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About this place
Easy access from the Bay Area without feeling too close. There are multiple well-marked trails to choose from: varying between short steep uphill climbs and easy flat walking. This area is open year-round with many water sources. If you're a beginner backpacker, It's possible to camp near a bathroom. Permits are available upon arrival.
Henry W. Coe State Park, northern California's largest, provides outdoor enthusiasts with over 89,000 acres of land to explore, as well as 22,000 acres of designated wilderness area. With all of this space, the outdoor adventures are seemingly endless. We recommend a multi-day backpacking trip to help cover as much ground as possible, at your own pace.
If you’re looking for the easiest start to a backcountry trip, we recommend starting at the Hunting Hollow entrance. From here you can start your trek toward a campgrounds near one of the backcountry lakes. Keep in mind that the easier the trek, the more crowded the campground could be.
A few suggestions while starting from hunting hollow are heading to Coit Lake or Kelly Lake. These two destinations are more accessible for a one-night stay. Kelly Lake is approximately 6.5 miles with a 1685' climb one-way on the Grizzly Gulch Trail. Coit Lake is approximately 9.3 miles away with a 2320' climb one-way to get to Coit Lake, but there is also a flatter 1060' foot climb on the way back from Coit Lake going the same way using Grizzly Gulch Trail.
If you want to take a little extra time, head to the much sought after Pacheco Falls. The falls are located approximately 5 miles round trip to the east of Coit Lake with approximately 1300' of climbing. The falls typically flow until early summer.
Be sure to check with rangers regarding water conditions before heading out. Don’t get caught miles away from the nearest water source. Bring filters for water purification.