Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park

If you're looking for a pawsome outdoor adventure in Northern California, look no further than the Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park! Spanning almost 7,000 acres in the hills east of Gilroy, this beautiful regional recreation area is home to a 450-acre lake, 73-site campground, and miles of trails, offering myriad outdoor activities for both human and canine visitors to enjoy.

Also referred to as Coyote Bear for short, the county park boasts 35 miles of trails that are open to hikers, off-road bicyclists, horseback riders, and four-legged adventurers. One of the most pawpular paths in the park is the 2-mile Martin Murphy Loop near the Harvey Bear Ranch entrance. Frequented by joggers and dog walkers in the morning and evening, this mostly level, paved loop offers puptastic views of the Diablo foothills and the Santa Cruz Range. For a moderate hike, hit the Coyote Ridge and Mendoza Trails near the Mendoza Ranch entrance. Pawmazing views of the valley will accompany you and your pup as you follow this route along the west slope of Coyote Ridge.

Whichever trails you and Fido take, you'll likely encounter some of the many wildlife species that live in the area. Various mammals, birds, and other animals call Coyote Bear home, so keep your eyes peeled for the black-tailed deer, feral pig, coyote, mountain lion, bald eagle, turkey vulture, and the rare western pond turtle! 

Other activities that you and your pooch can enjoy at Coyote Bear are boating, picnicking, and camping. Each campsite, which allows a maximum of two dogs, is equipped with a paved slip, picnic table, fire pit, and food locker. Don't forget to keep your pup on a leash and clean up after them wherever you go in the park! Be sure to have clean-up bags and water on hand.

An unfurgettable experience awaits you and your pup at the Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park!