Henry W. Coe State Park’s annual Backcountry Weekend in the
little-traveled east side of the 83,600-acre park is scheduled for
April 26-27.
Henry W. Coe State Park’s annual Backcountry Weekend in the little-traveled east side of the 83,600-acre park is scheduled for April 26-27 when the gate at Ball Station on Highway 152 east of Casa de Fruta is opened.
The event, sponsored by the Pine Ridge Association and the Department of Parks and Recreation, allows visitors vehicle access to a remote and beautiful area.
Hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians have a unique opportunity to see and enjoy an area isolated by long distances and rugged terrain from the park’s Morgan Hill entrance.
Visitors may come into the park for the day, camp overnight at Orestimba Corral or Pacheco Creek Crossing or backpack to one of the seldom visited areas of the park. They may explore on their own, join a guided ride or hike, or participate in interpretive activities. Brochures, maps, information, activities, and volunteer assistance will be available.
Participants will travel 8.5 miles on an unpaved road from Bell Station to Pacheco Creek Crossing or an additional 3.8 miles to the Orestimba Corral. The road is in good condition and passable by two-wheel drive vehicles, although there are some narrow and steep sections requiring high clearance.
Entry for the weekend is by reservation only. Applications are available at the Coe Park Web site, www.coepark.org, the park’s visitor center, Silacci’s Feed Barn in Gilroy and Gunther’s Feed Store in Morgan Hill.
Written requests for applications should be addressed to Application Forms, Coe Sector Office, 5750 Obata Way, Suite A., Gilroy, CA 95020. Include a self-addressed, stamped business envelope.
Applications and entry fees are $10 per vehicle for one day and $20 per vehicle for two days and must be postmarked by Saturday, March 29. One vehicle is allowed per application and car pooling is encouraged.
A random drawing will be held to meet the 350-vehicles-per-day limit. No dogs will be allowed.
