Coyote Peak Trail

Coyote Peak Trail takes one to Coyote Peak, a lookout area where one can see the entire San Francisco Bay Area. On a clear day, one can see for over 70 miles from Coyote Peak. This includes Mt. Tamalpais in Marin County, Mission Peak, the Santa Cruz Mountains, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, and all the civilization and hills between, but not the ocean. Coyote Peak Trail starts from Ohlone Trail, close to parking areas on the northeast edge of Santa Teresa County Park. One can also get to Coyote Peak Trail using short trails - Hidden Springs Trail and Ridge Trail, that start at the central picnic area - Pueblo Day Use Area. From its start at Ohlone Trail, the Coyote Peak Trail climbs steeply through woods at first, and then through grass hills as it goes higher. Views of San Jose emerge to the right of the trail. Along the way, Coyote Peak Trail passes the Ridge Trail and the Hidden Springs Trail. About .75 miles from its trailhead, the steepness lessens, although the trail continues to climb, but more gradually now. To the left of the trail, one can look up and see a 300 ft. tall antenna on top of Coyote Peak. The trail climbs around Coyote Peak to its high point at the Coyote Peak Summit Spur, about one mile from the Coyote Peak Trail trailhead. The Coyote Peak Summit Spur is a very short, flat spur trail that takes one to the Coyote Peak summit and lookout area. Benches and a plaque that shows and describes what one can see from Coyote Peak are located here. Continuing past Coyote Peak Summit Spur, Coyote Peak Trail descends for a short stretch and then is fairly flat, as it goes along a grass covered ridge top. To the left, one can see rural Santa Clara Valley that is south of San Jose. To the right, one can look down the Santa Teresa Creek valley between Rocky Ridge and another ridge. Ahead, one can see the Santa Cruz Mountains in the distance. About .3 miles after Coyote Peak Summit Spur, Coyote Peak Trail meets Rocky Ridge Trail, which can be taken back to Mine Trail and the central picnic area. Coyote Peak Trail dead ends about .1 miles past Rocky Ridge Trail, at a park boundary that is not publicly accessible.