Coyote Lake - Harvey Bear Ranch County Park

The park offers over 33 miles of trails catering to various skill levels. For an easy, family-friendly option, the 2-mile paved loop at the Bear Ranch Trailhead in San Martin is popular for joggers and dog-walkers. For those seeking more challenging routes and panoramic vistas, trails ascending into the hills provide rewarding experiences through oak woodlands and grassy ridgelines. Many trails offer spectacular views of the southern Santa Clara Valley.

While the park is open year-round, winter hiking can be a unique experience. The lower elevation trails, including the paved loop at the Bear Ranch Trailhead, are generally accessible. For higher trails, check weather conditions as some paths can become muddy after rain. Winter also offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching, as many species, including bald eagles, are present.

Parking is available at multiple entrances. The main Coyote Lake entrance is located at 4558 Gilroy Hot Springs Rd, Gilroy, and the Harvey Bear entrance is at 1950 East San Martin Avenue, San Martin. There is typically a day-use parking fee, which can be paid at automated machines or entrance kiosks. It's advisable to check the Santa Clara County Parks website for current fee schedules and any specific parking regulations.

The park is a haven for wildlife, with over 219 species of birds, including bald eagles, owls, and various songbirds. Visitors might also spot black-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and rare western pond turtles and California tiger salamanders. While less common, mountain lions also inhabit the park, so it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially during dawn and dusk.

Yes, the park is very family-friendly. The 2-mile paved loop at the Bear Ranch Trailhead is ideal for strollers and young children. Beyond hiking, families can enjoy picnicking at designated areas, fishing (catch-and-release is encouraged), and observing wildlife. The Lakeview Campground also offers family-friendly camping options with amenities like hot showers.

Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park is dog-friendly. Dogs are generally permitted on trails but must be kept on a leash at all times. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets. Specific areas or trails might have additional restrictions, so it's always good to check signage at trailheads or the park's official website before your visit.

The park itself does not have cafes or restaurants, but it is located near the towns of Gilroy and Morgan Hill, which offer a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to more formal restaurants. For accommodation, the park features the Lakeview Campground with 73 RV and tent campsites. Additionally, hotels and motels are available in nearby Gilroy and Morgan Hill.

Recreational boating, including power boating, jet-skiing, waterskiing, sailing, canoeing, and kayaking, is permitted on Coyote Lake. However, boating is generally allowed only from mid-April to mid-October. The lake is closed to all boating outside of this period. Swimming is strictly prohibited by order of the Santa Clara Valley Water District. A boat launch ramp with two docks and a three-lane concrete ramp is available for public use.

Coyote Lake is known for its 'world-class' population of black bass, and also contains bluegill, black crappie, channel catfish, and carp. Fishing is allowed, but it is primarily catch-and-release. The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment has issued a safe eating advisory for any fish caught in Coyote Lake due to elevated levels of mercury, so consumption is not recommended.

The park's land has a rich history, dating back approximately 4,000 years when the Unajaima Ohlone Indians lived in the area. Later, in the 1830s, it was part of Mexican land grants, including Rancho Ojo del Agua de la Coche. The Coyote Dam, which created Coyote Lake, was completed in 1936. The park expanded significantly in the late 1990s with the acquisition of the Bear Ranch and Mendoza Ranch properties, officially opening in its current form in 2005.