El Toro, the iconic peak on the western edge of Morgan Hill, has long been a tantalizing but forbidden treat for hikers because much of it is private property. The Morgan Hill Historical Society has hosted annual hikes on the peak, offering the only access.
Now some of the prominent hillside is in public hands following the Open Space Authority’s recent purchase of 33 acres. Though open public access is still a ways off, the acquisition puts the vision of an El Toro loop trail one step closer to reality. It also protects the property from development, which would be highly visible in the community.
The El Toro parcel was purchased for $500,000. It adjoins City of Morgan Hill lands to the north and includes coast live oak and California bay woodlands as well as annual grasslands.
