I'm not sure why - I've been to every corner of this park in all kinds of weather and different kind of conditions. China Hole is one of the most popular destinations at Henry Coe State Park. Within Coe Park are the … I completed my 6 month contract working for the Canadian Wildlife Service in Yellowknife! With the shorter days and one quick rainstorm a few weeks ago, autumn seems on its way. Follow the Henry W. Coe signs for 13 miles (about 40 minutes) to park headquarters. In other zones of the park, backpackers can camp anywhere. You'll also descend along the Madrone Soda Springs Trail and the Mile Trail, which passes the decayin… The park is located closest to the city of Morgan Hill, and is located in both Santa Clara and Stanislaus counties. Visit their official website to learn more and check out this sweet trip review by … It was about 15 miles round trip. The fish were small, but this was a numbers game. During registration, you'll be asked to read and agree to comply with the backpacking rules on the back of your permit. Traveling on foot in the park with a pack can be strenuous, as there are many steep dirt roads and trails. Best Time to Visit: Spring is the most popular season for visiting Henry Coe, on account of the explosions of wildflowers. The camping binder provides route maps and photographs for backpacking campsites in the park. While we initially considered heading to Yosemite for the Ten Lakes Loop, the forecasted rain, thunder and snow deterred our efforts, and we readjusted … There are some hazards at Coe that should be noted. As with any camping, preparation is key to your enjoyment and safety. Permits may also be acquired at the Dowdy Ranch Entrance on weekends from May through Labor Day Weekend. The park contains over 87,000 acres (35,000 ha), making it the largest state park in northern California, and the second-largest … The seemingly endless rolling hills of Henry Coe offer a real challenge for hikers and backpackers of all skill levels. The trails binder has highlighted maps of park trails and lists mileages and elevation gains. It was the extreme opposite of the last trip: we had a hot and dry weekend at Henry Coe State Park. In the Western part of the park, backpackers must camp at the designated campsites shown in the park map above. Coe Park is a backpacker's dream come true. Henry Coe State Park has over 87,000 acres of wilderness just an hour south of the San Francisco Bay Area. Also, there is no parking at the Coyote Creek Gate, so you must park at Hunting Hollow and walk 1.8 miles up the mostly flat road before you start in on the trail. Call … It is over 80,000 acres in size with about ¼ of the land is designated wilderness. Before starting out on a backpacking trip, you must register, pay your camping and parking fees, and obtain a permit on the day of your departure. Henry Coe backpacking is an all around fantastic choice whether you are looking for a challenge or want a nice place to camp with your family. I decided that if I were to go to Coe before the mud and swollen creeks became a factor, the time was “soon”. A day hike to China Hole is a perfect alternative if you hate to sleep on the ground but love to get your heart pumping under the Califo… Henry Coe is a good spot close to San Francisco for backpacking … Henry Coe is a fairly low elevation park (2,000-3,000 feet) and can get extremely hot in the summer months. If you want to backpack into the park from one of the south entrances (Coyote Creek or Hunting Hollow), you must register and pay your park fees at Hunting Hollow before you set out. If you would like to stick to the clearly labeled paths to Kelly lake and Coit lake and avoid the cattle trail try this page: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/kelly-and-coit-lakes-trail, #4 - Los Cruzeros Camp via China Hole Trail and the Narrows Trail [CLOSED]. Always ask the rangers about how the springs are running before you head out. Over May 18-20, 2018 my son Ramsay and I had our second backpacking trip at Henry Coe State Park, this time our destination being Redfern Pond. If you're tired of trying and failing to get reservations for backcountry camping around the bay area, then Henry Coe State Park is the perfect place to visit. Follow Dunne Avenue eastward, and follow the park signs up into the hills. In the eastern zones, backpackers can camp wherever they like, but we limit the number of parties in each zone to ensure a sense of solitude for everyone. Pick up one of our new Backpacking Guides at the Visitor Center or download any of them from our website (for trips from Headquarters, Hunting Hollow and Dowdy Ranch entrances). I had been there before but never for a backpacking trip and decided this would be the spot. A quick weekend backpacking trip with Lexi to Kelly Lake in Henry Coe. I carved out 3 days and 2 nights in the family schedule. Once the home of Ohlone Indians, the park is now home to a fascinating variety of plants and animals, including the elusive mountain lion. It is also one of the few parks where you can backpack and wilderness camp without © 2019 - Pine Ridge Association at Henry W. Coe State ParkPrivacy Policy(function (w,d) {var loader = function () {var s = d.createElement("script"), tag = d.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.src="https://cdn.iubenda.com/iubenda.js"; tag.parentNode.insertBefore(s,tag);}; if(w.addEventListener){w.addEventListener("load", loader, false);}else if(w.attachEvent){w.attachEvent("onload", loader);}else{w.onload = loader;}})(window, document); Pine Ridge Association Board of Directors, © 2019 - Pine Ridge Association at Henry W. Coe State Park, Henry W. Coe State Park page on California State Parks website. Henry Coe is the largest state park in northern California and it is located in the coast range just east of Gilroy. Thank you! Temperatures in the summer can approach 100 F degrees (38C) but are … Permits: To backpack in Henry Coe State Park, you must obtain a permit. Kelly Lake Loop - Henry Coe, California 15.2 miles / 4,066 ft elevation 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. The first 2 miles was on a paved road, fairly flat. From there continue on for about another mile up the Narrows until making camp along the valley floor. The social trail at mile 13.0 to mile 15.1 is NOT a legal mountain biking trail. 1K likes. Permits for these sites cannot be reserved ahead of time and are given out on a 1st come-1st served basis each day. We rely on your generous support. We hiked to Kelly Lake and hiked back the next day. There were tons of squished newts on … While it is a bit of a climb, it’s totally worth it. The But we still had fun! I did a “test packing” … This largely undeveloped park welcomes backpackers, equestrians, mountain bikers, day-hikers, and anyone seeking solitude in a nearly untouched … Many of the trails are very exposed as well, so protection from the sun is paramount. Coe Park is the largest state park in northern California, with over 87,000 acres of wild open spaces. Getting There: Take the East Dunne Avenue exit off of US 101 at Morgan Hill and go east. You can get valuable, late-breaking information about water availability and trail conditions and tips about the best routes and campsites. China Hole is one of the most popular destinations at Henry Coe State Park. Thinking about doing some Henry Coe Backpacking? You can self-register at the entrance when it's not staffed. "View All" and other viewing options are at the … Coe Park is a backpacker's dream come true. As I researched local backpacking spots to test all the gear, I came across Henry W. Coe State Park. The sweltering summer temperatures in Henry Coe State Park have become reasonable. Backpacking … Spring rains create a picturesque swimming hole at the confluence of two creeks, making the nearby backcountry campsite a prized locale for overnight outings. Henry Coe State Park backpacking trip. The other zones being too dry to venture into in the summertime. 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. Backpacking in the park can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. I've been asked how safe it is for humans, and "they" say it's safe but I don't … The essential Henry Coe Hike: 10 arduous miles through the park's demanding mountainous terrain. The official Facebook page for Henry W. Coe State Park. Last weekend, we went backpacking at Henry Coe State Park. Explore the most popular backpacking trails in Henry W. Coe State Park with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. I often don’t run into more than one or two other hikers on a long weekend trip. You could easily plan a week-long trip, hiking 10 miles a day and camping at a different site every night. This variety of terrain means you'll see lots of wildlife and flowers. No reservations need to be made prior to the trip. The terrain of the park is rugged, varied, and beautiful, with lofty ridges and steep canyons. How about helping out with annual events or maintenance of springs and trails? Henry Coe State Park is the largest State Park in Northern California with 89,000 acres and the is the second largest State Park in all of California. If you are visit Henry Coe … 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. 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. Sites range from less than a mile to over 20 miles from park headquarters. No matter how familiar you are with the park, it's always a good idea to talk to park staff or a volunteer (in person or by phone) before you head out on a backpacking trip. Many youth groups go on 2-7 day backcountry backpacking trips. If so, visit our Volunteer page. The park has space for over 60 backpacking parties, with a maximum of eight people per party. Select a thumbnail to view a large version, or use the checkboxes to select an image set to view. The water gets more dank as summer progresses -- the puddles remaining after July tend to reek. Hi. It is the largest state park in northern California, with over 87,000 acres of open spaces. Welcome to Henry W. Coe State Park. Henry W. Coe State Park. Spring rains create a picturesque swimming hole at the confluence of two creeks, making the nearby backcountry campsite a prized locale for overnight outings. April 14, 2015 emilyuphammills 1 Comment. I've been wanting to go there for a while because it's highly recommended by backpackers in this area, however, everyone says to avoid it in the summertime due to high temperatures and lack of water. China Hole is one of the most popular destinations at Henry Coe State Park. Are you interested in learning more about Henry W. Coe State Park and sharing your knowledge with park visitors? Spring rains create a picturesque swimming hole at the confluence of two creeks, making the nearby backcountry campsite a prized locale for overnight outings. Backpacking Henry Coe State Park Henry Coe is an underrated park close to San Francisco. The essential Henry Coe Hike: 10 arduous miles through the park's demanding mountainous terrain. In the park's Western Area, backpackers camp at designated sites. I am currently in California, relaxing like a retired lady … If you are mountain biking, stick to Wagon Rd and Wasno Rd through this section. Backpacking at Henry Coe—May, 2009. Liz and Craig and I spent the weekend backpacking at Henry Coe State Park. Henry Coe State Park is the largest State Park in Northern California (the second largest in the California Park system) just south of San Jose. Typically, only the Western Zone/Portion of the park is accessible year round. With hills to test our endurance and easily accessible backcountry permits it would be a great spot to break back in our outdoor skills and test all the gear we planned to bring. From the main park headquarters, head for China Hole. Encompassing a variety of habitats, from dry grassy hills to forested slopes at its higher, cooler elevations. You don’t want want to be 12 miles from a trailhead with no water at Henry Coe. 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. Backpacking at Henry Coe Saturday, February 4 - Sunday, February 5 2006. Henry W. Coe State Park. For the camping trip I also treated my backpack and the 5x7 "softtarp" I sleep on. Be advised that the last leg may require significant wading if the water is up. At the Hunting Hollow Entrance or when the visitor centers are closed, self registration is available. It is also known as or encompasses the Orestimba Wilderness. With over 250 miles of trails and the nearest place to the bay area that allows dispersed camping it’s a popular destination for backpacking, particularly in the Spring, which is the best time to visit the park. Im sure there was a few dead ticks as well but I didn't have my glasses on. With its mountains, cliffs, canyons, lakes, and miles of trails, Henry Coe SP is perfect for backpacking trips. Take California Highway 101 to the city of Morgan Hill and exit at East Dunne Avenue. Friday evening Brian, my father, and I decided we hadn't had enough backpacking and biking in our life recently so we made an impromptu combo trip the next day to Henry Coe State Park. I have not blogged in a while and since my last post a few things have changed. These were the (in)famous last words uttered by the two poor souls (i.e. The best times to visit are Spring and Fall, their Winter and Summers tend to be very extreme. Henry Coe usually can be backpacked from late October through early June. A day hike to China Hole is a perfect alternative if you hate to sleep on the ground but love to get your heart pumping under the California sun. The trails in this park are very hilly and steep, so the poles help save your knees. You could easily plan a week-long trip, hiking 10 miles a day and camping at a different site every night. When I woke up the softtarp was full of dead ants,tiny caterpillars, and spiders(the one in pic above is suffering the effects of tarp). It’s actually quite a big park - the second biggest state park in Northern California to be exact. I was accepted to grad school at the University of Alberta! The campsites are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, but you're almost always likely to get a good campsite, even during the lovely, busy months of spring. Please refer to the Henry W. Coe State Park page on California State Parks website for the latest news on park restrictions and closures. Henry Coe is a huge and underutilized park, especially considering its proximity to the Bay Area. 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. Backpacking permits may be acquired year-round at either the Coe Ranch or Hunting Hollow Entrances. The park has space for over 60 backpacking parties, with a maximum of eight people per party. #5 - Mississippi Lake from Coe HQ [CLOSED], #6 - Pacheco Falls Loop via Coyote Creek/Hunting Hollow [CLOSED], #8 - Kelly Lake Loop: Jim Donnely to Bear Gulch [CLOSED], #9 - Redfern Pond from Hunting Hollow Trail [CLOSED], #10 - Kelly and Coit Lakes Trail [CLOSED], Los Cruzeros Camp via China Hole Trail and the Narrows Trail [CLOSED], Pacheco Falls Loop via Coyote Creek/Hunting Hollow [CLOSED], Kelly Lake Loop: Jim Donnely to Bear Gulch [CLOSED], Redfern Pond from Hunting Hollow Trail [CLOSED]. Additionally, trekking poles are a life saver at Henry Coe. There are over 250 miles of trails that roam throughout the varied topography of the park. Please see our entrances page, for important information about using the park's southern entrances. 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. We'll reserve your site(s) for you when you register, but you must register on the day of your departure. There is a backpack campsite about 3miles from the main entrance. A day hike to China Hole is a perfect alternative if you hate to sleep on the ground but love to get your heart pumping under the California sun. 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. Henry Coe Backpacking 2019: Still in one piece... A few weeks ago I began to get the itch for another Coe adventure. This can be done at the Headquarters Visitor Center or Dowdy Ranch Visitor Center. You may want to avoid the "cattle master trail" - it is not marked, hardly visible, and mainly soft, unstable ground with many mudslides along the way. 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