The Pine Ridge Association at
Henry W. Coe State Park
Henry W. Coe State Park
Coe Park is the largest state park in northern California, with over 87,000 acres of wild open spaces. The terrain of the park is rugged, varied, and beautiful, with lofty ridges and steep canyons. Once the home of Ohlone Indians, the park is now home to a fascinating variety of plants and animals, including the elusive mountain lion. Within Coe Park are the headwaters of Coyote Creek, long stretches of the Pacheco and Orestimba creeks, and a 23,300-acre wilderness area.
The Pine Ridge Association
The Pine Ridge Association was formed in 1975 to assist park staff in providing interpretive and educational programs to the public. It provides funds to support guided walks, evening talks , and the state park's volunteer program. It also sponsors the annual Mother's Day Breakfast, the fall Tarantula Fest and barbecue, the Backcountry Weekend, and other park events.
Activities
Winslow Briggs
Winslow Briggs, long time State Park Volunteer and PRA member, passed away on Monday, February 11. He was a dear friend of Coe Park, playing prominent roles in the early days of the Pine Ridge Association and the State Park Volunteer Program at Coe Park. His current activities included roles in the Volunteer Training Program, working on the next revision of the park map, and staffing the Headquarters Visitor Center. He had planned on volunteering at the upcoming Backcountry Weekend in April. Read his obituary on the Carnegie Plant Biology website.
Backcountry Weekend
For one spectacular weekend this spring, Henry W. Coe State Park will again open the gate at Bell's Station on Highway 152 east of Gilroy. The Coe Backcountry Weekend, held in the little-traveled east side of the 87,000 acre park is scheduled for April 26 - 28. The event, sponsored by the Pine Ridge Association and the California Department of Parks and Recreation, allows visitors vehicle access to a remote and beautiful area.
Mother's Day Breakfast
Once again, we're holding the event at the Ridge View camp site, which is about a mile and a quarter walk from the parking area. When you get there, you can sit down to a delicious western-style breakfast of scrambled eggs, pork link sausage or vegetarian patty sausage, hot-off-the-grill homemade drop biscuits, country fried potatoes, orange juice, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and incredibly yummy fresh local strawberries dusted with powdered sugar. During breakfast you will be entertained by Cactus Bob and Prairie Flower.
Ranch Day
Bring the family and learn about Ranch Life and the Ranch Animals. There will be all kinds of animals to see and pet including some mini horses. Wander through exhibits and see what life was like on the ranch. There will be lots of crafts for the kids too.
Bring your rubber boots and enjoy the nearby creek!
The Henry Coe State Park Equestrian Mounted Assistance Unit hosts the annual Ranch Day event every spring at Hunting Hollow. The event is a perennial favorite with families.
Coe Park in the Winter
Winter in the park can include gray storms with black billowing clouds. It can also offer a sunny afternoon, perfect for wandering along the trails among leafless oaks and ambling newts.
Check the Planning Your Visit page for current conditions.
Gilroy Yamato Hot Springs
The mission of the Gilroy Yamato Hot Springs Association (GYHSA) is to protect, preserve, and restore public access to Gilroy Yamato Hot Springs, an area of Henry W. Coe State Park which is historically rich in cultural diversity.
Please join us for tours, camp outs, special events!
Weekend Parking Crunch!
Weekend parking availability is very limited at Coe Ranch and Hunting Hollow. Arrive in the morning on Saturday or Sunday, carpool, or visit the park during the week!
Visiting on Saturday, or Sunday on May 4th or later? Avoid the crowds and drive up to the beautiful Dowdy Visitor Center.
Fire Regulations
Ground Fires are never allowed in the park. Gas stoves are allowed.
Check the Current Fire Regulations on the State Parks website for the latest fire regulations.
Upcoming Events
| 20 Mar 10:00AM - 04:00PM |
| 23 Mar 11:00AM - 01:00PM |
| 24 Mar 02:00PM - 04:00PM |
| 30 Mar 11:00AM - 01:00PM |
| 04 Apr 11:00AM - 01:00PM |
| 07 Apr 11:00AM - 01:00PM |
| 11 Apr 11:00AM - 01:00PM |
| 13 Apr 10:00AM - 02:00PM |
| 14 Apr 09:00AM - 02:00PM |
| 14 Apr 11:00AM - 01:00PM |
Lend a Hand
We're always working to maintain and improve the buildings, trails and springs that support our park users. There are springs to repair, trees to remove, trails and roads to maintain, dams to clean and all kinds of short, 1-3 day activities to help Coe Park. Click here to find out how you can Lend a Hand.
Volunteer!
Are you interested in learning more about Henry W. Coe State Park and sharing your knowledge with park visitors? How about helping out with annual events or maintenance of springs and trails? If so, visit our Volunteer page.
Support Coe Park
We rely on your generous support. Thank you!
© 2019 - Pine Ridge Association at Henry W. Coe State Park