trail running.

Other amenities at the park include picnic areas, a playground, and equestrian grounds.

If you want to add to your hike, along the East Ridge Trail, keep hiking past Eagle Peak to "Valley View" highpoint. The overlook, at just over 2,000 feet above the ocean, provides expansive vistas of the Los Padres mountains and the Pacific Ocean.