the south, which flows 190 miles northwest through the broad Salinas Valley, and the Pajaro River on the north, which flows by Watsonville before entering the bay near its center. Between the two is Elkhorn Slough, a tidal embayment extending 7 miles inland whose mouth is marked by the enormous 500-foot-high boiler stacks of the Moss Landing Power Plant. The slough is a haven for birdlife—it once held the North American record for the most bird species seen from a single location in one day (116). The broad alluvial plain around Monterey Bay is rich agricultural land and annually produces the country’s largest crop of artichokes.
Immediately offshore of Elkhorn Slough is the beginning of Monterey Canyon, California’s deepest submarine canyon. Twisting slightly southwest, it reaches a depth of 6,000 feet less than 15 miles from the shore, almost twice the elevation of Fremont Peak, which is 16 miles from the shore. To create so deep a submarine canyon requires erosive power far greater than that provided by the current rivers that flow into Monterey Bay. To explain its origin, theory holds that in the recent geologic past (up to 5 million years ago) a large amount of California water drained through present-day Monterey Bay unhindered by any Coast Ranges, carving a deep offshore canyon over the course of millions of years. As the San Andreas Fault system moved Monterey Bay north, the rising Coast Ranges limited its drainage basin to its current watershed. Cold water upwelling from March through September funnels nutrient-rich waters up Monterey Canyon, providing sustenance for the incredible diversity of sea life that makes Monterey Bay world famous.
Nearest Visitor Center There is no staffed visitor center. Call 831-623-4255 for general information. An astronomical observatory near the summit offers public programs; call 831-623-2465 or visit fpoa.net.
Nearest Campground Fremont Peak State Park Campground (25 sites, $25) is below the summit and is lightly used except on the busiest weekends. For reservations visit reserveamerica.com or call 800-444-7275.
Additional Information www.parks.ca.gov
HIKE 9 Coit Lake
Highlights Ridges, lakes, and remote adventure on the edge of the Bay Area
Distance 12.4 miles round-trip
Total Elevation Gain/Loss 3,800'/3,800'
Hiking Time 6–10 hours
Recommended Maps Henry W. Coe State Park Trail and Camping Map by Pine Ridge Association, USGS 7.5-min. Gilroy Hot Springs
Best Times December–May
Agency Henry W. Coe State Park
Difficulty
IN HENRY COE STATE PARK, the largest state park in Northern California, the towering bulwark of Wasno Ridge guards the approach to the southern backcountry, where a furrowed land of ridges, valleys, and solitude awaits the stalwart hiker. In 1775–76, a Spanish expedition led by Juan Bautista de Anza attempted (and failed) to find a route through this convoluted region. The Spaniards dubbed this area “Sierra del Chasco” (“Mountains of Deception”); they would be the last Europeans to visit the area for nearly a hundred years.
Today wide fire roads and clearly marked trails make navigation far easier—but the steep terrain is as taxing as ever. Wasno Ridge rises more than 1,500 feet above the trailhead, a heart-pumping obstacle that keeps hiking traffic to a minimum. Beyond it lie small Kelly Lake and larger Coit Lake, the second biggest in the park, as well as extensive views across the rumpled terrain.
In September 2007, a large wildfire scorched 40,000 acres within Henry Coe, including most of the park’s eastern half. Known as the Lick Fire, the conflagration reached as far west as Coit Lake, where you can still find evidence of the blaze. The damage was not cataclysmic—most of the park’s oak trees survived the blaze—but trails and large swaths of the landscape in the burned areas were significantly affected. Wildfires are a natural part of the park’s ecosystem, and the backcountry is rapidly recovering, a process on full display around Coit Lake.
The Hike begins from the Coyote Creek Trailhead on Coe’s southwestern edge, steeply ascends Wasno Ridge on singletrack trails, and then follows old ranch roads past Kelly Lake and over another ridge to Coit Lake. The return route follows a series of more gradual trails down the flanks of Wasno Ridge. The open terrain of oak woodland and chaparral provides excellent views throughout. Bass and crappie are abundant in both lakes for anglers. Water is usually available from Coyote Creek at the trailhead, and from several springs and ponds en route (a filter is strongly recommended). The hike can be completed year-round (Kelly and Coit lakes are reliable water sources), but the baking heat, shadeless slopes, and increasingly funky water make this a less attractive option in summer and fall.
To Reach the Trailhead Take the Leavesley Rd. exit from Hwy. 101 in Gilroy and follow it 1.8 miles east to New Ave. Turn left, follow New Ave. 0.6 mile to Roop Rd., and turn right. Follow Roop Rd., which becomes Gilroy Hot Springs Rd. and reaches Coyote Creek County Park on the left in 3 miles. You pass Hunting Hollow Trailhead 3 miles later on the right and reach the Coyote Creek Trailhead 1.7 miles farther at a bridge. There is an $8 day-use fee.
Above the Coyote Creek watershed
Description From the trailhead (0.0/940'), begin down wide Coit Rd. The route initially parallels the creek and quickly meets Grizzly Gulch Trail (your return route) on the right (0.1/960'). Continue on Coit Rd. as it begins a slow climb, passes a fenced cattle-loading enclosure, and encounters large, big-berry manzanita shortly before reaching a high point. You descend briefly past valley oak and a giant rusting water tank to reach Anza Trail on the right (1.0/1,090'), where an interpretive sign highlights the 1775–76 Spanish expedition. Nearby Woodchopper Spring is a dependable water source for much of the year.
Turn uphill on Anza Trail, following the singletrack path as it passes beneath bay trees and coast live oaks and switchbacks upward to reach Cullen Trail on the right (1.6/1,440'). Bear left to remain on Anza Trail, which now traverses open slopes flush with spring wildflowers to reach the junction with Jackson Trail (1.9/1,560')—turn right to head toward Kelly Lake.
Views expand as you ascend Jackson Trail. Looking north, Pine Ridge and the main park entrance area (Hike 10) are visible 6 miles away—the tall and distinctive ponderosa pines that give the ridge its name can be identified on clear days. Beyond, Lick Observatory can be spotted atop Mount Hamilton (4,213'). As the trail attains the Wasno ridgeline, views reach as far south as 3,171-foot Fremont Peak (Hike 8) and beyond to the Santa Lucia Range of Big Sur.
The trail passes two small ponds and reaches the junction for seasonally dribbling Elderberry Spring (3.3/2,360'), widening to become Jackson Rd. Hugging the ridgeline, the route passes a four-way junction for Rock Tower Trail (3.7/2,520') shortly before attaining the ridge’s highest point (2,676'). Jackson Rd. now begins a slow descent past hidden Spring Trail on the left (4.2/2,630'), then banks sharply left to reach Wasno Rd. (4.7/2,420'). Turn right and briefly follow the road to Kelly Lake Trail on the left (4.9/2,420').
Follow Kelly Lake Trail
