Henry W. CoeState Park - California |
Henry W. Coe State Park (or Coe Park for short) preserves a vast tract of the Diablo Range. The park is located closest to the city of Morgan Hill, and is located in both Santa Clara and Stanislaus counties. The park contains over 87,000 acres (35,000 ha), making it the largest state park in northern California, and the second-largest in the state (after Anza-Borrego Desert State Park). Managed within its boundaries is a designated wilderness area of about 22,000 acres (8,900 ha). This is officially known as the Henry W. Coe State Wilderness, but locally as the Orestimba Wilderness.
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https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=561
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_W._Coe_State_Park
Henry W. Coe State Park (or Coe Park for short) preserves a vast tract of the Diablo Range. The park is located closest to the city of Morgan Hill, and is located in both Santa Clara and Stanislaus counties. The park contains over 87,000 acres (35,000 ha), making it the largest state park in northern California, and the second-largest in the state (after Anza-Borrego Desert State Park). Managed within its boundaries is a designated wilderness area of about 22,000 acres (8,900 ha). This is officially known as the Henry W. Coe State Wilderness, but locally as the Orestimba Wilderness.
Our Mission
Henry W. Coe
State Park
The mission of the California Department of
Parks and Recreation is to provide for the
health, inspiration and education of the
people of California by helping to preserve
the state’s extraordinary biological diversity,
protecting its most valued natural and
cultural resources, and creating opportunities
for high-quality outdoor recreation.
This magnificent
park greets visitors
with miles of trails
and many small lakes,
ponds and seasonal
creeks to lighten
California State Parks supports equal access.
Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who
need assistance should contact the park at
(408) 779-2728. This publication is available in
alternate formats by contacting:
CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS
P. O. Box 942896
Sacramento, CA 94296-0001
For information call: (800) 777-0369
(916) 653-6995, outside the U.S.
711, TTY relay service
www.parks.ca.gov
Discover the many states of California.TM
Henry W. Coe State Park
9000 East Dunne Avenue
Morgan Hill, CA 95037
(408) 779-2728
© 2009 California State Parks
Printed on Recycled Paper
their path.
B arely an hour’s
winter, seasonal creeks
drive southeast of
can overflow and
San Jose, Henry
become dangerously
W. Coe State
impassable. Spring
Park protects
and fall are the
and preserves
most temperate and
87,000 acres of
enjoyable times to
scenic hills and
visit. Prepare for the
mountain ridges.
variable climate and
This wild, largely
rugged landscape by
Scenic
hill
and
mountain
ridge
views
undeveloped
dressing in layers.
park welcomes
PARK HISTORY
backpackers, equestrians, mountain bikers,
Native People
day-hikers, and anyone seeking solitude in a
The indigenous people in this area probably
nearly untouched setting. Part of the Diablo
included the Ohlone and the Northern
Range, the park is an amalgam of high ridges,
Valley Yokuts. At the time of European
plateaus, and both narrow and open valleys.
contact, Ohlone territory extended from
After a rainy winter, wildflowers bloom in
San Francisco Bay south to the Carmel
profusion from February through March; by
Valley area, and east into the Diablo
April the color is rampant. The landscape
Range. The lower San Joaquin River and its
is rich with blue lupine and orange-yellow
tributaries formed the core of the Northern
California poppies, bright yellow gold fields
Yokuts homeland. The semi-permanent
and delicate baby blue eyes. Mariposa
watercourses on the east side of the
lilies, larkspur, blue dicks and Ithuriel’s
Diablo Range were sparsely inhabited. The
spear show themselves in late April and
native people were semi-nomadic, moving
May. The variety and richness of the flora
seasonally to harvest acorns, seeds, berries,
attract visitors from miles around.
roots and other foods vital to their diet. They
Hot, dry summers bring highs above 90,
hunted, fished, and periodically set fires
cooling to the 50s at night. Hikers should
to increase yields of certain plants, such
carry—and drink—plenty of water, even
as grass and seeds, and to maintain forage
on less-strenuous trails. Winter is wet, with
plants to attract game.
highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s. In
With the arrival of the Spanish, the Ohlone
were recruited into the missions, ending
their way of life. As native populations
near the coastal missions dwindled,
missionaries gathered converts from farther
inland, reaching into the Diablo Range
and ultimately the San Joaquin Valley. The
strenuous mission routines, which were
completely foreign to the native people’s
way of life, took a heavy toll on them.
Unable to fight off new diseases brought by
the Europeans, the native population was
nearly decimated.
In 1834, when the Mexican government
ordered the missions secularized, the
promise to return the lands to the remaining
mission Indians was not honored. Native
people, now displaced from the missions
and from their traditional homelands, were
left to fend for themselves. Some found
work on cattle ranches in the vicinity of
today’s park, herding cattle and the wild
mustangs that populated the Orestimba
South Fork near Mustang Flat. Today, Ohlone
descendants—including members of the
Muwekma, Rumsen and Mutsun groups—are
working toward federal recognition.
THE COE LEGACY
Pine Ridge Ranch
New Hampshire native Henry W. Coe
established the Willow Ranch in the Santa
Clara Valley in 1858
rain, three seasonal
Birdwatchers will find common birds
and acquired the San
watersheds—Coyote,
such as turkey vultures, Steller’s jays, and
Felipe Ranch in the
Orestimba and Pacheco
California quail, and noteworthy birds
1860s. This purchase
creeks—can become
like California thrashers and Lesser and
brought Coe’s sons,
whitewater torrents.
Lawrence goldfinches. California king snakes
Henry Jr. and Charles,
Dozens of small lakes in
and Pacific gopher snakes are harmless, but
into the cattle ranching
the park were created
be wary of western rattlesnakes.
business. In the late
by
former
ranchers;
Fire in the Park
Coe Ranch Visitor Center entrance
18
Coe Ranch Campground
at Henry W. Coe State Park
9000 East Dunne Avenue • Morgan Hill, CA 95037 • (408) 779-2728
Henry W. Coe State Park is the largest state park in Northern California, with over 87,000 acres of wild open
spaces. The Coe Ranch Campground consists of 20 drive-in sites, located on top of Pine Ridge at 2,600 feet.
Some campsites offer many beautiful panoramic views; others are beneath shady oaks. Sites not located
beneath trees have shade ramadas. Reservations are strongly advised on weekends.
CAMPING: The narrow and winding road to the
park may not be suitable for large motor vehicles.
About half of the Coe Ranch Campground will
accommodate motor homes up to 25 feet long
and trailers up to 20 feet long. Considered
primitive, the campground has piped water and
nearby vault toilets, but no showers or hookups.
season, wood campfires and charcoal may be
banned—check with park staff. You may use your
own barbecue, but dump the ashes into a fire
ring. Due to the fire danger, fires are prohibited
in the backcountry. Gathering wood in the park
is not allowed. Purchase firewood at the visitor
center.
PARK FEES are due and payable upon entry into
the park. Use the self-registration system if the
visitor center is closed.
DOGS must be kept on a leash no longer than six
feet and under supervision at all times. They are
not allowed on the dirt roads and backcountry
trails, except for the Live Oak Trail, which starts
at the visitor center and ends .4 miles away
at the overflow entrance parking lot. Dogs are
allowed within the campground and along paved
roads. Please clean up after your pets. They must
be confined to a vehicle or tent at night.
OCCUPANCY: Eight people are allowed per
family campsite. Reservation fees include one
vehicle and one legally towed-in vehicle. Extra
vehicles will be charged a fee.
VEHICLE PARKING: Vehicles may only be
parked in the assigned campsite. They must
remain on the pavement and must not extend
into the roadway beyond the campsite number
or limit line. Standard campsites that can
accommodate an RV can fit more than one car per
site. Tent-only sites can fit only one car. Please
register all vehicles for your campsite at the
entrance station before parking.
CAMPSITES: Ropes or lines may not be attached
to any plant, fence or park structure. Tents and
other equipment must be confined to the space
assigned. Tents are not allowed on paved areas.
CHECK-OUT TIME is noon. Please vacate your
site by that time. Check-in is 2 p.m.
QUIET HOURS are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
To ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone,
please do not disturb other campers.
GENERATORS may only be operated between
the hours of 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.
PROTECTION OF NATURAL FEATURES: All
plants, animals, rocks and other natural features
are protected and must not be collected, defaced
or damaged.
FISHING is permitted in accordance with state
regulations, and a fishing information handout is
available at the visitor center.
MOTOR VEHICLES are restricted to the entry
roads and parking areas. The park’s dirt roads and
trails are closed to motor vehicles.
HIKING: Most people come to Henry W. Coe
State Park to hike over 250 miles of dirt roads
and trails. The steep roads and trails can test
the endurance of even experienced hikers,
so be sure to pack plenty of water and food,
and carry a map with you. If you hike alone, let
someone know where you are going and when
you expect to return.
BICYCLING: Bikes are not allowed in the
wilderness area, and cross-country bicycling is
prohibited. Many roads and trails are extremely
steep and dangerous for bike riders. Some
trails are closed to bikes. You should be in top
physical condition
HAZARDS TO RECOGNIZE AND AVOID
and expect to walk
your bike in many
areas. Few trails
are suitable for
beginners. Bikes
are not allowed
in the Orestimba
Tick
Poison Oak
Rattlesnake
Wilderness Area.
NOISE: Radios and other sound-producing
devices must not be audible beyond the
immediate campsite, regardless of day or night.
All amplified music must be off by 10 p.m.
CAMPERS UNDER 18
must be accompanied
by an adult or have
written permission
from a parent or
guardian to camp
overnight.
FIRES are allowed
in the fire rings
provided. During fire
Discover the many states of California.TM
CAMPING RESERVATIONS: You may make camping reservations by calling (800) 444-7275
(TTY 800-274-7275). To make online reservations, visit our website at www.parks.ca.gov.
ALTERNATE FORMAT: This publication is available in alternate formats by contacting the
California State Parks at (800) 777-0369 or 711, TTY relay service.
Certain designated trails close to headquarters
are also off limits to bikes. Bicyclists should
yield the right of way to hikers and horseback
riders. The speed limit is 15 mph. Slow down
on narrow trails as safety requires. The park has
about 64,000 acres open to mountain bikes and
is one of the most bike-friendly parks in the
Bay Area. Please keep it that way and ride your
bike in a r