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Willow Ridge

Santa Clara · Managed by California State Parks · Region: Henry W. Coe State Park
Difficulty 22/100 · Moderateout and back#diablo-range#ridge#spring-wildflowers#quiet
Distance
14.2 mi
Total gain
3,040 ft
Net gain
1,600 ft
Net loss
1,600 ft
Days
2–3
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires prohibited

Overview

Willow Ridge is Coe's big-views backpack: 6.5 miles down through canyons and back up to a ridgetop camp with the Diablo Range rolling to every horizon. A longer two-day trip for those ready to go deeper than China Hole.

Highlights

  • A ridgetop camp with panoramic Diablo Range views
  • The Mahoney Meadows country along the way
  • Wildflower displays across the canyons in spring
  • Deeper solitude than the creek camps

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Coe Ranch Visitor Center · parking: Coe Ranch entrance parking off East Dunne Avenue, Morgan Hill
  • Water: Seasonal creeks and springs; treat all water and confirm flows.
  • Resupply: None; Morgan Hill is 30 minutes away.
  • 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 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: The return climb is warm.

Bugs: Minimal.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • 14-plus miles round trip with 1,600 feet regained on the exit
  • Water is seasonal — confirm sources first
  • Wood fires are never allowed in the backcountry

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). Willow Ridge designated campsite route table from the Coe Ranch entrance (6.5 mi out, 7.7 mi back, 1,440 ft/1,600 ft gain by direction).
  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, first-come permits, and the no-wood-fires backcountry rule.
  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 and trail conditions.