Coyote Creek Bike Trail

The Coyote Creek Bike Loop connects to the Bald Hills Road to the east and the Lyons Ranch Trail on the west. Between those points, the multi-use trail descends and climbs along the hillside's contours and through scattered forests. There are some steeper sections to contend with along the way and the trees don't always provide full shade. Although the trail can be traveled in either direction, most hikers will want to park at the Lyons Ranch Trailhead and hike to the start of the Coyote Creek Bike Loop. The open grassy hills in the area have a long history of human influence, starting thousands of years ago when Chilula, Hupa, and Yurok Indians burned back the oak woodlands to encourage grasses, acorns, and berries to flourish. Later, these clearings proved valuable to settlers who raised prize-winning flocks of sheep on the hillsides. Several old buildings located along the trail serve as reminders to the area's ranching history.