January in California is not cold and snow-filled. Rather, a beautiful day of sunshine, clear blue skies, chirping birds and panoramic views over Santa Clara county greeted us as we tackled a two and a half hour hike through some of the trails of Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park. In the springtime, thousands of colourful wildflowers will cover the fields.
The park is 4,595 acres and has over fifteen miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, dog walking and horse riding. You can camp in the park and use your boat on the lake. Dogs and horses are permitted in all areas on the park, which is open from 8am to sunset daily. Bring water as it can get hot!
COYOTE LAKE HIKE DETAILS
When: year-round
Where: Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park in Santa Clara, California
Difficulty: easy
Length: depends on which trail you take in the park; our route was up to Coyote Lake and back via Harvey Bear Junction which took approx. 2 1/2 hours. Check out the different trails here.
Directions: one-way hike from the parking lot. Head up through the gate following signs for Coyote Lake. At Coyote Lake, turn left following signs for Harvey Bear Junction which will return you to the start.
Bathrooms: yes, outhouses in the parking lot
Public Transit: no
