For one weekend this spring, Henry W. Coe State Park will open
its gate at Bell Station on Pacheco Pass Highway east of Gilroy.
The annual Coe Backcountry Weekend, held in the little-traveled
east side of the 83,600-acre park is scheduled for April 26-27.
Reservations are required.
For one weekend this spring, Henry W. Coe State Park will open its gate at Bell Station on Pacheco Pass Highway east of Gilroy. The annual Coe Backcountry Weekend, held in the little-traveled east side of the 83,600-acre park is scheduled for April 26-27. Reservations are required.
The event, sponsored by the Pine Ridge Association and the Department of Parks and Recreation, allows visitors vehicle access to a remote areas. Hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians will have an opportunity to see and enjoy an area isolated by long distances and rugged terrain from the park’s Morgan Hill entrance.
This area of the park displays a spring extravaganza of colorful wildflowers in the oak woodland. Fishing for bass and sunfish is excellent in secluded ponds and reservoirs. The trails provide panoramic views of the Diablo Range.
Visitors may come into the park for the day, camp overnight at Orestimba Corral or Pacheco Creek Crossing, or backpack to one of the seldom visited areas of the park. They may explore on their own, join a guided ride or hike, or participate in interpretive activities. Brochures, maps, information, activities, and volunteer assistance will be available.
From the Gilroy entrance, park visitors will travel 8.5 miles on an unpaved road from Bell Station to Pacheco Creek Crossing or an additional 3.8 miles to the Orestimba Corral. The road is said to be in good condition and passable by two-wheel drive vehicles, although there are some narrow and steep sections requiring high clearance.
Four-wheel drive is strongly recommended for towing horse trailers. Because of space limitations, steep hills, and creek crossings with sharp embankments, the road is not suitable for camp trailers or motor homes.
Entry for the weekend is by reservation only. Flyers announcing the event and providing an application form are available at the Coe Park web site at www.coepark.org; the REI stores in Berkeley, San Carlos, and Cupertino; Silacci’s Feed Barn in Gilroy; FISCO Farm and Home Store in Modesto and at the Coe Park Visitor Center. Written requests for applications (include a self-addressed stamped business envelope) should be addressed to Application Forms, Coe Sector Office, 5750 Obata Way, Suite A., Gilroy, CA 95020.
Applications and entry fees, $10 per vehicle for one day, $20 per vehicle for two days, must be postmarked by Saturday, March 29 – only one vehicle per application. Car pooling is strongly encouraged.
A random drawing will be held to meet the 350 vehicles-per-day space limitation. All unsuccessful application forms will be returned with their checks to the applicants. No dogs will be allowed. Camp stoves are permitted, but no open fires, barbecues or hibachis. A group campfire will be held on Saturday night.
