Welcome to a spectacular adventure at Henry W. Coe State Park, sprawling across 87,000 acres of the Diablo Range in Santa Clara and Stanislaus counties, California. Just east of Morgan Hill, this vast wilderness preserve offers unparalleled backcountry freedom, rugged ridgelines, and hidden lakes—making it the ultimate escape for hikers, riders, anglers, and stargazers alike.
What Makes Henry W. Coe State Park Unique
As Northern California’s largest state park, Henry W. Coe offers an immense landscape of rugged chaparral, oak and pine woodlands, riparian corridors, and over 200 miles of trails. Ecologically rich and historically charged—from ranch lands to Murrieta’s horse runs—the park provides a deep wilderness experience within reach of Silicon Valley. Its remote campsites, seasonal wildflowers, and solitude set this park apart from crowded coastal preserves.
Top Activities & Amenities
🥾 Hiking & Trail Access
The park boasts more than 200 miles of trails and dirt roads. It caters to every level. There are flat valley trails like Hunting Hollow. There are also steep ridge climbs such as Mount Sizer and Blue Ridge. Trailheads at Coe Ranch, Dowdy Ranch, Hunting Hollow, and Coyote Creek open up access. Interpretive maps and ranger-led hikes enrich your understanding of the landscape.
🏕️ Drive-In & Backcountry Camping
The Coe Ranch Campground at 2,600 ft offers 19 drive-in sites with picnic tables and fire pits with grill grates. There are potable water spigots and vault toilets. Flush restrooms and water are available at the nearby visitor center. Backcountry permits allow access to hundreds of hike-in sites, including Manzanita Point, Poverty Flat, and Blue Oak equestrian/backpack camps. Group camping is also available at designated sites.
🐎 Horseback Riding & Mountain Biking
Equestrian and cycling enthusiasts will find open fire roads and single-track routes suited to horses and mountain bikes. Bike access is restricted only in the Orestimba Wilderness. Hunting Hollow entrance is ideal for a moderate, creekside day ride.
🎣 Fishing & Wildlife Viewing
Mississippi Lake, Coit Lake, Kelly Lake and seasonal creeks host largemouth bass, bluegill and sunfish. Wildlife abounds—deer, tule elk, bobcats, coyotes and over 170 bird species roam the hills, while tarantulas emerge in fall for the celebrated TarantulaFest.
✨ Night Sky & Photography
With minimal light pollution, the park is perfect for stargazing and night photography. Clear nights reveal dense Milky Way views and starry panoramas above rugged ridgelines.
🎤 Interpretive & Ranger-Led Programs
The Pine Ridge Association and park staff organize Backcountry Weekend. They also organize Mother’s Day breakfasts and TarantulaFest. Additionally, they lead guided hikes and set up educational exhibits at visitor centers. Junior Ranger opportunities enhance family adventures.
🛠️ Visitor Center & Amenities
The Coe Ranch Headquarters features a staffed visitor center with interpretive exhibits, maps, trail recommendations and a small nature store. Restrooms, vault toilets and drinking water are available at main sites; no showers or RV hookups. A dump station is located near the campground.
Visitor Tips
- Fees & Reservations: Day-use vehicle pass is $8 ($6–$8 depending on entrance). Drive-in campsites cost $20 per night, plus $8 for an extra vehicle. Equestrian camp is $25. Group hike-in is $75. Backpacking costs $5 per person. Reserve at reserve.ca.gov or self-register.
- Parking: Coe Ranch and Dowdy Ranch campgrounds have large lots. Hunting Hollow and Coyote Creek lots serve day users and riders.
- Pets: Dogs allowed in drive-in campground and some trailheads (leash required), but prohibited in backcountry and wilderness zones.
- Fire Safety: Wood charcoal fires banned in campground and group sites; gas stoves allowed. No ground fires in backcountry. Purchase firewood on-site.
- Water & Toilets: Potable water at campground and visitor center. Seasonal creek water is untreated—bring filter. Vault or flush toilets are at developed areas only.
- Backpacking: Permits first-come, first-served—plan early in spring/fall. Carry enough water, as many creeks are seasonal.
- Weather: Warm, dry summers; cool nights. Spring and fall offer wildflowers and mild temperatures. Winter creeks flow after rains.
- Safety & Wildlife: Pack plenty of water, sun protection, and snake awareness. Ticks and rattlesnakes present. Cell service spotty—carry maps or GPS.
- Access & Closures: Dowdy Ranch and Bell Station gated entrances open seasonally and close after rain. Self-registration available offseason.
Local Insight & Seasonal Tip
Visit in late winter to spring when wildflowers burst into color along ridgelines and creeks flow after winter rains. For an unforgettable experience, hike to Mississippi Lake at sunset—the warm light on the water with ridges behind makes for stunning photos. Dateless remote camps like Blue Oak let you fall asleep to only wind and wildlife. After exploring, head west to Morgan Hill for a celebratory meal or stop at local wineries to toast your wilderness achievement.