MORGAN HILL
– Walking through hills covered in wildflowers or lazily fishing
for bass along the cool edge of a pond – these are only a couple of
the activities to enjoy at Henry Coe Park.
MORGAN HILL – Walking through hills covered in wildflowers or lazily fishing for bass along the cool edge of a pond – these are only a couple of the activities to enjoy at Henry Coe Park.
For one weekend only, the park will open its gate at Bell Station on Highway 152, east of Gilroy, to one of the most beautiful, yet hardly traveled areas of the park. “Coe Backcountry Weekend” is a rare opportunity to enjoy the natural splendors on the east side of the 86,000 acre park.
Guests can explore on their own or participate in group activities. Hikers can join in on explorations through wildflowers, bird habitats, along creeks or to Paccheco Falls. Mountain bikers, equestrians and picnickers can travel along the trails which provide panoramic views of the Diablo Range. Fishers can backpack out to Mustang Pond, Paradise Lake, JackRabbit Lake or Kingbird ponds and try their luck with large-mouth bass, crappie, green sunfish, and bluegill. Usually these fishing spots require a hard four-day hike and an average of 40-miles round trip.
Despite some narrow and steep sections which require high clearance, the road is in good condition and passable by two-wheel drive vehicles.
Last year, the weekend was cancelled due to the harsh weather. Those who were accepted to come before were given a rain check. So, there will be only 150 reservations available this year.
The entry fee is $10 per vehicle for day use and $20 per vehicle for overnight. Only one vehicle is allowed per application. Those interested should send an application along with a check for park fees, to be postmarked by March 27. In early April, applications will be randomly drawn until the vehicle limit is reached.
Written requests for applications, including a self-addressed stamped business envelope, should be addressed to: Application Forms, Coe State Park/1410 Terri Lynn Ct., Gilroy, CA 95020.
