Henry W. Coe State Park Hunting Hollow
A remote wilderness escape offering challenging trails, abundant solitude, and stunning natural beauty, perfect for hikers and mountain bikers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wildflowers bloom, creeks are full
Henry W. Coe State Park Hunting Hollow
Best Time
Wildflowers bloom, creeks are full
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A remote wilderness escape offering challenging trails, abundant solitude, and stunning natural beauty, perfect for hikers and mountain bikers.
"The most appealing aspects are: almost nobody there M-F, lots of wildflowers and butterflies, and a gentle slope up and down."
🥾 Waterproof Boots Essential
Expect a dozen creek crossings on Hunting Hollow Rd. Waterproof boots are a must for comfort and to avoid wet feet.
⚠️ Tick Awareness
Be cautious of ticks, especially on overgrown bypass trails. Use repellent and check yourself thoroughly after hiking.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.6 · 130 reviews
Type
Hiking Area
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hunting Hollow Road Hike
Hunting Hollow Road
A scenic out-and-back hike with numerous creek crossings and rolling hills. Perfect for a peaceful nature walk.
Jim Donnelly & Steer Ridge Loop
Trail network
A moderate 10-mile loop offering beautiful views and vibrant wildflowers, especially in spring.
Mountain Biking Trails
Various trails
Challenging climbs and rewarding descents make this a prime spot for mountain bikers seeking solitude.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for Creek Crossings
Embrace the Solitude
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Camp site recommendation for Henry Coe state park
Planning an overnight solo bikepacking trip (gravel bike) to Henry Coe state park. Will do a single night and stay to the west of the park (Manzanita pt Rd, China Hole Trail, Mahoney Meadows, and Coit Rd). Any recommendations for camp sites? I have never been to the park so any…
🥾 Waterproof Boots Essential
Expect a dozen creek crossings on Hunting Hollow Rd. Waterproof boots are a must for comfort and to avoid wet feet.
⚠️ Tick Awareness
Be cautious of ticks, especially on overgrown bypass trails. Use repellent and check yourself thoroughly after hiking.
Henry Coe Park Backpacking Reservations?
I'm looking to go on my first backpacking trip in a couple weeks to Henry Coe State Park. Just a one nighter with my girlfriend. When I look on the park site under Backpacking -> Western Campsites, it says the spots are first come, first served. However there's other verbiage…
Camping spots all booked!
I live in SF and all the dang camping spots are booked. I am a much more spur of the moment camper. Is there anywhere you can go camp without making reservation near SF, such as anywhere in Tahoe?
💰 Day Use Fee
A $6 day-use fee is required per vehicle. Payment is typically via envelope with check or cash.
📱 Limited Cell Service
Expect very little to no cell service. Download maps and inform someone of your plans before heading out.
hiking in november
Hey guys my wife and I will be in California in November around Thanksgiving and were looking for a place to backpack around 20 miles. The cold doesn't bother us too much but we would like to avoid a whole lot of snow. We were thinking of hiking in Joshua tree but that is about…
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Waterproof Boots Essential
Expect a dozen creek crossings on Hunting Hollow Rd. Waterproof boots are a must for comfort and to avoid wet feet.
⚠️ Tick Awareness
Be cautious of ticks, especially on overgrown bypass trails. Use repellent and check yourself thoroughly after hiking.
💰 Day Use Fee
A $6 day-use fee is required per vehicle. Payment is typically via envelope with check or cash.
📱 Limited Cell Service
Expect very little to no cell service. Download maps and inform someone of your plans before heading out.
💧 Water Levels Vary
Creek depth varies seasonally. Water is ankle-deep in spring but can decrease significantly by summer.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Henry W. Coe State Park Hunting Hollow for its incredible solitude and challenging trails, making it a haven for hikers and mountain bikers. The scenic beauty, especially the wildflowers in spring, is a major draw. However, the numerous creek crossings can be challenging, and some trails are overgrown, with a notable risk of ticks on bypass routes.
"Great place for mountain biking. Was not too hot in June with a good breeze on the peaks. Moderate slope to climb up with 2000' gain over the first 3 miles. Very deserted. In 3 hrs I met 2 people.
The creek right next to the parking lot is very beautiful but I couldn't find a good access."
Steve Zamek
"Hunting Hollow Road is a nice easy scenic out-and-back hike, but worth noting:
1) as of April 30 2024 there are about a dozen stream crossings along this approximately 3.5-mile out and back hike. Some are very easy, others a bit more of a rock-hopping challenge (waterproof boots highly recommended), and one presents enough of a problem that there’s a short “bypass” trail. Unfortunately that bypass trail is narrow and has tick-infested vegetation that is nearly impossible to avoid brushing, as I discovered when I found two ticks on myself after getting through that area on the way back. I had a pretty heavy application of insect repellent on my clothes.
2) there are a bunch of trails going up into the hills off of Hunting Hollow Road, some of which would seem to give some nice loop-hike options. But most of these past the first couple of them are seriously overgrown, some to the point where there’s no visible “trail” at all."
Mark Andrus
"Took a very pleasant 4.5 mile (roundtrip) hike up Hunting Hollow Road in mid-May 2023. The road is a fairly wide dirt road which crossed Hunting Hollow Creek about a dozen times (!) during my hike. The water was never much deeper than ankle-deep, so one can easily cross the creek if you're willing to get your shoes wet. I imagine the water in the creek will decrease greatly in June and July.
The most appealing aspects of the hike are: almost nobody there M-F, lots of wildflowers and butterflies, a few quail and wild turkeys, and a gentle slope up and down. The scenery is also quite nice - rolling hills surrounding the road, though they are rapidly browning up as the dry season continues."
David H. Gleit (Gedawei 葛大為)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hunting Hollow is located at the end of Hunting Hollow Road. The drive involves winding roads, and cell service is unreliable, so download offline maps. Parking is available at the trailhead.
Hunting Hollow Road is a dirt road. While generally well-maintained, it can be bumpy and may have undulations.
Hunting Hollow Road itself serves as a primary trail for hiking and biking. Numerous other trails branch off from it, leading into the hills.
From Highway 152, take Gilroy Hot Springs Road, which turns into Henderson Road, then San Felipe Road, and finally Hunting Hollow Road. Be prepared for a remote drive.
The drive is scenic but remote. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition and carry a spare tire. Download maps beforehand as GPS can be spotty.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The day-use fee is $6 per vehicle, payable by check or cash via an envelope system at the parking lot.
Reservations are generally not required for day use, but it's always a good idea to check the official California State Parks website for any alerts or changes.
Park hours typically align with sunrise to sunset for day use. Specific hours can vary, so it's best to confirm on the park's official website.
While Hunting Hollow is primarily a day-use area, backcountry camping is available in other parts of Henry W. Coe State Park. Check park regulations for specific camping information.
Yes, there is a well-maintained parking lot at the Hunting Hollow trailhead. It's wide open with many undulations.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Hunting Hollow Road is a wide dirt road suitable for hiking and biking. Many other trails branch off, offering varied terrain, though some can be overgrown.
Hikes can range from moderate to strenuous, with significant elevation gain on some trails. The Jim Donnelly and Steer Ridge loop is a moderate 10-mile option.
Visitors have reported seeing quail, wild turkeys, butterflies, and various wildflowers. The park is known for its natural beauty.
The main Hunting Hollow Road offers a relatively gentle slope, making it accessible for families. However, be mindful of creek crossings and potential ticks.
Porta-potties are available on site. There are no other developed facilities, emphasizing the park's wild and remote nature.
📸 📸 Photography
The rolling hills, wildflowers (in spring), and creek crossings offer beautiful photographic opportunities. The solitude also allows for unhindered shots.
Early morning or late afternoon light can enhance the scenic beauty of the rolling hills. Spring offers the most vibrant colors with wildflowers.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can capture wildlife. Consider a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions.
Look for the interplay of light on the hills, the textures of the creek beds, and any wildlife that might appear. The wildflowers are a major draw in season.
Focus on wide shots that emphasize the vastness of the landscape and the lack of human presence. The deserted nature of the park is a key element.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit