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.
Closure Notice (3/16/2023): Due to hazardous conditions, Henry W. Coe State Park is closed until further notice. Creeks are high with swift flowing water, trees may fall, and there are mudslides throughout the park causing unsafe conditions.
Please refer to the Henry W. Coe State Park page on California State Parks website for the latest news on park restrictions and closures.
Activities
Backcountry Weekend
Backcountry Weekend registration is open!
Henry W. Coe State Park will open the gate at Bell's Station on Highway 152 east of Gilroy and allow registered attendees to drive along Kaiser-Aetna Road beyond the Dowdy Visitor Center. The Coe Backcountry Weekend, held in the little-traveled east side of the 87,000-acre park is scheduled for April 28 - 30, 2023. The event is sponsored by the Pine Ridge Association and the California Department of Parks and Recreation. Details here.
The Natural History of the Forest Trail
A new revision of the Natural History of the Forest Trail guide is available at the Coe Ranch Visitor Center. Most of the common plants found at Henry W. Coe State Park can be seen along this trail which includes numbered stations referenced in the guide. The short one-mile trail, located one-half mile from the Coe Ranch Visitor Center, also illustrates the common physical factors that control where and how well plants grow at Coe.
The trail guide is available for purchase or to borrow in the Coe Ranch Visitor Center and for pick up and drop off at each end of the Forest Trail. You can also download a copy here.
The Winter issue of The Ponderosa is here!
The Winter 2023 issue of the Pine Ridge Association’s quarterly newsletter, The Ponderosa, is now available for your reading enjoyment. In this issue, we witness the effects the recent atmospheric river had on Coyote Creek. Join us as we explore the Blue Ridge Loop in search of elusive Black Oak Spring. See the hard work our staff and intrepid volunteer trail crew are doing to keep springs flowing and trails and roads clear. We seek answers to important questions, such as: What effort is State Parks taking to make the park more resilient to wildfire? How did Kaiser Aetna Road get its name? What happened to the Western Gray Squirrel? And who was this “Ed the Deer” anyway? We also feature in-depth coverage of the PRA Annual Meeting and much more! Read all about it!.
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.
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
| 22 Apr 07:30PM - 08:30PM |
| 28 Apr 12:00AM |
| 06 May 08:30AM - 04:00PM |
| 10 Jun 08:30AM - 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!
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