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China Hole

Santa Clara · Managed by California State Parks · Region: Henry W. Coe State Park
Difficulty 36/100 · Moderateout and back#creekside#diablo-range#swimming#spring-wildflowers
Distance
10.3 mi
Total gain
1,640 ft
Net gain
0 ft
Net loss
0 ft
Days
2
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires prohibited

Overview

China Hole is Coe's classic creek camp: 5.2 miles down from the Coe Ranch ridgetop to a swimming hole on the East Fork of Coyote Creek, under oak-shaded canyon walls. It is the park's most popular backpacking destination — and the reason spring weekends fill the trailhead parking.

Highlights

  • A genuine swimming hole in the middle of an 87,000-acre wilderness
  • Wildflower slopes in March and April on the canyon walls
  • Coyote Creek's pools and sandy banks at camp
  • 1,600 feet of descent out — and the climb back is the real workout

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Coe Ranch Visitor Center · parking: Coe Ranch entrance parking off East Dunne Avenue, Morgan Hill
  • Water: Coyote Creek at China Hole — flows seasonally and must be treated; check the water resources page before relying on it.
  • Resupply: None; Morgan Hill is 30 minutes down the road.
  • Shuttle: Not needed for an out-and-back.
  • Stove required: yes — no fires possible on this route

Permits

  • Agency: California State Parks (Henry W. Coe SP)
  • Reserve or apply on parks.ca.gov
  • Quota: None — backpacking permits are first-come, first-served at park entrances.
  • Reservation window: No reservations; arrive early on spring weekends.

Campfires & stove regulations

Campfires prohibited. Wood or charcoal fires are never allowed in the Coe backcountry. Gas stoves and portable gas fire pits are permitted. Current fire restrictions. Rules change with conditions — always confirm with the managing agency before your trip.

Best time to go

Best months: February, March, April, October, November.

Snow: Year-round.

Heat: Summer highs approach 100°F — plan water carefully; spring and fall are the seasons.

Bugs: Minimal.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • Creek water is seasonal — confirm flows before relying on China Hole for water
  • Carry and drink plenty of water; summer highs near 100°F are common
  • Wood and charcoal fires are never allowed in the backcountry — gas stoves only
  • The route drops and regains 1,600 feet

Sources & citations

Data compiled 2026 from public agency and reference sources. All descriptive text on this page is original; verify current conditions with the managing agency before your trip.

  1. Backpacking Recommendations — Henry W. Coe State Park. California State Parks. https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=26411. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). China Hole designated campsite route table from the Coe Ranch entrance (5.2 mi out, 5.1 mi back, 40 ft/1,600 ft elevation gain listed by direction) and route descriptions.
  2. Henry W. Coe State Park. California State Parks. https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=561. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Backpacking fees ($5/person/night), first-come permits, no-wood-fires rule in the backcountry, and seasonal conditions.
  3. Plan Your Visit. Pine Ridge Association at Henry W. Coe State Park. https://coepark.net/planning-your-visit/. Accessed 2026-09-07. Water resources, trail conditions, and entrance details for backpacking trips.