Hoover Lake

Where: Henry W. Coe State Park

Trail head: Corral Trail Head near the Park Headquarters

Length: 20 miles

Cumulative elevation gain: ~4500 ft

Difficulty: Difficult

Reservations required: No

Advance planning typically required for permit: N/A

Permit requirements: No

Price: Free

Report date: 2007-04-01

Reported by: Silviu

Driving directions: Follow the directions to Headquarters Entrance

Maps: Henry W. Coe map

Trail condition: Very good.

Description and other notes: Henry W Coe State Park is the best place to hike at if you like strenuous hikes. Its steep sections have inspired nicknames like Killer Coe and Big Henry. Deep into the park is an abandoned airstrip, near a lake, which was formerly used to fly in friends when the park was a privately owned ranch. The 9/10-mile route from the park HQ to Hoover Lake and Hoover Airstrip is famous for extravagant wildflower display in spring. Lack of rain this season hasn't been good for wildflowers enthusiasts but let's hope for the better. This is a park which makes you sweat for the great views, so brace yourselves for a gruelling workout. Route : Corral Trail > Springs Trail > Manzanita Point Road > China Hole Trail > The Narrows > Willow Ridge Trail > Willow Ridge Road > Hoover Lake Trail. Have lunch. Take the same route back.

Comments

The best time to hike at Henry Coe is in late spring, when it is not hot yet and the spring are not at their highest level.

The Narrows Trail.

You may share the trail with the local inhabitants.

The abandoned airstrip is very colorful in late spring.

Hoover Lake.

Views near the Park Headquarters.