For our final camping trip of 2024, we packed up our vehicles with gear and headed to one of California’s largest state parks, Henry W. Coe. Spanning a massive 87,000 acres of shady forests, rolling hills, trickling creeks, and breathtaking ridges, Henry Coe welcomed us for two quiet and peaceful nights at the remote Coe Ranch Campground. The weather was perfect for both mountain biking and hiking during the day, and with clear skies at night, we enjoyed incredible stargazing—never missing the absence of a campfire. In the mornings, we were treated to stunning views of the marine cloud layer rolling in from the west and settling in the valley below.
On Sunday, our group embarked on a challenging 12-mile mountain bike ride, featuring steep uphill climbs and rolling single-track descents. Everyone did an incredible job overcoming the mental hurdles of this intense ride, and we all returned to camp with great stories to share. The ride included a stop at Frog Lake and a pleasant lunch in the shade along Middle Ridge. Although we didn’t make it to the summit of Mt. Sizer (3,100 ft), we did achieve an elevation gain of 1,600 ft overall. The hiking trails we explored were well-maintained and offered equally stunning views. Many of the trails near the campground and visitor center were relatively flat, making them ideal for beginner hikers.
During our trip, we noticed several backpackers heading to and from the backcountry, inspiring us to consider planning a backpacking trip to more remote sites next time. We had a great mix of first-time and seasoned campers on this trip, and everyone contributed to meal preparation and campsite cleanup. Throughout the weekend, we spotted shooting stars, sneaky foxes, and even a few creepy tarantulas. In the evenings, we were surrounded by the soothing sounds of hooting owls and chirping crickets. Thanks to our Route to Parks grant from Parks California, this overnight trip was a smashing success!