Trip · 3-day backpacking trip
For · Friends and first-time backpackers
Vibe · Challenging and hard
Distance · 15 mile loop and 3,524 feet of elevation gain
Permits · Yep, pick up a permit at Hunting Hollow Entrance
Drive · 2 hours from SF
Ideal dates · April to May or September to October
Pets · Not allowed on trails
Henry W. Coe is the second largest state park in CA (after Anza-Borrego Desert State Park). It has about 87,000 acres of lofty ridges and 250 miles worth of trails. It's an expansive area that draws hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers, without the Yosemite-level crowds. Summers are sizzling with highs in the 100s, so plan to visit in the fall or spring. You'll have no trouble picking up a backpacking permit, unless it's Memorial Day weekend. Whether it's a two-night or week-long adventure, you'll find plenty of wilderness to explore at Henry Coe.
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Henry Coe SP has three main entrances: Coe Ranch, Hunting Hollow, and Dowdy Ranch. You can only self-register or pick up a backpacking permit on the day of your trip from Coe Ranch or Hunting Hollow park entrances. Permits are first-come, first-serve (FCFS), but you won't have any trouble securing one outside of a spring holiday weekend, like Memorial Day. Parking spots are limited though so try to get to the trailhead as early as possible.
There are designated FCFS backcountry campsites in the western part of the park, but you can generally camp where ever you'd like. Some of these campsites have outhouses, but they're not always stocked with TP.
Permit fees are $5 per person a night and $8 parking fee per vehicle a night ($6 at Hunting Hollow Entrance). Bring exact change if the visitor centers are closed, otherwise, you can pay by credit card.
In 1953, Sada Coe, the daughter of Henry Willard Coe, gave her family's cattle ranch to CA. It became the park we have today.
The Ohlone and the Northern Valley Yokuts were the area's earliest inhabitants. They were semi-nomadic tribes.
Henry Coe is home to Orestimba Wilderness, one of 12 state park wilderness areas that's designed to preserve the area's natural ecosystems
A spacious sleeping bag that will help you stay warm for spring, summer, and fall camping.
Essential Items
Whether it's coffee or cocoa, bring a silicone mug like this one into the wild. Your tummy will thank you.
Kitchen
Leave your backpacking pack at camp, and use this sleek, compressible pack for day hikes.
Shared Gear
An affordable day pack for bringing snacks, sunglasses, and water on your next day hike.
Shared Gear
Handmade in Seattle, Washington, this sleeping bag is pricey, but you can count on it lasting for years.
Essential Items
A fun, affordable tent for beginner car campers that can be used in the spring, summer, and fall.
Shared Gear
An absorbent, antimicrobial fabric that will keep you clean and dry down under.
Personal Stuff
This cook station has plenty of storage and counter space, and is easy to set up and carry out.
Kitchen
If you like to toss and turn at night, this sleeping pad is known for being a quiet, quality option for car campers.
Essential Items
A solid, lightweight, and relatively affordable tent for people are new to backpacking.
Shared Gear
Camp underneath the stars and watch glorious sunrises in Joshua Tree National Park, the second largest national park in California.