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Frog Lake

Santa Clara · Managed by California State Parks · Region: Henry W. Coe State Park
Difficulty 14/100 · Easyloop#beginner-friendly#lakes#first-trip#diablo-range
Distance
4.7 mi
Total gain
700 ft
Net gain
0 ft
Net loss
0 ft
Days
1–2
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires prohibited

Overview

Frog Lake is Coe's easiest backpacking loop: about 4.7 miles from the visitor center to a small pond in a quiet oak canyon, with modest rolling climbs. The perfect first night out in the park — and a fine warm-up for China Hole and the deeper backcountry.

Highlights

  • A quiet pond campsite in rolling oak country
  • Wildflowers along the Monument and Hobbs roads in spring
  • The gentlest designated camp near the Coe Ranch entrance
  • An easy overnight that leaves time for ridge wandering

How hard is Frog Lake?

CaliPeaks rates this route 14/100 (Easy). The score weights five factors: climbing counts for 45% — 700 ft puts this trip at 6% of the reference climb; distance 20% at 4.7 miles; maximum altitude 15% at 2,507 ft; route technicality 10% (established trail throughout); and trip length 10% at 2 days. A score under 20 suits first-time backpackers; 60+ means serious endurance. See how we score difficulty for the full method.

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Coe Ranch Visitor Center · parking: Coe Ranch entrance parking off East Dunne Avenue, Morgan Hill
  • Water: Frog Lake, plus seasonal springs nearby; treat all water.
  • Resupply: None; Morgan Hill is 30 minutes away.
  • Shuttle: Not needed for this loop.
  • 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 only. 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: Warm; carry water even on this short route.

Bugs: Minimal.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • Treat all pond and spring water
  • Wood and charcoal fires are never allowed in the backcountry
  • Carry water for the climb regardless of the short distance

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. SRTM90 elevation data (sampled). OpenTopoData (SRTM, NASA/USGS-derived open data) via Photon geocoding (OpenStreetMap). https://www.opentopodata.org/. Accessed 2026-09-10. Elevation sampled at geocoded coordinates; location from OpenStreetMap data (ODbL).
  2. 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). Frog Lake designated campsite route table from the Coe Ranch entrance (1.6 mi out, 3.1 mi back, 500 ft/200 ft elevation gain by direction).
  3. 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, first-come permits, and the no-wood-fires backcountry rule.
  4. Plan Your Visit. Pine Ridge Association at Henry W. Coe State Park. https://coepark.net/planning-your-visit/. Accessed 2026-09-07. Water resources and trail conditions for the park.