Colors of Coyote

Hike Among Seasonal Wildflowers at Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve

{MARCH 29, 2023 UPDATE: THE ARROWHEAD LOOP TRAIL IS TEMPORARILY CLOSED DUE TO THE RECENT STORM AND MUDDY TRAILS; CHECK THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE FOR UPDATES ON RE-OPENING.}

Spring in the Bay Area brings emerald-green hills and bursts of rainbow-hued wildflowers. The 4-mile Arrowhead Loop in Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve is one of the best spots for up-close views of our seasonal colors. Located 20 miles south of San Jose, this signature hike is well marked from the parking area. Follow the one-way signage for Arrowhead Loop as you ascend the grassy hillside. Deer and ground squirrels are commonly found on this stretch, and you can sometimes see the cattle brought in to eat invasive plant life.

As the grasslands give way to oak and bay trees, pops of bright yellow line the trail; golden violets, wild mustard, and buttercups. (Please stay on the marked trails to avoid trampling the flowers.) After gaining 400 feet in elevation, you’re rewarded with a beautiful vista point overlooking Morgan Hill and the Diablo Mountains.

Continue uphill and keep a sharp eye for some of our seasonal plants, from the tasty miner’s lettuce to the brilliant purple shooting stars, bluedicks, baby blue eyes, and lupine.

At the second vista point, stop and take a breather on the flower-surrounded bench, then continue up the ridge to the high point of the hike, at 875 feet. From here, you can see Lick Observatory to the northeast, and the rolling green hills stretching across the valley of Morgan Hill and Gilroy. This is a premier place to spot our state flower, the California poppy, flashing bright orange amid the grass.

It’s all downhill from here! Continue along the loop as it drops back into the valley. Half a mile from the high point is a picnic area that makes a great lunch spot with a view. As you exit the forest and return to grassland, cross the small stream to arrive at the parking lot.

To visit Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve, take US-101 south and exit onto Bailey Ave. Turn left onto Santa Teresa Blvd., then right onto Palm Ave. At the end of the road, turn right into the parking lot. Hours are 7 a.m. to sunset. No dogs. NOTE: In muddy weather, trails are closed to bikes and equestrians. Be sure to check ahead.

Story and photos by Heather Werner, @heath.er.wer.ner

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Bear Hug

    This 5.5-mile loop through Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park explores one of the newest segments of the acclaimed Bay Area Ridge Trail, one redolent with trees ranging from madrone and manzanita to buckeye and blue elderberry (with a bubbly post-hike bonus).

    View
  2. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields.

    View
  3. Bikers and walkers on the Bay Area Ridge Trail with the Golden Gate Bridge behind them

    National Park City Walk

    See San Francisco the way locals do by hiking the Presidio, a national park right in the city! Wooded trails, secluded beaches, and epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge feature on this 5.5-mile out-and-back on the Bay Area Ridge Trail. It’s a lovely slice of the City by the Bay.

    View
  4. Bucks Up!

    Come on in, the water is beautiful. Whether you like swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddling, or heading out on a bigger boat, Bucks Lake is a high mountain haven that’s easy to access, blissfully uncrowded, and surrounded by sandy beaches, picnic areas, pines, and aspens.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Tram to Cool Treks

    Elevate your fun, getting whisked from palm trees to alpine wilderness on the world’s largest rotating tramcar. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway transports you up and away on a 2.5-mile scenic route from the desert floor to the refreshing wilderness of Mount San Jacinto State Park.

    View
  2. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

    View
  3. A group of people clamored around the summit marker at Mission Peak in the Bay Area

    Your Mission Is Less Crowded

    Mission Peak is one of the Bay Area’s most popular mountains, with many hikers climbing every weekend. Skip the crowds with this 6-mile loop up the less-traveled southern route.

    View
  4. Vista Hermosa Park in Echo Park Los Angeles

    Vista Hermosa, Echo That!

    Tucked in Echo Park, the little-known gem of Vista Hermosa Natural Park feels worlds away thanks to its serene beauty and thoughtful design. At 11.5 acres there’s still plenty to explore. And it's got a premier view of the iconic Los Angeles skyline.

    View