Bear Hug

Hike a New Section of the Bay Area Ridge Trail

06.11.2025

This 5.5-mile loop through Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park explores one of the newest segments of the acclaimed Bay Area Ridge Trail, one redolent with trees ranging from madrone and manzanita to buckeye and blue elderberry (with a bubbly post-hike bonus).

Walk this way…

From the Coyote Lake Dam parking lot, head west on the Harvey Bear Connector Trail. The golden hills stretch out in every direction, and keen-eyed hikers can spot Mount Umunhum and Mount Hamilton far in the distance. In the late spring, the blue elderberry and buckeye trees add a pop of floral to the landscape.

At the intersection with Coyote Ridge Trail, turn right to begin the gentle ascent into the hills. Mariposa lilies dot the trail, and critters like wolf spiders, velvet ants, and checkerspot butterflies roam among the flowers.

Turn right at the intersection with Ojo De Agua Trail—the newest addition to the Bay Area Ridge Trail, guiding hikers from the open grassland down into the shady forest where red-barked madrone and manzanita mingle with fragrant California bay trees. Turn right onto Woodland Valley Trail, then left on the Harvey Bear Connector Trail to return to the parking lot.

BONUS: The park entrance is in the heart of the Santa Clara Valley wine region.

Enjoy a crisp pinot grigio or bubbly California champagne after a long walk in the woods. Some of our local faves: Satori Cellars, Cinnabar Winery, and Church Creek Cellars.

Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park is located at 4558 Gilroy Hot Springs in Gilroy. Map. NOTE: Not recommended on hot days; check the forecast before going and be sure to get an early start for cooler conditions. The trailhead for this loop begins at the last parking lot on Coyote Lake Road. A $6 parking fee will be collected at the gate. Bike-friendly. Dog-friendly.

Story and photos by Heather Werner, @heath.er.wer.ner

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories

  1. Cinematic Sonoma

    Longer days. Golden light. Wildflowers in bloom. It’s the perfect moment to plan your spring escape to Sonoma for the Sonoma International Film Festival, March 25–29. No fuss. No sprawl. Just films, friends, fresh air, and that unmistakable Sonoma glow.

    View
  2. Hike Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve

    Mellow in the Marsh

    Beach, birds, ice plant popping purple flowers: That’s a hiking slam dunk! Hike about 2 miles at Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve using their easy to navigate (well-signed) Sequoia Audubon Trail.

    View
  3. A man is looking through his binoculars at sunrise at the Bayland Nature Preserve in Palo Alto

    Baylands Bird & Art Loop

    Combine an outdoor art walk and wildlife sightings at the Baylands Nature Preserve in Palo Alto. This 5-mile loop through Byxbee Park and the Emily Renzel Wetlands features striking installations by artists Peter Richards and Michael Oppenheimer—where the landscape itself becomes part of the canvas.

    View

  4. Big Burdell!

    If you’re gonna go big on a hike, make it at Marin County’s biggest open space preserve, Mount Burdell. And go to the summit. You’ll be sharing the trail with grazing cows, seasonal poppies, and beautiful birds on this 5-mile (round-trip) adventure.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe

    2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G

    View

  2. Eat, Sleep, Beach, Repeat

    For an ultra-relaxing getaway where you can sit back and soak in some nature and nurture, head to Mendocino and follow this eat, beach, sleep, repeat itinerary (you won't regret it!) ...

    View

  3. This Skunk Doesn’t Stink!

    All aboard for a ride through history—and through air scented with redwood, dewy ferns, forest-fresh breeze, and a bonus snack and beverage bar, fire pit, and short hike. The World-Famous Skunk Train delivers in every category: scenery, greenery, and towering redwoods.

    View
  4. A woman standing at the pond's edge at Ernest B Debs Regional Park in Los Angeles. Trees are making reflections on the pond.

    Urban Oasis Loop

    Home to the city’s Audubon Center, Ernest E. Debs' 282-acre park features a robust network of hiking trails and surprising wildlife diversity. More than 140 bird species have been spotted here. Birdwatcher or not, this 2.5-mile route makes for a gorgeous outing.

    View