Coyote Lake

Before signing up for this trip, please take a moment to read our trip policies and view our liability waiver.

Coyote Lake

Coyote Lake, a 3-mile long reservoir, is located in the east foothills between Morgan Hill and Gilroy. We’ll meet at the Lake View Campground Parking Lot then drive to Sandy Beach where we will scan the lake for Grebes, Mergansers and Ducks. Next, we’ll drive to the dam at the north end of the lake to look for Rock and Canyon Wren. And, because it would be a shame to not explore some of the rolling green hills of this park, we will return to the Lake View Parking Lot where we’ll spend our remaining time hiking through oak and chaparral habitats looking for wintering sparrows, Wild Turkeys, and more.

Trip Difficulty: Very short walks at Sandy Beach and the dam. Optional hike will be about 2 miles. Uneven surfaces during walk at Sandy Beach, dirt road with no elevation gain at the dam, and single track dirt trails with some hills during hike.

Other Trip Notes: During this trip, when driving to our different birding locations, you may choose to follow in your own car or carpool with the other attendees. If you choose to carpool during the trip and you are sharing a vehicle with someone who didn’t drive to the meeting point with you, a face mask is required. Scope helpful. Spotty cell phone service. Pack your snacks and/or lunch.

Leaders: Eve Meier (408) 569-9391 and Edward Rooks (408) 369-8489

Family Friendly Ages 10 and up

Meet: Lakeview Campground Parking Lot, day-use area next to restrooms/showers. Note that there are two campground areas, we will be meeting in the one nearest the park entrance (southmost). Lat/Long: 37.080071, -121.530918

Directions: From US-101 in Gilroy, take the Leavesley Road exit. Proceed east on Leavesley Road 2 miles to New Avenue. Proceed north on New Avenue 0.5 miles to Roop Road. Proceed 3.5 miles east on Roop Road into the foothills past the Mendoza Ranch entrance. Turn left into the park and proceed north on Coyote Lake Road, passing through the entry kiosk, and continue to the Lakeview Campground Parking Lot. Lat/Long: 37.080071, -121.530918

Facilities: ADA accessible porta potties and/or bathrooms available at Lake View Campground Parking Lot, Sandy Beach, and the dam.

Parking Type and Fees: Parking fees. Paved and gravel lots.

Banner Photo: Clark's Grebe by Juliana Manoliu

Questions? Email general questions to fieldtrips@scvas.org or contact the trip leader for questions regarding the event.