Page 24 - Greet HWY 68 Loop 05.25

TAKEAWAYS FROM MY VISITS TO TORO PARK
However, the mountain bike trail portion of Mark’s Canyon In my early days of exploring, I started with brief trips to
comes to an end once the trail widens into the road. From there, explore shorter trails. I took notes and pictures to piece
the road leads down to Mark’s Ranch, an 1800s chicken farm. Its together how they connected on my map of Toro Park. I was
old architecture and walled-off garden add depth to the park’s sure to remember their length and difficulty. I also needed to Don't You Deserve MAKERS OF Specializing in Medicare and
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history. Mark’s Canyon has a creek that runs full after a rainy remember the points at which many intersected, as a wrong a Better Night’s MATTRESSES Individual Insurance Plans
spring and contains a lush variety of plants under the oaks and turn can be a hassle when exploring. Sleep? SINCE 1935
sycamores. Rocky outcrops peer over the branches of the trees, With a solid understanding of one area, planning trips to new
providing some geological sightseeing. Mark’s Canyon also has sections of the park became much easier. And as I put together
off-trails that conveniently lead up into Toyon Ridge. Where the larger trips, I knew I would have to go during the summer as
canyon widens, closer to the Creekside Trail entrance, cows can I would have enough daylight if I set out early enough. And of LICENSED INSURANCE AGENT
be seen grazing peacefully in a fenced-off area. Mark’s Canyon course I would not be in school! LICENSE 0198433
is one of my favorite areas to visit for a great mountain bike So, when I did go on big trips, like to Black Mountain, one
downhill, shortcut, or casual wooded stroll down the much less of the highest peaks in the park, I was sure to take adequate 831-424-7473 • SALINASMATTRESS.COM Certified 831.350.4098
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intense dirt road portion. supplies of water and make sure I knew the most efficient way Visit our showroom in S. Salinas Agent jennifercarrinsurance.com
back. I logged these journeys in a notebook, noting what I saw, the
challenges presented, and anything I could have done differently,
as I knew learning and remembering from my adventures was the
best way for me to head into new ones. I still take this detailed Cans 2 Curb Your
approach as I continue to explore Toro Park, and it’s nice to see Local Trash Day Solution
everything I’ve covered once I put it down on paper.
Now documenting the park like I do isn’t the only way to 831-659-2267
enjoy what it has to offer. Toro Park has great trails for one- YOUR NEIGHBORS IN
time visitors or the casual hiker and is a top-notch spot for THE LOOP
honing some mountain biking skills or being on the lookout
for some local wildlife. No matter your reason for visiting, CALL NOW!
consider making room in your springtime schedule for a great M Je
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Nicholas Jachno is a junior at Salinas High
School. He loves writing, biking and hiking.
He’s also busy volunteering after school. He
lives in Las Palmas II with his family.
Marks Canyon Trail
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24 May 2025 Greet HWY 68 Loop 25