Henry W. Coe State Park

An adventurous journey with 10+ mile hikes
Trek into the wilderness and sleep in the backcountry
Ideal for first-timers

Swimming in Kelly Lake and Pacheco Falls in Henry W. Coe State Park

Swimming in Kelly Lake and Pacheco Falls in Henry W. Coe State Park

Swimming in Kelly Lake and Pacheco Falls in Henry W. Coe State Park

Swimming in Kelly Lake and Pacheco Falls in Henry W. Coe State Park

Designed by
Yvonne Leow
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Last updated
August 1, 2024

Trip · 3-day backpacking trip

For · Friends and first-time backpackers

Vibe · Challenging and hard

Distance  · 15 mile loop and 3,524 feet of elevation gain

Permits · Yep, pick up a permit at Hunting Hollow Entrance

Drive · 2 hours from SF

Ideal dates · April to May or September to October

Pets · Not allowed on trails

Henry W. Coe is the second largest state park in CA (after Anza-Borrego Desert State Park). It has about 87,000 acres of lofty ridges and 250 miles worth of trails. It's an expansive area that draws hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers, without the Yosemite-level crowds. Summers are sizzling with highs in the 100s, so plan to visit in the fall or spring. You'll have no trouble picking up a backpacking permit, unless it's Memorial Day weekend. Whether it's a two-night or week-long adventure, you'll find plenty of wilderness to explore at Henry Coe.  

Official State Park Website

Check Trail Conditions

Directions to Trailhead

Main image credit: N/A

Stuff to know

  • Bears don't live in Henry Coe so you won't need a bear canister. Be mindful of critters though and don't leave your food out!
  • Wildflower season is February to March
  • Water levels vary season by season. In the spring, you might encounter creek crossings, and in the summer, water sources may be dried up. Study your route and check spring water conditions before your trip. Park rangers recommend carrying 4 to 6 liters of water per person each day.
  • Download and print out this Hunting Hollow trail map and Coe Ranch Hiking Map
  • Practice Leave No Trace! That means properly poopin' in the backcountry and leaving the outdoors as you found it.
Check the weather
Henry Coe State Park's Woodland Trail

Reserving a permit

Henry Coe SP has three main entrances: Coe Ranch, Hunting Hollow, and Dowdy Ranch. You can only self-register or pick up a backpacking permit on the day of your trip from Coe Ranch or Hunting Hollow park entrances. Permits are first-come, first-serve (FCFS), but you won't have any trouble securing one outside of a spring holiday weekend, like Memorial Day. Parking spots are limited though so try to get to the trailhead as early as possible.

There are designated FCFS backcountry campsites in the western part of the park, but you can generally camp where ever you'd like. Some of these campsites have outhouses, but they're not always stocked with TP.​

Permit fees are $5 per person a night and $8 parking fee per vehicle a night ($6 at Hunting Hollow Entrance). Bring exact change if the visitor centers are closed, otherwise, you can pay by credit card.

Learn more

Kelly Lake Loop
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Itinerary

Day One

Kelly Lake in Henry W. Coe State Park
Kelly Lake

Leave SF as early as you can

  • Last pit stop · 76 - 14660 Monterey Road in Morgan Hill

Park and register for a wilderness permit at Hunting Hollow Entrance

  • Pick up a backpacking permit for Kelly Lake
  • Power up on some snacks, layer on sunscreen, bug spray, and fill up your water bottles (at least 3 liters depending on the time of year)
  • Walk an easy, flat 3 miles along Coit Road to Anza Trailhead
  • It's a steady climb along Anza Trail to Jackson Road
  • After hiking along Jackson Trail, around the 5-mile mark at the junction of Jackson Trail and Elderberry Spring Trail is Elderberry Spring. It's a reliable water source for all but the driest years in CA. It'll be on your left on Elderberry Spring Trail, just a couple hundred yards away
  • From Jackson Road, hike to Wasno Road and then to Kelly Lake Trail

Arrive and set up camp at Kelly Lake

  • There's an open meadow on the north shore of Kelly Lake that makes for a great campsite
  • You'll be here for two nights so get comfy and settle in
  • After you've claimed your spot, cool off with dip in the lake

Chill and cook up dinner

  • You did it! Enjoy your first night in Henry W. Coe State Park!

Car to camp: 7.8 miles - 2,018 feet of elevation gain - 4 to 5 hours

In 1953, Sada Coe, the daughter of Henry Willard Coe, gave her family's cattle ranch to CA. It became the park we have today.

Day Two

Pacheco Falls in Henry W. Coe State Park
Pacheco Falls

Make brekkie, pack a lunch, and day hike to Pacheco Falls

  • Fill up on water, pack snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, swimsuit, and towel
  • Hike 4 miles with 735 feet of elevation gain from Kelly Lake to Pacheco Falls
  • From camp, take Coit Road to Coit Lake. There's a picnic table and restroom on the western side of the lake if you want to take a break
  • Return to Coit Road and hike towards Fish and Game Trail
  • Hike Fish and Game Trail to Live Oak Spring Trail until you reach Pacheco Falls Trail. Take the trail to Pacheco Falls!  

Enjoy lunch and an afternoon swim at Pacheco Falls

  • The falls usually flow until late spring and can run dry during the summer. Watch out for poison oak near the falls!
  • Fill up your water bottles before heading back to camp

Hike back to Kelly Lake

  • It's a 4 mile hike with about 560 feet of elevation of gain back the same route from Pacheco Falls to camp. Refill your water bottles at Coit Lake.

Settle in and cook a sunset dinner

  • Savor your last evening at Henry Coe and spend the rest of the evening stargazing and swapping stories

Day hike: 8.2 miles - 1,759 feet of elevation gain - 4 to 5 hours

The Ohlone and the Northern Valley Yokuts were the area's earliest inhabitants. They were semi-nomadic tribes.

DAY THREE

Coit Lake in Henry W. Coe State Park
Coit Lake

Pack up and leave camp around 8 AM

  • Cook up brekkie, pick up any random pieces of litter around camp. Pack lunch to-go and snacks for the return trek.
  • Layer on sunscreen, bug spray, and fill up your water bottles!

Hike back to Hunting Hollow Entrance

  • From camp, take Kelly Lake Trail to Cattle Master Trail
  • Hike along Cattle Master Trail until you reach Wasno Road
  • Follow Wasno Road to Tule Pond Trail
  • From Tule Pond Trail, take Grizzly Gulch Trail. If you need to, refill your water bottles at Tule Pond, which you'll pass on Grizzly Gulch
  • From Grizzly Gulch, hike along Serpentine Trail to Steer Ridge Road
  • After 1.3 miles, you'll have two options: you can either take Steer Ridge Trail, a steeper, exposed trail back to Hunting Hollow OR take Jim Donnelly Trail off of Steer Ridge Trail for a less intense, but longer trail back to the car. Jim Donnelly adds about two miles to the route.

Return to car and head to Craft Roots, a vegan bar and grill

  • Diners are blown away by their buffalo cauliflower and burgers
  • Located at 17230 Monterey Road in Morgan Hill
  • Closed Mondays and Tuesdays · Open from Noon to 8 PM

Head home!

Henry Coe is home to Orestimba Wilderness, one of 12 state park wilderness areas that's designed to preserve the area's natural ecosystems
June 1, 2024

Bewilder at LAist Super-Fun Saturday

Make wildflower seed bombs with Bezzi the Yeti at LAist's Super Fun Saturday

Event in 2 days

Bewilder Basecamp: Spooky Wonders

Join Bezzi the Yeti on her first spooky camping adventure!

Shop curated gear

Everything your family needs for a fun and easy campout

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$5

Pocket-sized UNO GO!

A classic, easy to learn game for the entire family

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Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50

It's pricey, but Supergoop! makes putting on sunscreen feel smooth and easy.

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NATPAT BuzzPatch Mosquito Patches

A cute and colorful patch that repels mosquitoes with a natural repellent.

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Vlirka VNDS Shoe Holster

A neat way to pack, carry, and organize dirty shoes.

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$32

High Tail Hikes Brass Leash

A lightweight, easy to clean customizable leash that comes in a rainbow of colors.

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Ruffwear Basecamp™ Dog Bed

A packable, easy to clean dog bed for the great outdoors.

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Mighty Paw LED Dog Collar

A weather-resistant LED collar so your pup stays safe at night.

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PupFlask Large Dog Water Bottle

A leakproof water bottle to quench your pup's thirst.

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DOGSWELL Remedy + Recovery Bundle

Add this pup medication and liquid bandage bundle to your first aid kit.

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Radius Outfitters Large Camp Kitchen Organizer

For avid campers, this organizer will keep your kitchen utensils clean and organized.

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MyCarry Travel Potty

Bring a portable toilet to help your toddler stick to their indoor routine.

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Meal & snack ideas

It turns out everything tastes better when we're outside

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Ham and cheese campfire sandwiches

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Moroccan apple beef stew

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Apple sweet potato hash

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Banana coconut french toast

Vegan

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Chicken soba noodle salad

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Apple maple sausage sandwiches

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Chicken pad thai

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Frittata

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Baked sweet potatoes and chili

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Huevos rancheros verdes

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Banana boats

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Scrambled eggs n' bacon

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