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Coyote Valley

Coyote Valley
Open Space Preserve

Preserve is open 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Equestrian lot closed 11/7-11/14 for construction
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Map of Coyote Valley

  • Multi-use Trail:
  • Overlook
  • Parking
  • Picnic
  • Restroom
  • Scenic Overlook
  • Staging Area
  • Coyote Valley
  • Pedestrian Bridge

Trails

See All Trail Conditions
See All Trail Conditions
Download Coyote Valley Trail Map
Download Coyote Valley Trail Map

Map of Coyote Valley

  • Multi-use Trail:
  • Overlook
  • Parking
  • Picnic
  • Restroom
  • Scenic Overlook
  • Staging Area
  • Coyote Valley
  • Pedestrian Bridge

Trails

See All Trail Conditions
See All Trail Conditions
Download Coyote Valley Trail Map

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Coyote Valley is open for hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding. Please be kind and share the trail. Bikers yield to horses and hikers - hikers yield to horses. For safety, bicyclists should use a bike bell and only ride as fast as you can brake around sharp turns.
To boost safety by promoting more predictable interactions among different user groups, the Arrowhead Loop Trail is ONE-WAY for bicycles. Every month, the direction of the trail for mountain biking is adjusted, and signage will guide cyclists on whether to go in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. Learn more here.
Please note that it is common for visitors to access the preserve using public transportation, bicycle, or on horseback. Be kind and SLOW DOWN <10 mph for pedestrians, bicyclists, and horses on Palm Avenue.
Parking is limited, and visitors may experience a 15–20-minute wait to park on busy weekends. There is horse trailer parking available at Coyote Valley, however space is limited. You can reserve your spot by emailing info@openspaceauthority.org or calling (408)224-7476.
The Open Space Authority works with local ranchers to manage the preserves using strategic conservation grazing to remove invasive grasses. Please keep a respectful distance from cattle, and NEVER get in-between a mother cow and its calf as they may become aggressive. If cows are on the trail, approach slowly and allow them time and space to move away.
Permits are required for photography and filming at Coyote Valley. Please email info@openspaceauthority.org or call (408) 224-7476 for more information.
Permits are required for all group activities at Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve. Learn more here or email info@openspaceauthority.org for more information.
On occasion, visitors will smell compost coming from the nearby mushroom farm on Hale. Mushrooms are one of the most valuable crops produced in Santa Clara County, and part of the local agricultural economy in Coyote Valley.
  • Hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding are only allowed on designated trails. Please stay on the trails to protect the preserves and the plants and wildlife that live there.
  • Pets are not allowed. For their health and safety, please leave them at home and never leave pets in the car while you hike, regardless of weather conditions.
  • Fires, fireworks, and smoking are prohibited.
  • Do not feed, disturb, touch, chase, or remove wildlife.
  • Do not remove or vandalize preserve facilities, including signs.
  • Hunting, fishing, and trapping are not allowed.
  • Possession or use of firearms, pellet guns, paintball guns, bows, or slingshots is prohibited.
  • Unmanned aerial systems/drones are not allowed.
  • Be considerate to other preserve visitors and share the trail.
  • Please leave no trace and pack out your trash.

How to get there

Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve

550 Palm Ave, Morgan Hill, CA 95037

Directions
  • From Highway 101, take Bailey Avenue west.
  • Turn left on Santa Teresa Boulevard.
  • Turn right on Palm Avenue.
  • The preserve is at the end of Palm Avenue.

About

Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve is located at the western edge of the Coyote Valley, which provides a greenbelt between San Jose and Morgan Hill. While only 20 miles from downtown San Jose, this preserve offers a true rural and wilderness experience. Recreation amenities include a multi-use trail for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians.

Interpretive panel on the De Anza Expedition, horseback rider in background

On August 13, 2015, Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve's Arrowhead Trail was certified by the National Park Service as an official interpretive site of the historic Juan Bautista de Anza Trail. The 4-mile long Arrowhead Loop Trail is open to visitors, and provides an opportunity to learn more about the expedition.

The Arrowhead Loop Trail leads to a ridgetop with stunning views of Mount Hamilton, Mount Umunhum, and the entire Coyote Valley. The preserve includes a paved parking lot, an accessible restroom, picnic tables, and space for horse trailers. Visitors can also learn about the area’s important wildlife, cultural resources, and water resources through a series of beautiful educational panels.

Rocks and green grass overlooking expansive valley with clouds in distance

Coyote Valley is one of the Authority's top 10 priority natural landscapes remaining in Santa Clara County that is critically important to protect from development.

The area’s many conservation values include resilience to climate change, a rich cultural history, valuable water resources, exceptional recreational opportunities, farm and ranchland, and critical wildlife linkages that allow wildlife to cross between the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Diablo Range.

Learn more about our work in the Coyote Valley.

348
acres
3
levels
of hikes
20
minutes from
downtown
San Jose
please do not
bring dogs