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 and start our birding at the Lake View Campground Parking Lot. Then we will caravan to the dam at the north end of the lake, making an additional stop at Sandy Beach picnic area along the way. The trip ends at the dam. Target birds: Red-breasted Sapsucker, Clark’s Grebe, Western Grebe, Spotted Sandpiper, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren and Rufous-crowned Sparrow.

Trip Difficulty: 2 miles. We'll do 3 short walks at each of the stops. No elevation gain, but trails can be uneven.

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) 318-2485

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). Latitude/Longitude: 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 Campround Parking Lot Latitude/Longitude: 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.