Henry Coe State Park is nearly 87,000 acres of actual wildland. Most of it stays closed to the public most of the year. One weekend changes that.
April 24 to 26, Backcountry Weekend opens specific areas with guided hikes, naturalist talks, and overnight camping deep in the park. This is not a stroll around a paved loop. This is for people who want to earn their views.
What Makes This Weekend Different
The park normally restricts backcountry access to keep things sustainable. Backcountry Weekend is the one time they open it up with structure. You get naturalist guides who actually know the park. Group hikes of varying difficulty. Overnight camping in areas you can't reach any other time of year. The gates open at Bell's Station entrance near Gilroy.
What to Expect
If you've hiked before and you're comfortable carrying a pack for 6 to 10 miles, you can do this. There are easier walks for families and harder all-day expeditions for people who live for this stuff. The elevation changes are real. The spring wildflowers are also real if the rain cooperated. You'll see views that most Gilroy residents don't know exist.
Overnight camping means you need to bring a tent, a sleeping bag, water filtration, and gear you know how to use. Don't wing it. The park isn't forgiving if you show up unprepared.
Why It's Worth It
Henry Coe is literally in our backyard. Most of us drive past the entrance and never set foot in it. This weekend is the invitation to change that. It's also a reminder that we live next to something genuinely wild and worth protecting.
Check the Henry Coe State Park website (parks.ca.gov) for hike details, difficulty levels, and how to reserve a spot. Registration fills up.
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