Henry Willard Coe State Park
Henry Willard Coe State Park, spanning over eighty thousand acres, is the largest state park in northern California. The Park is known for its stunning and diverse landscape, which includes high hills and deep gorges.
The Ohlone Indians once inhabited the Park, and today it is teeming with life, from insects to the elusive mountain lion. Coyote Creek’s origins can be found in Coe Park, as can significant portions of Pacheco and Orestimba streams. All told, the Park spans over 23,000 acres.
Hikers, cyclists, backpackers, equestrians, vehicle campers, picnickers, photographers, and parkgoers are welcome all year round. You cannot light a fire on the ground in the entire Park.
Campfires are only allowed in the designated fire rings at the headquarters and Manzanita Point group campgrounds. Camp stoves using bottled fuel are the only kind allowed for backpackers. No open wood or charcoal fires, hibachis, or ground fires are allowed in the backcountry.
Camping At Henry Willard Coe State Park
Camping at the Command Post with a Car, the Park’s headquarters campground is perched atop a 2,600-foot open ridge with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and canyons. Twenty drive-in campsites can be reserved.
The campground’s unreserved campsites are rarely full outside of spring and holiday weekends. Henry Willard Coe State Park has 10 camping spots for large groups in the woods southeast of Pine Ridge at Manzanita Point. Another campsite is Poverty Flat, a small, shady valley along the ridge.
Fishing At Henry Willard Coe State Park
Lakes and ponds in the Park are home to various species; including largemouth bass, green sunfish, crappie, and bluegill anglers who can try to catch the elusive rainbow trout that inhabit the Park’s creeks.
However, it is best to realise that the Park does not feature any driveable lakes or creeks. Because of the Park’s steep, rough terrain, it takes a lot of time and energy to fish in the backwoods of Coe if you want to explore what’s beyond the nearby lakes prepared for thousands of feet of elevation increase or loss.
Horseback Riding At Henry Willard Coe State Park
Equestrians will find Coe Park a veritable haven in the wilderness thanks to its more than 80,000 acres of ridges, gorges, and breathtaking views.
Both you and your horse must be in peak physical condition in order to travel further than a few miles into the Park, and you need to be prepared for steep and difficult terrain. Within the Park are eight horse camps, and each of those horse camps has a collection of pipe corals that can accommodate a minimum of two horses.
Backpacking At Henry Willard Coe State Park
A week-long journey in which you trek ten miles each day and camp in a new location each night is well within your reach. The Park has enough space for 60 trekking groups of up to eight individuals.
Sites range from the park headquarters from about a mile to over 20 miles. Even during the lovely and crowded spring months, you can nearly always acquire a nice place since they are handed out on a first-come, first-served basis.
Hiking At Henry Willard Coe State Park
There are more than 250 miles of trails and historic ranch roads to explore throughout the Park, and you may do it year-round. Loop hikes in the Park can be as short as a mile and a half with minimal elevation gain or loss or as long as fifty miles or more with thousands of feet in gain or loss. When going on a long hike, bring lots of food and water.
The steepness of certain trails and roads on the most challenging walks might make getting anywhere near the destination more of a challenge than it otherwise would be. On hot days, it’s important to remember to pack a map and more water than you think you’ll need. If you aren’t careful, you may easily become lost in the immense wilderness of Coe Park.
Address: 9000 E Dunne Ave, Morgan Hill, CA 95037, United States
Open: 24 hours
Phone: +1 408-779-2728
Management: California State Parks
Established: 1985
