2.2 hr
Overview
After a short connector trail, this route heads south on a relatively level trail high up in the hills with splendid views of Coyote Lake, the surrounding foothills, the Santa Clara Valley, and the Coast Range. This hike or ride can be combined with a picnic or camping next to Coyote Lake. The trail is mostly in sun, so plan the trip in cooler weather or early in the day.<br><br>This trail description is excerpted from the 2019 Guidebook. For details on all trails, trailheads and more <a href="https://www.wildernesspress.com/product.php?productid=16685&cat=0&page=1&utm_source=BARTsite&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=BayAreaRidgeTrail">buy the book</a> from Wilderness Press.
Trail Stats
7.9 km
156 m
362 m
280 m
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Photos
California poppies along Coyote Ridge Trail
California poppies along Coyote Ridge Trail
Checkerbloom along Coyote Ridge Trail
Checkerbloom along Coyote Ridge Trail
White blow wives along Coyote Ridge Trail in early May. These are delicate little "puff" balls that need to be examined closely to appreciate their intricate beauty.
White blow wives along Coyote Ridge Trail in early May. These are delicate little "puff" balls that need to be examined closely to appreciate their intricate beauty.
Deer. In a meadow along Coyote Ridge Trail
Deer. In a meadow along Coyote Ridge Trail
A hawk(?) sores above the springtime grass hills dotted with bright yellow mustard, along Harvey Bear Trail.
A hawk(?) sores above the springtime grass hills dotted with bright yellow mustard, along Harvey Bear Trail.
Coyote Lake comes into view at the high point of Willow Springs Trail.
Coyote Lake comes into view at the high point of Willow Springs Trail.
Ithuriel's Spear along Coyote Ridge Trail
Ithuriel's Spear along Coyote Ridge Trail
Coyote Ridge Trail meanders through a grass meadow with Palassou Ridge in the distance. Palassou Ridge forms the east side of the valley that holds Coyote Lake.
Coyote Ridge Trail meanders through a grass meadow with Palassou Ridge in the distance. Palassou Ridge forms the east side of the valley that holds Coyote Lake.
Rural southern Santa Clara Valley stretches as far as the eye can see, to the south, as seen from Coyote Ridge Trail. The Santa Cruz Mountains rise in the distance on the right.
Rural southern Santa Clara Valley stretches as far as the eye can see, to the south, as seen from Coyote Ridge Trail. The Santa Cruz Mountains rise in the distance on the right.
Coyote Lake and the hills east of the lake are seen from high on Coyote Ridge Trail.
Coyote Lake and the hills east of the lake are seen from high on Coyote Ridge Trail.