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Wild Recovery San Jose, California

July 16, 2011 Coyote Hills Regional Park Santa Clara County

The Place

Coyote Hills Regional Park lies along the north-eastern coast of the San Francisco Bay. The small hills were actually an island at one time and are remnants of the Diablo Foothills.
Through time and human help the marshlands to the east were developed. This area provides an attractive nesting ground for birds of all kinds.
The history of the region is long and varied; from Ohlone settlements, to missile depots, from farmland, to duck hunting lodges, from salt production ponds, to urban runoff treatment.
A visitor's center displays most of the history and it is worth taking a look.

Dogs are allowed in the park; on a leash, but they are not allowed in the marsh. Our hike will take us into both the Main and South Marsh but there are parallel routes that will make it possible for our four legged friends to join us.

Walking the Walk

Our hike will be a combination of flat meandering trails and heart pounding climbs. Our trek will also include both paved bike trails and dirt 'hiker only' trails so stay alert for traffic. We will start from the Quarry Staging Area along the Muskrat Trail toward the Main Marsh; hopefully some water remains. At the time of my scout hike (in March) there was an overabundance of water but only time will tell. We head into the marsh along the boardwalk on the Chochenyo Trail. If you brought your dogs, you will need to take the Bayview and meet us up at the Lizard Rock Junction. We will all then head up the Red Hill Trail for the more challenging part of our hike. We will pass the Nike Trail Junction continuing up Red Hill to the very top to find our meeting spot.
We will take the Soaproot Trail down to the paved Bayview Trail until the Meadowlark loop Trail. This will give us a nice look at the South Marsh before heading back to our cars at the Quarry Staging Area via the Bayview Trail.

Level 2 - Miles 5.5 - Elevation 500'          Host: Anna J. (406) 806-7675

Directions:

From San Jose: Take Hwy 17/880 North for roughly 20 miles to exit #21 Decoto Rd/Dumbarton Bridge. Turn left to head West on Hwy 84. Take the first exit #37 Newark/Ardenwood Rd. Turn Right onto Ardenwood. Take to Commerce Drive. Take a Left onto Commerce. This turns into Patterson Ranch Road and heads directly into the park. Pay the $5 fee at the entrance and continue on to the Quarry Staging Area. It is the first parking lot on your left.

Travel time from San Jose: 30 Minutes

Know Before You Go:

Parking $5.00
Dogs are allowed in the park; on a leash, but they are not allowed in the marsh.
Our hike will take us into both the Main and South Marsh but there are parallel routes that will make it possible for our four legged friends to join us.
Restrooms at Visitors Center
The park is an open space; meaning there is little shade, and the hike is in summer. Remember that Wild Recovery hikes occur in rain or shine. Please bring sunscreen and a hat. It is along the bay and though on the times of my scouting the winds were calm and the temperature was mild; it may not be the case on the day of the hike. Plan accordingly and dress in layers.

Bussiness Meeting:

For those of you who wish, please join us at the Wild Recovery Business Meeting immediately following the hike.
The location is to be determined.