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Kirby Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 126 Google reviews · Running trail in Watsonville, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Kirby Park yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Peaceful destination with a walking trail, kayaking and birding areas, along with fishing.
What runners say about Kirby Park
“Also, the local scenery is beautiful, and there are quite a lot of people out here doing all kinds of stuff.”
“Well how about catching you'll surly enjoy the peaceful atmosphere at Kirby Park old school fishing is the best.”
This place is a few miles upstream on Elkhorn Slough. It takes a while to get there but the solitude and scenery is worth it. There are launch docks for kayaks or small motor boats and a trail between the slough and railway lines to a viewing platform.
A no frills launch area for Kayaks. The hike is nice and flat leading out to a marsh and small island. Watch out for the train! If you're kayaking be aware that this leads out to the ocean and they meet right under a freeway overpass and the ride can get choppy.
Great place to walk a dog... Fish... Boat launch, put my kayak in here all the time... Love this place on a king tide...
Sad to say but Monterey county neglects this gem of a park.their is no longer a dock here ,the launch ramp is still here as is the porta potty that smells rather peculiar..you will also notice signs stating not to use the majestic trail that is rapidly decaying from the constant tidal lashings that it receives...
Trail conditions & character
“Also, the local scenery is beautiful, and there are quite a lot of people out here doing all kinds of stuff.”
“Well how about catching you'll surly enjoy the peaceful atmosphere at Kirby Park old school fishing is the best.”
“Trail is flat and accessible for certain folks but a wheelchair might be difficult to navigate around the gate to access the trail.”
“This spot is cheap ($0) and much more laid back than the marina at the shoreline/highway, but of course no facilities other than a big portapotty.”
“Trail is flat and accessible for certain folks but a wheelchair might be difficult to navigate around the gate to access the trail.”
Plan your run at Kirby Park
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitemosslandingharbor.dst.ca.us
- Phone+1 831-633-2461
Running trails near Watsonville
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Elkhorn Slough Reserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 475 reviews
Tidal salt marsh that is home to birds, otters, seals & many other animals, with boardwalk trails.
Royal Oaks Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 279 reviews
Well-maintained 1966-era destination featuring barbecues and playgrounds for kids.
Pajaro Park
4.2 ★★★★☆ 295 reviews
Recreational area with basketball courts and fields for soccer and baseball, plus a restroom.
Manzanita County Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 393 reviews
Baseball & soccer fields dominate this county park that's surrounded by scrubby hillsides.
Emmett Courts Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 6 reviews
