Máyyan 'Ooyákma – Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve — Attraction in Morgan Hill

It’s ok, but not much more than that. There is a 5.4mi loop with just over a 1,000ft of elevation gain and reasonable views from the top. Counter clockwise gives a more gradual ascent with a steep and somewhat slippery downhill.

A couple of things are a bit different here:

The hours are quite short, with the trails closed Mon & Tue to let “nature regenerate”. And the hours change depending on the season. In fact, it’s so complex that when you go to the official website to find the hours, you have to download a pdf document describing them.

You need to get an online “butterfly pass” in order to hike on the trails and they are staffed with enough rangers that you are asked for the pass as you exit your vehicle. If knowledge about the butterflies is so important, there should be a sign at the start of the trail. I have the online pass, and I’ve already forgotten what it said. Probably not to eat the butterflies.

The park has the concept of the park being open but the trails closed. But given the park is just a parking lot and a couple of picnic benches on a hot dry knoll, it’s nothing without the trail.

The park did a good job with the south trail and the north/south traverse along the ridge. But the northern trail connecting the ridge to the parking lot is way too steep and slippery. It’s a dirt road straight up the hill at parts and it gets covered with loose dirt and rocks. Given the good job on the southern trail, this is surprising…….like they ran out of time and drove a truck straight up and down and...

Enjoyed Public Access Day, which they have about 2-3 weeks every year, which can occur in March of April. Beautiful views of Santa Clara County, along with seeing the wildflower blooms!

Recommendations: ⭐️Hike Counterclockwise if you want to hike the steepest section uphill, and it’s first. It seems never ending, but it’s rewarding. You will see all the blooms first. ⭐️Bring Trekking Poles, it’s STEEP ⭐️Walk crab style for the steep downhill or make your own zig zags. I’ve enjoyed the crab style for the steepest decline. ⭐️Bring Sunscreen if it’s 60+ degrees and sunny. It’s exposed and it gets ☀️🥵. ⭐️Brings lot of water if +60+ degrees. I brought 40oz for 5 miles, and it didn’t feel enough, even with electrolytes. ⭐️Bring electrolytes + and hat if it’s hot and sunny.

Lastly make sure to clean/disinfect your shoes before starting the...

This is so colorful Coyote Ridge a newly protected open space preserve and it opened only 3 weekends per year. My first time came up here in early spring,(3/14/2021). I had to show the ticket before I enter the trailhead. They are asking all visitors to disinfect their shoes before hiking. It had a one-way loop, it’s about 5 miles and 900 ft of the elevation gain. This loop blew my mind with breathtaking views and stunning wildflowers. Too many checkerspot butterflies. Happy birds singing and not many hikers. Very peaceful and relaxing. 100 percent of the trail exposed to the sun. I guess that what California Poppies needed. This is one of the places you must see for yourself. Hiking shoes, sunscreen, hat, and CAMERA. It’s ours to enjoy...