Henry W. Coe — Hobbs Road Loop
Distance
8.2 mi
Elevation gain
1,420 ft
Duration
3.5–4.5 hrs
Surface
Dirt trail, grass, creek crossings
✗ No dogs permitted
About this hike
Henry Coe is the largest state park in Northern California, yet it sees a fraction of the crowds of closer parks. The Hobbs Road loop takes you through rolling oak woodland, open grassland, and small seasonal creeks. In spring, the hillsides bloom with lupine and poppies and the solitude feels earned.
Highlights
- ✦Spring wildflower displays rivaling anything else in the Bay Area
- ✦True solitude — expect to see fewer than a dozen people on weekdays
- ✦Oak woodland with century-old valley oaks
- ✦Diverse birdlife including acorn woodpeckers and western bluebirds
Practical tips
- →Dogs are not permitted; rattlesnake awareness is essential spring through fall
- →Seasonal creek crossings can be significant in wet years; check conditions ahead
- →The park entrance fee is $8/vehicle — bring cash
- →Download offline maps before you go; cell coverage is minimal inside the park