Henry W. Coe State Park — Attraction in Morgan Hill

Experiencing Henry Coe in the Spring is really spectacular. Every trail is carpeted in wildflowers, water is flowing everywhere, and you can see wild turkeys, frogs, hawks, and many other creatures throughout the park. The park is even more magical on weekdays because of your solitude in the park: over 14 miles of hiking, we only came across 3 other groups of people.

The effort to reward ratio is best on the out-and-back hike to China Hole, which you can reach from park headquarters on the Corral and Springs trails, a short stretch through the Manzanita group camping area, and then the winding path on China Hole Trail. The views into the valley are amazing, the filtered light through the giant oaks and manzanitas is surreal, and the elevation change is substantial enough for the hike to be a good workout but not so steep as to be hard on the joints.

We also did parts of the Monument trail and the Middle Ridge trail all the way to Poverty Flat to get to China Hole via a loop route. I would recommend a side visit to Frog Lake to hear and see frogs and tadpoles swimming around before starting to China Hole, but I'd avoid doing the grand loop. The views along Middle Ridge are not grand enough to justify the massive and sudden changes in elevation and the slowdown of multiple steam crossings. There is also plenty of potable water and a couple of pit toilets along the direct path to China Hole, and even when it's not warm outside, you can easily get dehydrated...

Henry Coe State Park is an excellent destination for day hikes or overnight camping. It offers over 250 miles of trails and old ranch roads suitable for all seasons. Hikers can choose from various routes, from easy 1.5-mile loops featuring minimal elevation changes to more challenging backpacking loops exceeding 50 miles.

We completed several trails here. We hiked the 15-mile Mount Sizer Loop with about 3,500 foot elevation gain that took us almost 7 hours to finish. If you are going there, get ready to tackle rivers along the way, with water levels reaching up to your knees in some areas and even your bellybutton in others. But don't worry, the water isn't freezing cold 😀. Recently, we explored the 9.5-mile Wilson Peak Loop on our recent trip, which we completed in 3.5 hours. Both trails were sun-open, had no shadow, but were well-maintained and were well marked. Still, it is a great idea to carry a paper map due to limited cell service in the area. Be prepared for steep sections along certain trails.

During our hikes, we observed a variety of wildlife, including a bobcat, a coyote, and a tarantula. We also spotted numerous bird species, such as California quail, acorn woodpeckers, and wild turkeys.

The Coe Ranch Main Entrance has a visitor center for parking where credit card payments are accepted. Alternatively, the Hunting Hollow entrance requires a $6 cash payment through a self-registration...

My first time hiking at Henry. W Coe State Park.( January/3/2021). My hike started from head quarter to China Hole Creek. It is 11 miles out and back, 1,717 feet of elevation gain. It starts with downhill all the way and obviously uphill all the way back. it’s mostly narrow trails which make it unique and fun. This was an absolutely beautiful hike: spectacular views, awesome creek, and not too difficult. The view at the top of each hill was fantastic , the sign of green went on for miles. I saw only 5 hikers,1 bicycler, few coyotes, hear several woodpeckers, and some deer. It is secluded quiet, but very mighty area, those rocks and ferns wall does look nice and has good potential. China Hole is Kelly Lake,since it’s not enough rain, so not much water left at China Hole. But still worth to spending sometime to hang out, it’s very pretty and peaceful, perfect place for picturesque. Good hiking shoes, snacks, water, walking sticks,dress up warm since it’s winter. Great scenery, definitely come back this park for...