Day trip: Henry W. Coe State Park's 87,000 acres of Diablo Range trails and wildflowers near Morgan Hill
Wildflowers, ridges and remote trails fill Northern California's largest state park. Hours, the Morgan Hill address and fees are at the end.
Henry W. Coe State Park is Northern California's largest state park — about 87,000 acres of Diablo Range hills east of Morgan Hill, roughly a half-hour south of San Jose, California State Parks says. The largely undeveloped park offers oak woodland, remote ponds and quiet solitude.
Wildflowers bloom from February through April after rainy winters — lupine, California poppies and goldfields. Spring and fall are most comfortable; summers often top 90 degrees Fahrenheit, so carry water. Ridge vistas and wildlife viewing reward the climb.
Trails support hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and backpacking, plus camping, fishing and picnicking. Popular spots include China Hole and lakes such as Coit and Mississippi. Dogs are limited to Coe Ranch paved areas, the campground and the half-mile Live Oak Trail.
Coe Ranch and Hunting Hollow are open year-round. From Nov. 1, Dowdy Ranch runs daily 8 a.m. to sunset when weather allows; the park posted Dowdy also closed Nov. 5–6. Main entrance: 9000 East Dunne Avenue, Morgan Hill. Day use: $8 per vehicle at Coe Ranch and Dowdy, $6 at Hunting Hollow; seniors $1 less. Drive-in camping $20 a night including one vehicle; backpacking $5 per person per night. Call 408-779-2728.
Source: California State Parks: Henry W. Coe State Park, features, hours and fees checked Nov. 6, 2026.