Toro Regional Park  (P, $,R,

)

This park, with its spring wildflower display, embodies California’s live oak woodlands.  Upslope chaparral and grassy meadows are easily accessed by miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. 

Location:  From Highway 1 out of Monterey go east on Highway 68 toward Salinas.  Take the Portola Rd. exit off Highway 68 about 5 mi. southwest of Salinas.  Park outside the entrance and walk in, or drive in for a small fee.

Highlights:  spring migrant passerines, California thrasher, Hutton’s vireo, rufous-crowned and sage sparrows, lazuli bunting, red-shouldered hawk, blue-gray gnatcatcher.

Best season:  spring-summer.