Call of the Coyote

Hiking Coyote Hills Regional Park

Wild and scenic Coyote Hills Regional Park is probably best known for its birdlife—from hawks to herons, kestrels to kingfishers. But its 978 acres of marshland and grassy hills is also fringed with flowers now—wildflowers! Enjoy it all on a 5-mile loop hike. From the southeast corner of the visitor center parking lot, head into the marsh on Chochenyo Trail, lined with reeds and cattails.

Stay on Chochenyo Trail to loop around the fenced-off Tuibun Ohlone Village site and head back the way you came. A pair of rights gets you on the D.U.S.T. Trail, lined by purple thistles, and where the waterway teems with geese and ducks. At Alameda Creek Trail turn left and follow the paved path west to Red Hill Trail, which ascends into the low hills fronting the bay. This trail is fringed with sun cups, California poppies, and flowering fennel.

At the top, you’ll have spectacular 360-degree views that include San Francisco and the Santa Cruz Mountains. Turn left on Soaproot Trail and follow Bayview Trail back to the parking lot.

Coyote Hills Regional Park is located at 8000 Patterson Ranch Rd. in Fremont. The visitor center is at the west end of Patterson Ranch Rd. There’s a $5 parking fee. Find a trail map here. Note that seasonal rains can cause flooding on the marsh trails; check the status on the website or by calling the park supervisor at (510) 544-3217. No dogs.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Screaming Good Garden

    Combine a classic scary movie backdrop and life-size elephant garden sculptures in beautiful downtown Sonoma.

    View
  3. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

    View
  4. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View
  2. Welcome to the Ice Age

    Only in LA can you stumble upon a lake of bubbling black goo right in the middle of the city—complete with a life-size family of mammoths frozen in time. Take a whiff and you’ll catch the unmistakable scent of asphalt: Yep, you’ve made it to the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

    View