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Coyote Hils Regional Park is such a special place. From across the bay, Coyote Hills looks small but in person and especially during spring, this park is spectacular. Relatively short hikes yield beautiful views of the bay and you’ll pass some unique rock structures as well as flowers in spring. Kids will also love walking through the marsh trails. While there are tons of routes possible, I have proposed a couple of family-friendly hiking options that provide nice bay views or marsh views. Bay View Option 1 (~1.5 miles roundtrip): From the "Quarry Staging" parking lot, take the Muskrat trail up the mountain. Once you hit the Quail Trail there are several unmarked trails and it gets a little confusing. Use your map and cut over to the Red Hill Trail for outstanding views and vistas. Return the way you came. Bay View Option 2 (~1 mile roundtrip): From the Visitor Center parking lot, take the Bayview Trail headed north, then left to head up the mountain on the Nike Trail until you reach a great view! Marsh Option (~1 mile loop): From the Visitor Center parking lot, take Chochenyo Trail through the marshes. Take a left on the Lizard Rock trail, then left on the Bayview Trail to loop back around to the parking lot.
Alert: Trails up the hills are not stroller friendly. Also, several trails including the Marsh Trails close when the weather is extremely rainy. Check the park website for closure information.
Bathrooms
Yes, at each parking area.
Playground
No
Kid transportation
Walking, child carrier. Not suitable for strollers.
Bikes not allowed on featured trails.
Suggested Route
Bayview 1:From the "Quarry Staging" parking lot, take Muskrat trail up the mountain. When it intersects with the Quail Trail, the trails and signs get a little vague. Try to get to the Red Hill Trail. Wander out to the beautiful vistas (Red Hill Vista is an option on the map). Return the way you came. Less than ~1.5 miles roundtrip.
Bayview 2:From the Visitor Center parking lot, head north on the Bayview Trail, then go left onto the Nike Trail until you reach the bay viewpoint. Return the way you came. ~1 mile roundtrip.
Marsh OptionFrom the Visitor Center parking lot, take Chochenyo trail through the marshes. Go left on Lizard Rock trail, then left on the Bayview Trail to loop back around to the parking lot. Less than 1 mile loop.
Difficulty
Moderate. Occasionally steep, but very short. Marsh trails are easy.
Parking Situation
Abundant
Entrance Fee
$5
Bonus
Unique rock structures, wildflowers, marshlands
Official Park Website
https://www.ebparks.org/parks/coyote_hills/default.htm (Trail map on main park site page above.)
Date Updated
March 2018
