Valley Oak Trail at Coyote Lake

Overview: Coyote Lake County Park southeast of San Jose has plenty of options for boaters, paddlers and campers, but the hiking options were pretty thin until Santa Clara County acquired the neighboring Harvey Bear Ranch section, the halfway point of this out-and-back hike.

This route starts across the road from the Lake View Campground -- a handy trailhead if you've got youngsters eager for explorations. It's also one of the rare shady hikes in a section of the Diablo Range better known for wide-open expanses dotted by the occasional oak tree.

Trails on this hike:

Valley Oak Trail > Rancho San Ysidro Trail.

While this is a very basic route that's easy to navigate, it connects to a network of trails that offer vast options for the more adventurous.

For instance: The Campground Trail connects to the new Mummy Mountain Trail, and the Valley Oak Trail connects to the Calaveras Trail, which leads to the Harvey Bear Trail or to the north end of Coyote Lake.

Best time to go: Springtime when the hills are green and the wildflowers bloom. October brings the tarantula migration (though sightings can be rare). It's a bit too hot for summer hiking, though you might be OK if you start out from your campsite first thing in the morning.

Tips: Coyote Lake is a great place to camp out and launch an early morning foray into the nearby Hunting Hollow entrance to Henry W. Coe State Park, a favorite of hikers, equestrians and mountain bikers.

Wear sunscreen and take plenty of snacks and water along if you're planning more expansive explorations.

Contact: (408) 842-7800

Park hours: 8 a.m. to sunset

Fees: $6 to park at Coyote Lake.

Dogs: OK if leashed.

Driving directions: Take U.S. Highway 101 to the Leavesley Road exit in Gilroy. Go east on Leavesley Road for two miles, then turn north on New Avenue and go a half-mile to Roop Road. Go 3.5 miles east on Roop Road past the Mendoza Ranch entrance, then turn left into the park and go a mile to the entrance station and visitor center.