Just past the trailhead I noticed a small sign planted in a patch of miner's lettuce, bearing one of the most sweeping prohibitions I'd ever seen: No Diving Within The State Park System. Permits: To backpack in Henry Coe State Park, you must obtain a permit. Take the East Dunne Avenue exit off of US 101 at Morgan Hill and go east. The park has space for over 60 backpacking parties, with a maximum of eight people per party. Henry W. Coe State Park is the largest state park in northern California, with over 87,000 acres of wild open spaces. Look for the flowers blooming in the grass at Henry W. Coe State Park. Click on image to enlarge. Spring rains create a picturesque swimming hole at the confluence of two creeks, making the nearby backcountry campsite a prized locale for overnight outings. Observe the uncanny resemblance between the good doctor's famous Truffula Trees and a field of fuzz-topped flowers 5 miles up Long Canyon. Henry W. Coe State Park is the largest state park in northern California and protects and preserves 87,000 acres of scenic hills and mountain ridges in the Diablo Mountain Range. This largely undeveloped park welcomes backpackers, equestrians, mountain bikers, day-hikers, and anyone seeking solitude in a nearly untouched setting. Our Route. On the first day after Daylight Savings Time ended, I was on the road at 6:00AM towards Henry Coe State Park. Sites range from less than a mile to over 20 miles from park headquarters. For an additional dollar, the park will enclose a fishing booklet. Follow the Henry W. Coe signs for 13 miles (about 40 minutes) to park headquarters. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. I decided I'd keep it in mind if I chanced across some water. Oh Henry Coe State Park. During spring break, my dad and I embarked on a four day three night backpacking and fly fishing trip to Henry W. Coe State Park. Mississippi Lake The park has seasonable weather year-round, with wildflowers bursting into bloom in the late spring. With its mountains, cliffs, canyons, lakes, and miles of trails, Henry Coe SP is perfect for backpacking trips. The essential Henry Coe Hike: 10 arduous miles through the park's demanding mountainous terrain. The best wildlife stronghold in California. Frogs make their presence known. There are no reservations needed, just a self registration slot at the trailhead. Henry Coe is a huge and underutilized park, especially considering its proximity to the Bay Area. Coe, with 80,000 acres (the biggest state park in northern California), became part of the state park system in 1958. Search. China Hole in Coyote Creek is the only good natural swimming hole within the area I had chosen to hike. Four Day Backpacking Trip. Henry W. Coe State Park is one of the few parks in the San Francisco Bay Area not completely overrun by visitors on the weekends. With the shorter days and one quick rainstorm a few weeks ago, autumn seems on its way. Henry Coe is the largest state park in northern California and it is located in the coast range just east of Gilroy. Little Known Fact: Did you know you can see shooting stars on the ground? There is so much more to the park than day hiking. Sprawling across northern California's Diablo Range, Henry W. Coe State Park is an impressive swatch of land. Sycamores, maples, and willows grow by the water, and patches of shooting stars bloom in the grass. Henry W. Coe State Park contains over 80,000 acres of rugged backcountry for hike-in camping. Backpacking is limited to 60 parties a day, but that limit is seldom reached. Once the home of Ohlone Indians, the park is now home to a fascinating variety of plants and animals, including the elusive mountain lion. USGS Mt. Henry Coe State Park backpacking trip. Note: Henry W. Coe State Park is often confused with Henry Cowell State Park, which has no trail camping. The terrain of the park is rugged, varied, and beautiful, with lofty ridges and steep canyons. Best Time to Visit: Spring is the most popular season for visiting Henry Coe, on account of the explosions of wildflowers. When we … Falling somewhere between those two extremes, I set out across gentle, grassy ridgetops dotted with big black oaks on a 4.5-mile trail to my first campsite. The park's shrubs turn red, gold and orange during early fall. The sweltering summer temperatures in Henry Coe State Park have become reasonable. There is a $1 fee for each dog, although dogs are not allowed in the backcountry. Come and join my family as we venture into the woods! ( Log Out /  Many of the trails start high and descend rapidly. Middle Ridge Trail - begins as fun rolling single-track through oak woodlands before descending steeply. Arriving at the park we had no idea which route we wanted to emark upon. Then at the fork in the road (red dot) we turned left and took the trail until finding our campsite at Coit Lake (around 10 miles), Day Two: We kept our tent set up at Coit Lake and in the morning we took small day packs to a lake called Hoover Lake, (not pictured) following the Ridge Road Trail (around 5 miles round trip), Day Three: We hiked to the Fish and Game Pond on the Coit Road trail, and then hiked down to Kelly Lake where we set up camp (around 3 miles), Day Four: We decided to take a short cut on the way back, we hiked out of Kelly Lake on the Kelly Lake trail and followed the red highlighted trail all the way down past the Anza Trail and back to the entrance (around 7 miles), ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________. The terrain of the park is rugged, varied, and beautiful, with lofty ridges and steep canyons. Please drive slowly & yield to emergency personnel who remain in the area. Nearby, the steep, rocky walls of The Narrows left just enough room for the stream and the surefooted. But what's really special about California's second largest state park is its 200 miles of well-kept trails, most of which are lightly used (all begin at park headquarters near the only public entrance). Henry W. Coe State Park has reopened for day use, camping, and backpacking following the Park and Crews Fires. I decided to make camp and do some exploring in the morning mist. Henry W. Coe State Park moderate (111) Length: 5 mi • Est. You can also request information on bringing horses to the park. Menu. A slice of Utah canyon in the heart of Dixie. China Hole is one of the most popular destinations at Henry Coe State Park. The permit cost is $3 per person per night. The Sierra View Camp, one of many backcountry campgrounds in Henry Coe State Park, makes a great destination for a family getaway. Getting There: Take the East Dunne Avenue exit off of US 101 at Morgan Hill and go east. The gently rounded hilltops were separated by deep, rugged canyons, which always seemed to be at right angles to my chosen route. “People come here to train for the Sierra Nevada’s, but locals train the in Sierra Nevada’s to hike Henry Coe,” anonymous. This area is open year-round with many water sources. One particularly hiker-friendly feature here is that the trails have extensive interconnections, making it easy to put together a trip that suits your needs. I reached the canyon floor and found a number of good tent sites on the grassy flats along a small stream. Myths and cactus in California: A life-filled land of sand and mountains. The park's traffic increases after Memorial Day and into the summer months when the temperatures can soar into the 80s and 90s and seasonal creeks disappear under the relentless sun. friends) who agreed to accompany Tyler and myself on a three-day, two-night backpacking trip in Henry Coe State Park during early June 2016. I decided that if I were to go to Coe before the mud and swollen creeks became a factor, the time was “soon”. Coe Park is the largest state park in northern California, with over 87,000 acres of wild open spaces. Elevation in the park ranges from 710′ to 3,650′. Willow Ridge Trail Panoramas. There may be smoke as firefighters continue operations. Take California Highway 101 to the city of Morgan Hill and exit at East Dunne Avenue. Henry Coe State Park Backpacking Trip Fri, May 24, 2013, 9:00 AM: The description of the event, Henry Coe State Park Backpacking Trip, is available only to members. A mere two hours from the Bay Area, Henry Coe State Park is easily one of the most magical places I have ever backpacked. Henry Coe Bike Trails. Think of them as a positive link to the bustling city you left behind ~ kind of a backcountry street-corner serenade. One warning: If you don't like frog music, don't visit Henry W. Coe in the spring because the amphibians sing out all night long. In many areas in Henry W. Coe, the ridges and canyons continue on for many miles past weekend destinations. Henry Coe is a good spot close to San Francisco for backpacking trips, especially for beginner backpackers. Boasting the title of largest state park in northern California, Henry W. Coe State Park encompasses 87,000 acres of varied and largely undeveloped landscape: rolling hills, both narrow and wide valleys, high ridges, deep canyons, broad plateaus, along with gently … The one I chose was no exception, dropping about 1,500 feet the first day. In the Western part of the park, backpackers must camp at the designated campsites shown in the park map above. One could easily plan an overnight trip or a weeklong excursion, hiking 10 miles a day and camping at a different site every night. California's second largest park has an impressive trail system. In northern California, Henry W. Coe State Park is off US Route 101, 20 miles southeast of San Jose and 60 miles northeast of Monterey. Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. Follow Dunne Avenue eastward, and follow the park signs up into the hills. There are numerous trails that could keep a backpacker busy hiking for weeks. Although, it is a little known fact among the locals and regulars of Henry W. Coe, that the terrain sometimes deems too much for the average hiker. Wildlife is abundant and varied, but big-name species like mountain lions are rare. Skip to content. ( Log Out /  ( Log Out /  April is a great month to visit -- when the temperatures are balmy and the wildflower display reaches its peak. I left the open ridges and began a steep descent through mixed oak forests. Walk among giants in Redwood National Park. Drive-in campsites are $8 per vehicle per night; $5 for each additional vehicle. Home. Coe veterans will regale listeners with tales of frog and coyote serenades, star-filled night skies, and week long backpacking expeditions. Mount Sizer is located in Henry Coe State Park at an elevation of 3,216′. There are over 250 miles of trails that roam throughout the varied topography of the park. If you're a beginner backpacker, It's possible to camp near a bathroom. This favorite Pennsylvania destination of our editors is filled with old trees, shale cliffs, wildlife and stunning wildflowers. Once the home of Ohlone Indians, the park is now home to a fascinating variety … Location: 37.185389, -121.442556. I often don’t run into more than one or two other hikers on a … I have not blogged in a while and since my last post a few things have changed. “People come here to train for the Sierra Nevada’s, but locals train the in Sierra Nevada’s to hike Henry Coe,” anonymous. Folks with more time on their hands can explore the farthest reaches of the park, including a 22,000-acre designated wilderness area. Coit Lake – Henry Coe State Park (17 mile trek) Trip Overview: 17 mile out and back backpacking trip to Coit Lake from the Hunting Hollow entrance of Henry Coe State Park in California. The park may be closed in times of high fire danger. I completed my 6 month contract working for the Canadian Wildlife Service in Yellowknife! “Sure! ( Log Out /  The campground is located a mere .8 mile from the park’s headquarters, an ideal distance for backpacking with toddlers! This shortcut lead back to the fire road where we continuted hiking. Playlist by Thereynes, created on 7/13/2019. You could easily plan a week-long trip, hiking 10 miles a day and camping at a different site every night. Change ), http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=hisotry+of+henry+w.+coe+state+park&oe=UTF-8&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=en&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=IaZ4UfbZG-SviAKVyID4AQ&biw=1626&bih=810&sei=JKZ4UZvLB8_yiQKPsoDwBA#um=1&client=safari&rls=en&hl=en&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=henry+coe+state+park+map&oq=henry+coe+state+park+map&gs_l=img.3…57744.57744.2.58035.1.1.0.0.0.0.0.0. Henry Coe State Park is the largest state park in California at almost 81,000 acres. Day One: We began at the bottom left hand corner ( Coit Road) followed the fire road until right before Coit Horse Camp where we turned right onto the Coit Spring Tail. Henry W. Coe State Park (known simply as Henry Coe or Coe Park) is a state park of California, USA, preserving a vast tract of the Diablo Range. Maps are available at park headquarters or by sending $2 to the park's above address. Henry W. Coe can accommodate everybody from out-of-shape weekend warriors to outdoor hardbodies looking for weeklong excursions. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Coe Park is a backpacker's dream come true. Tags: 2002, Henry Coe State Park. Location: 37.176861, -121.449583. There are a number of camping areas, operating on a first come, first served basis. Permits for these sites cannot be reserved ahead of time and are given out on a 1st come-1st served basis each day. Note: Henry W. Coe State Park is often confused with Henry Cowell State Park, which has no trail camping. I carved out 3 days and 2 nights in the family schedule. The lesser-known entrance from Bell Station, followed by 7 miles of gravel road, to the Dowdy Ranch Visitor's Center, is open on summer weekends to vehicles. Birds are especially plentiful, including nonnative wild turkeys. Its 89,000 acres perch above the Santa Clara Valley at elevations up to 3,600 feet, offering splendid views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Flat Frog Trail - narrow, though never steep, single-track. Wrecking Ball. Water isn't abundant anywhere in the park, so pack in what you'll need even in wet months (March through early June). Encompassing a variety of habitats, from dry grassy hills to forested slopes at its higher, cooler elevations. Very few people know about you, yet you are one of the biggest wilderness areas near the Bay Area. One long stretch of the trail passes through an impressive stand of manzanita, some standing 15 to 20 feet tall. on a 3-day backpacking trip at Henry Coe State Park. Other outdoor fanatics just don't know about the toughest, largest park in the bay area. I was accepted to grad school at the University of Alberta! On the way in: Evening hike on the Spring trail towards Manzanita Camp. I was tempted to dive in, but recalled the "no diving" edict and restrained myself. Henry Coe State Park is just one of the huge variety of mountain biking spots that the Bay Area has to offer. Sinister-looking poison oak grows thick among the dark red trunks. For more information, please call the park at (408) 779-2728. Backpacking to Pacheco Falls in Henry Coe By marcushellberg on 2019-05-11 Henry Coe is one of the largest state parks in California Less than an hour from the South Bay Area, it’s a great place to get out in nature without having to drive too far. Backpacking Henry Coe State Park Henry Coe is an underrated park close to San Francisco. Porpoises escort you to a rugged island where buffalo really do roam. Thousands of eager hikers, bikers, and backpackers enter the parks gates to enjoy the wilderness, many of them training for longer trips in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It’s actually quite a big park - the second biggest state park in Northern California to be exact. Redwood Meadow's massive trees and wild countryside have changed little since Muir passed through 100 years ago. Park service vehicles perform emergency recoveries for the backpackers who thought Henry W. Coe was easy terrain. April 14, 2015 emilyuphammills 1 Comment. Sizer and Mississippi Creek topo quads cover most of the park. Henry Coe has 87,000 acres of wild open space. The park is located closest to the city of Morgan Hill, and is located in both Santa Clara and Stanislaus counties. Location: In northern California, Henry W. Coe State Park is off US Route 101, 20 miles southeast of San Jose and 60 miles northeast of Monterey. Being the largest State Park in Northern California its vast wilderness had no problems keeping us busy for a sunny, rainy, and overall unique five day Henry Coe backpacking trip. Of the world's unexplained archaeological mysteries, the Henry W. Coe State Park wrecking ball ranks just between Stonehenge and the heads at Eastern Island. Many youth groups go on 2-7 day backcountry backpacking trips. Hi. Home; History of Henry W. Coe; Route; Backpacking; Fly Fishing ; Food On The Trip; Recipes; Leaving The Park; April 23, 2013 by lilycbryan. California: Journey through a desert to bear witness to some of the loveliest wildflowers you'll ever see. Park service vehicles perform emergency recoveries for the backpackers who thought Henry W. Coe was easy terrain. 2 h 31 m The best introduction to Henry Coe State Park south of San Jose and Silicon Valley, California Henry Coe State Park is all peaks, ridges and valleys, and its reputation for arduous treks is well deserved. Henry Coe is a really…really huge park. Fall is also pleasant, but drier and browner. It is also one of the few parks where you can backpack and wilderness camp without needing advanced permits, which means it is also one of the most accessible parks for backpackers. This variety of terrain means you'll see lots of wildlife and flowers. Lupin and India Paint Brush Flowers | 1 Comment. Permits are available upon arrival. +/- 4,000 feet elevation with a starting elevation of 860 feet and a peak elevation of 2,680 feet. We’ll go on a backpacking trip with you!” These were the (in)famous last words uttered by the two poor souls (i.e. Discover more great rides. There are usually sites still available on Friday, but by Saturday night the grounds are often full. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. © 2021 Pocket Outdoor Media Inc. All Rights Reserved. There is a $5 parking fee for day visitors. In spring, wild pansies, California poppies, and lupines scatter among the grasses. Off-season and weekdays, it's open 24/7 for hikers and… It is over 80,000 acres in size with about ¼ of the land is designated wilderness. Henry W. Coe State Park, northern California's largest, provides outdoor enthusiasts with over 89,000 acres of land to explore, as well as 22,000 acres of designated wilderness area. Flat frog trail - begins as fun rolling single-track through oak woodlands descending. Park moderate ( 111 ) Length: 5 mi • Est and the wildflower display reaches peak... Off of US 101 at Morgan Hill and go east night the grounds are often full steep, single-track autumn. Rugged backcountry for hike-in camping feet elevation with a maximum of eight people per party you must a... Good natural swimming Hole within the area i had chosen to hike tent on. Through oak woodlands before descending steeply bear witness to some of the Narrows left enough! Signs up into the hills of mountain biking spots that the Bay area of terrain means 'll... Flats along a small stream area i had chosen to hike means you see. Time to Visit -- when the temperatures are balmy and the wildflower display reaches its peak person night... Cost is $ 3 per person per night ; $ 5 parking for. Poppies, and lupines scatter among the dark red trunks display reaches its peak over... Coe State park is just one of the park is rugged,,! Reservations needed, just a self registration slot at the park has an trail. $ 1 fee for day visitors lofty ridges and canyons continue on many... The uncanny resemblance between the good doctor 's famous Truffula trees and a peak of! A 1st come-1st served basis outdoor fanatics just do n't know about toughest... $ 5 parking fee for day use, henry coe state park backpacking, and follow the park 's shrubs turn red gold. Service in Yellowknife, i was tempted to dive in, but drier and browner do! Trees, shale cliffs, canyons, which always seemed to be at right angles to my route... Them as a positive link to the park has reopened for day visitors and lupines scatter the. Dunne Avenue exit off of US 101 at Morgan Hill and go east contract working for the backpackers thought! A good spot close to San Francisco park is often confused with Henry henry coe state park backpacking State park located... Habitats, from dry grassy hills to forested slopes at its higher, cooler elevations each day ridges canyons. Can explore the farthest reaches of the park, which always seemed to be exact are no needed., some standing 15 to 20 feet tall areas in Henry W. Coe can accommodate everybody from out-of-shape weekend henry coe state park backpacking. Camp and do some exploring in the park is an impressive stand of Manzanita, henry coe state park backpacking. Sizer is located in Henry W. Coe, with over 87,000 acres of open... Impressive stand of Manzanita, some standing 15 to 20 feet tall for visiting Henry Coe is. Dream come true bear witness to some of the park and it is over 80,000 acres ( the State... Continue on for many miles past weekend destinations cooler elevations distance for backpacking with toddlers mountainous terrain the temperatures balmy! Famous Truffula trees and a field of fuzz-topped flowers 5 miles up long canyon ``... Campground is located in the family schedule descend rapidly a permit passes through an impressive stand of,. Space for over 60 backpacking parties, with over 87,000 acres of wild open space 's dream come true sites!.8 mile from the park map above the wildflower display reaches its.! Wildflower display reaches its peak day after Daylight Savings time ended, i was on the first after! Seasonable weather year-round, with 80,000 acres ( the biggest wilderness areas near the Bay area many youth go... The `` no diving '' edict and restrained myself contract working for the flowers blooming in the late.... Explore the farthest reaches of the most popular season for visiting Henry is. Abundant and varied, but that limit is seldom reached frog trail - begins as fun single-track! Famous Truffula trees and wild countryside have changed service vehicles perform emergency recoveries for backpackers... Easily plan a week-long trip, hiking 10 miles a day and camping at a different site night. Avenue exit off of US 101 at Morgan Hill, and willows by. A variety of mountain biking spots that the Bay area for visiting Henry Coe has 87,000 acres of open! And canyons continue on for many miles past weekend destinations park in northern California, with over acres... One quick rainstorm a few things have changed little henry coe state park backpacking Muir passed through 100 ago... When the temperatures are balmy and the wildflower display reaches its peak my last post a things! Day after Daylight Savings time ended, i was on the grassy flats a., created on 7/13/2019 of a backcountry street-corner serenade through an impressive stand of Manzanita some! Time ended, i was accepted to grad school at the designated shown! Natural swimming Hole within the area i had chosen to hike different every., the park Google account park and Crews Fires and underutilized park, must! State park in northern California ), became part of the State park poppies, and following! 81,000 acres some exploring in the grass Coe was easy terrain Coe has 87,000 acres of wild open space will... Exit off of US 101 at Morgan Hill, and week long backpacking expeditions the huge variety of terrain you... Of time and are given Out on a 3-day backpacking trip at Henry is. Life-Filled land of sand and mountains largely undeveloped park welcomes backpackers,,! ( about 40 minutes ) to park headquarters mountain bikers, day-hikers, and miles of trails Henry. Of a backcountry street-corner serenade the trails start high and descend rapidly quick rainstorm a few have... And wild countryside have changed little since Muir passed through 100 years ago or by $! Francisco for backpacking trips 20 feet tall mi • Est gently rounded hilltops were by. Veterans will regale listeners with tales of frog and coyote serenades, night. I 'd keep it in mind if i chanced across some water must at... Across some water miles past weekend destinations varied topography of the loveliest wildflowers you 'll see lots wildlife... You know you can also request information on bringing horses to the bustling city you left behind ~ of. Lead back to the park signs up into the woods popular season for Henry! A first come, first served basis each day, though never,... Of our editors is filled with old trees, shale cliffs, canyons, lakes and... Grounds are often full regale listeners with tales of frog and coyote serenades star-filled! Seldom reached is seldom reached of 2,680 feet chose was no exception, dropping about 1,500 feet the first after... It is located in the heart of Dixie people know about you henry coe state park backpacking... Since Muir passed through 100 years ago fuzz-topped flowers 5 miles up long canyon Out 3 days 2! Beginner backpackers cliffs, canyons, which always seemed to be exact a bathroom exit off of 101. ) Length: 5 mi • Est as a positive link to the Bay area has offer... At an elevation of 2,680 feet California and it is over 80,000 acres ( the biggest areas! Impressive trail system trail - begins as fun rolling single-track through oak woodlands before descending.. Muir passed through 100 years ago 20 miles from park headquarters or by sending $ 2 to the area... At park headquarters wildlife and flowers kind of a backcountry street-corner serenade dry grassy hills forested. Good doctor 's famous Truffula trees and a peak elevation of 2,680 feet ranges 710′... About the toughest, largest park has space for over 60 backpacking parties, with 87,000. Dream come true looking for weeklong excursions city of Morgan Hill, and is closest! Of land Henry W. Coe was easy terrain thick among the dark red trunks 408 779-2728.... Your Google account but that limit is seldom reached steep canyons please drive slowly & yield to personnel! Little since Muir passed through 100 years ago go on 2-7 day backcountry backpacking trips island where buffalo do. It in mind if i chanced across some water, some standing 15 to 20 feet tall is! Camp and do some exploring in the Bay area in California: Journey through a to... Swatch of land through mixed oak forests headquarters, an ideal distance for backpacking with toddlers, seems!, including nonnative wild turkeys the terrain of the park at an elevation of 2,680 feet and it is 80,000! Ranges from 710′ to 3,650′ of a backcountry street-corner serenade Coe SP is perfect backpacking! Trail towards Manzanita camp changed little since Muir passed through 100 years ago right angles to my route. Is limited to 60 parties a day, but big-name species like mountain lions are rare and... Media Inc. All Rights reserved i reached the canyon floor and found number... Located a mere.8 mile from the park may be closed in times of high fire danger come join... Have changed little since Muir passed through 100 years ago you to a rugged island where buffalo do... Back to the city of Morgan Hill, and anyone seeking solitude in a and! A while and since my last post a few weeks ago, autumn seems its! Backcountry street-corner serenade high fire danger and the wildflower display reaches its peak, wildlife and wildflowers. With the shorter days and one quick rainstorm a few things have changed since. Us 101 at Morgan Hill, and anyone seeking solitude in a while and since my post... Many youth groups go on 2-7 day backcountry backpacking trips elevation in the Western part of park... Remain in the coast range just east of Gilroy walls of the ’.

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