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Coyote Creek Loop at Henry Coe State Park Guide Details
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Overview:
Henry Coe State Park south of San Jose is one of the best places see the Bay Area's spring wildflowers bloom. The park is all rugged countryside: hills, ridges, canyons -- genuine wilderness barely an hour's drive from a huge metropolitan area.
The park's main entrance attracts throngs of flower gazers every spring, but few visit the remote Coyote Creek entrance. It's their loss, because this route is arguably the best place to see wildflowers at Henry Coe.
My route is between 8.6 and 9 miles with about 2400 feet of elevation gain. Most of the hiking is on narrow single-track, unlike so many of Henry Coe's old ranch roads built for cars rather than hikers. Most of the trails are nicely graded and switchbacked, making this a pleasant route by Henry Coe standards. The Elderberry Spring Trail in the middle of this hike is one of my favorite Bay Area trails.
Tips:
Layers: It can be breezy on the ridges, cool in the shade, hot in the sun.
Sunscreen: much of this hike is unshaded.
Snacks and enough water for four to five hours of hiking.
Henry Coe is perpetually on the list for closing when California has a budget crisis. Check the park's status before setting out. Parking is limited at the Coyote Creek trailhead; it's best to carpool.
The park is too hot for hiking in late summer. Stick to spring, winter and fall.
Watch for poison oak along narrow trails.
Ticks will try to hop a ride, especially if you stop long in areas of tall grass (they're worst in winter and spring.) Always do a tick check after a Henry Coe hike.
The Route
From the Coyote Creek trailhead, stay on the wide Coit Road for just under a mile. You'll see a sign board describing the De Anza explorations of the Bay Area. Turn right there, and head up the Anza Trail -- which snakes up a hillside for just under a mile.When you get to the junction with the Jackson Trail, turn right and keep heading uphill. This shady stretch has some of the best flower displays.
After about 1.4 miles you'll hit a junction with Jackson Road to the right and Elderberry Spring Trail on the left. You'll probably want to rest up here and enjoy the view after the big climb to the ridge.
When you're ready to hit the trail again, take the Elderberry Spring Trail for just over a half-mile (this stretch is one of the best in the park, for my money) till you hit an old Jeep road. Turn right and go a short distance till the Elderberry Spring trail continues on the left side of the road.
Turn left and go another half-mile to Jackson Road.
Turn left on Jackson Road go about a half-mile to Wasno Raod. This area on a high ridge has some of the best vistas of Henry Coe's rugged terrain.
Turn right at Wasno Road and go .4 mile to Dexter Trail and turn right. From here it's a very steep descent back to the trailhead. Take your time and watch your step.
Dexter Trail goes .4 mile to Grizzly Gulch Trail. Turn right there and follow it for 2.2 miles back to Coit Road. From there, turn left on Coit Road and head back to the trailhead.
