BACKPACKING CALIFORNIA // Henry Coe State Park to Mississippi and Coit Lakes

[@KongSunWu]

Thanks I recocgnize those trails from the park headquarters and the narrows. I love this park

[@burningblueskies2266]

Super helpful! Thanks for all the tips!

[@TheOutdoorGypsy]

My pleasure

[@natlovell122]

I want to backpack Henry Coe this spring with my brother. Never been before but have watched a number of videos on it. Looks beautiful, and with all the rain we had in Ca this winter I bet it’s green and there are a lot of wildflowers. Any recommendations for a 1 night backpacking trip on where to start and where to go? Thanks in advance and thanks row the video

[@TheOutdoorGypsy]

Should be amazing. This year should be like no other with all the rain. I plan on being there this weekend myself. For a one nighter I think China hole camp is a really solid pick that’s not terribly far but offers a lot. Honestly there’s really no bad camp here. It’s more like which one is the most impressive. Coit lake is my personal favorite but can be a haul depending on your conditioning.

[@natlovell122]

@@TheOutdoorGypsy I appreciate the response. Are there specific places you have to camp in the park or is it free Range backpacking where you can camp just about anywhere ? Hope you have an awesome time out there this weekend. Should be beautiful. I think I might be up there the following wkend

[@TheOutdoorGypsy]

@@natlovell122 there are designated camps like China hole and others that have reservation limits and requirements. Outside of the designated camps however you’re free to camp where you want in the backcountry.

[@Politickin]

Great video! What did you and your girlfriend do about food storage?

[@TheOutdoorGypsy]

We have bear canisters that we pretty much always bring with us. It acts as a second seat while camping and also prevents smaller rodents like squirrels from tearing open a bag (!Ive actually seen this happen before)!

[@rickkaylor8554]

Nice video. Thanks for sharing. I'm surprised you didn't see any wild pigs. They are a real nuisance in this park. Last time I was there I ran into a sow and a bunch of piglets. I just stayed very far away from them but the sow didn't see to too concerned since they probably see people all the time. I used to live in San Jose and this park was one of my favorite places to go. Early spring is the best time to go in my opinion. Summer is WAY too hot.

[@TheOutdoorGypsy]

I agree with you for sure on spring > summer. Saw some wild pigs heading close to the park but not actually in the park itself. They can mess your day up quick if they have piglets so best to leave them alone. Glad you enjoyed and definitely under rated park in California.

[@vin374]

Watch out for those crazy mountain bikers

[@TheOutdoorGypsy]

@@vin374 amen. They’re intense

[@JustinMcKinneyhiker]

I've backpacked Henry Coe for several years... a real gem !!! Great video !! I especially love hearing hooting owls at night. Lots of ticks, I hope you'll did several tick checks as you went along. Cheers !!

[@TheOutdoorGypsy]

Couldn’t agree more. We actually did hear some owls as well. I guess I forgot to mention that. And also great point on ticks. I actually did feel one crawling on me in my groin out of all places. Fortunately no bites.

[@SpacemanXC]

I used to camp and fish here all the time when I was in college. There's hardly any shade, so the first time I went i learned how important a good hat is lol. Getting into bikepacking. Might head up there next spring. I'm hoping the fish populations are still healthy.

[@TheOutdoorGypsy]

I can’t say I saw any fish jumping but the lakes are certainly big enough to hold plenty of fish. And heck yeah does it get hot out that way.

[@Maryojeda62]

Great video. Can you tell me how to get to trailhead parking, length or trail to put on my AllTrails? And camping reservation or at trailhead? Thank you.

[@TheOutdoorGypsy]

Here’s a link for the trail head where we started. maps.app.goo.gl/jZjdihEQNUGRUubg9?g_st=ic This will also take you to the ranger station. Talk with the rangers they will help a lot. Tell them what you’re looking to accomplish. Depending where you camp you will need reservations. For us on this trip and where we camped it’s considered the backcountry and you won’t need reservations. Reservations are only need for the popular camps close to the ranger station.

[@Maryojeda62]

@@TheOutdoorGypsy thank you 😊

[@eakinj]

This place is in my own "back yard" and I've never visited it. need to remedy this. awesome video

[@TheOutdoorGypsy]

Yes you do sir. It’s a must especially if you’re that close.

[@DGOODWIN19]

The Henry Coe visitors guide states there are 3 types of hikes in the park. They are: steep, very steep and unbelievably steep.

[@TheOutdoorGypsy]

😆. It’s relative. I’ve done some intense backpacking and hiking so I would say challenging but not ridiculous. The killer in coe is the temps.

[@DGOODWIN19]

@@TheOutdoorGypsy I have not hiked at Coe, i have ridden mountain bikes, I will say that I went slowly but was a hero when my mates found out that I brought 18 sixteen ounce Oranjeboom beers.

[@TheOutdoorGypsy]

@@DGOODWIN19 😂. I bet you were. You should’ve been canonized.