Page 22 - Greet HWY 68 Loop 05.25

YOUNG ACHIEVERS
Harpers Canyon Train

HARPER’S CANYON TRAIL
Last June, I decided to head out into Harper’s Canyon as I
researched that a plane wreckage was within it. On my map of
EXPLORING TORO COUNTY PARK Toro Park, a smaller canyon that split off the Harper Canyon
trail was labeled Airplane Canyon, which piqued my curiosity.
BY NICHOLAS JACHNO, LAS PALMAS II
Online, I found a video of a biker who explored it and found
a metal scrap of what indeed appeared to be a small airplane.
OPENED IN 1971, Toro County Park has provided thousands of minded naturalists, Toro Park offers a fine look into the plants While the wreckage wasn’t very significant, I figured the
visitors with breathtaking views of its rugged canyons and hills, and animals of chaparral Monterey. Being someone who trekked reward of simply locating it would be exciting.
as well as lush springtime meadows. It’s the perfect place for a by both foot and pedal, all while taking a look into the natural That being said, I did not locate any wreckage, as I deemed
casual stroll or exhilarating mountain bike ride and is just the side of the park, here’s a recollection of sights and places that the location of Airplane Canyon overgrown. The trip was
spot for a serious uphill marathoner. And for the more curious- stuck with me the most during my travels in Toro Park. already growing long, so I decided to call it quits. However,
the dry land I had covered before and the lush green canopy I
wandered into after was an oasis for that hot, muggy June day.
The sun danced through the green leaves and shone upon the
small creek that ran with cool water along the trail as moss sat
healthily upon the trunks of the trees. The air was fresh, and I
felt relaxed and renewed after being in the hot sun as I sat on a
boulder. After the rainy spring, I felt relieved knowing that the
park still held pockets of such greenery.

TOYON RIDGE TRAIL
Establishing itself as a large, central dirt road within the park,
Toyon Ridge takes you higher and higher, granting its hikers
an astonishing panoramic view of Salinas Valley. Venture high If you would like to be featured as a Young Achiever or know someone who is
enough, and Monterey Bay is visible, with two smokestacks of perfect for this spot, contact Laurie.Martin@n2pub.com or call 272-4620.
the Elkhorn Slough power plant appearing as a speck just near
the shoreline. If you ever plan to return to the park, then Toyon
Ridge and the several peaks along it serve as a great vantage
point for spying out other trails that you might consider
exploring next time. A pair of binoculars would more than
likely help you get the most out of your sightseeing experience!
However, what captivated me most as I walked along the
trail one day were the deep gorges and canyons directly below
me. The rugged geography dotted with scrubby ceanothus,
toyon, and sage just about covered everything around, with the
ever-familiar oak here and there. I could see Fort Ord to the
west, the familiar neighboring park. I wondered how the two
could have physically connected into one park if it weren’t for
the highway below. The openness around me and the heights I
stood at gave me a feeling of liberation and mental clarity. The
breeze is sure to gather any troubles of yours and let them flow
into the valleys below. If you want to take in sweeping views of
Toro Park, Toyon Ridge is the place to be.

MARKS CANYON TRAIL
Mark’s Canyon features an extensive trail that begins as a
slightly challenging mountain bike downhill, from farther
within the hills, and goes down onto its Creekside Trail
entrance near the Monterey-Salinas highway. Having gone
downhill by bike, which was really fun with its slopes and dips,
provided me with a natural rollercoaster that
demands both speed and concentration.

Toyon Ridge Trail

22 May 2025 Greet HWY 68 Loop 23