California winter backpacking - 32 mile overnight hiking trip in Henry Coe

[@natlovell122]

Nice video man! Just went to Henry Coe a few weekends ago for the first time. Did a solo overnight trip to Skeels Meadow and really enjoyed my time there. I’ll def be back next spring for another visit.

[@Uptownunicorn]

Was there an AllTrails/hiking map you were following? I am planning an overnight trip there. Are the campsites FCFS? Any advices would be appreciated.

[@marcushellberg]

I planned my route with Gaia. Close to the trailheads, both trails and roads are in good shape. When you get farther out towards the eastern part of the park, many trails marked on the map are overgrown, and it's better to stick to the roads. Pay attention to the elevation when you plan your trip, there's a lot of up and down in Coe. There are no dedicated campsites if you leave from the Hunting Hollow trailhead. There are limited decent camping spots at lakes, they are FCFS. If you leave from the HQ, there are designated campsites within the first 10 miles that you need to reserve at the trailhead. This late in a dry year, you'll need to pay attention to water sources. Check the water reports on the Henry Coe website. In general, only rely on lakes and known good springs. The bigger creeks probably still have water in pools. Check out the camping and backpacking sections on the Henry Coe page for some tips www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=561

[@rodoutdoors]

Nice. This has been my go to place. It's so convenient. I just started backpacking last year and all my trips have been there.

[@marcushellberg]

Agreed. I've been there 4 or 5 times myself, starting both from the HQ and from Hunting Hollow. It's my go-to winter backpacking spot. Really want to go explore the wilderness area in the eastern part of the park one day.

[@ervinslens]

Beautiful nature and trail looks really nice.

[@csn583]

I don't know how I've never been out there. Too focused on the SCM where I live, but with so much still closed for the foreseeable future after the fires I need to diversify. I've been around Joseph D. Grant park a bit but this looks like there's a lot more going on, and wilder. Building up to the TRT this summer so I need some long routes without doing endless short loops! Just ordered the map, might be out as soon as next weekend.

[@marcushellberg]

It's a great place to train for the TRT. I've hiked it twice (marcushellberg.com/tahoe-rim-trail-2021-trip-report-8-days-182-miles/). The grading on the TRT is much gentler than some of the climbs in Coe, so you'll be well prepared. The wildflowers should be out in force over the next few weeks, a great time to head out!

[@ThomasFlahertyJr]

Really well done. I just went on a day hike to Kelly Lake today and lunched on the same log you pointed towards. Legit think the report is really well-edited and captures some lovely visuals. Hope you can share more trips soon.

[@marcushellberg]

Kelly Lake is a great day trip. Far enough that it feels like you're really out in nature, but still doable in a day.