I love this park. Especially in the spring time, when things are green and the wildlife is out and about feasting on new growth. It is peaceful here and not a far drive from residential areas. A nice escape for a day or even an hour. read more

This is a great 2 mile loop walk. There is plenty of FREE parking. The trail has a tiny bit of incline for those walking with strollers or wheelchairs. The trail has minimal shade so make sure to wear a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. There are portable toilets. If you are a hiker, there are different trails to choose from. The popular one is the steep one that leads you to the top and has a beautiful view. The hike has no shade so definitely wear sunscreen and a hat. Dogs, horses, carriers, strollers, wheelchairs, bikes are all welcome. There's a sign at the entrance that lets you know what time they are closing. read more

Harvey Bear County Park - Hiking Near Me - San Martin, California

My first time, recommended by several friends. I was given a Google Maps link, that sent me 2 miles away into a private residential neighborhood..... definitely a scenic route ha ha ha. Once I finally got to the correct location plenty of parking, portable toilets, and great seating if we were able to congregate at the park. There are a couple different of trail options, none of them are marked. Unless, you have firsthand knowledge you can go on a quick trail or end up on a 5 to 7 mile hike. So be prepared and bring plenty of water. Beware of cow patties and horse patties... There are a few that roam the area. I went with a friend and we took the main trail and went halfway up, before I insisted on turning around the weather was warming up and a perfect time for snakes to come out... There were no sightings that day but I am just very cautious. I would definitely go early enough in the morning, Before our reptile friends are active. I would definitely go back... Beautiful scenery the entire way. read more

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I love hiking. And I especially love a good open hike that is pet friendly! The county park offers a great hiking experience with a moderate level of elevation. You may run into some of the farm animals so you have to keep your dog on a leash at all times, but there's still plenty of space for them to roam! The park rangers do patrol and monitor to make sure all dogs are on leashes! The hike offers great views of the Morgan Hills area! Would highly recommend for everyone! read more

Harvey Bear County Park - Hiking Near Me - San Martin, California

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This large park has a lot to offer--hiking, mountain biking, camping, and boating, for example. The camping and boating is all via the Coyote Lake Entrance, which is a bit farther drive into the hills. If you want to stay closer to Morgan Hill and just do a hike, try the Harvey Bear Ranch entrance off San Martin Avenue. Parking is free and portable toilets are available. We did a four mile loop hike, heading up the Willow Springs Trail, cutting across the face of the hills on the Townsprings Trail, and returning to the lot via the Harvey Bear Trail. The trails are well-maintained and popular with mountain bikers. You start in the valley, so all of the trails (except the Martin Murphy Trail which does a flat loop in the valley) involve climbing, but the grades are reasonable. The trails are almost entirely in the open, so there is both a lot of sun and great views of the valley. We saw plenty of cattle and a family of wild pigs that scooted off ahead of us. This was a very pleasant hike. There are probably more dramatic views both east and west from the top of the ridge, but that would involve a longer hike. If you want to stick to a shorter stroll, this loop is fine, but I actually prefer the four mile loop across the valley in the Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve. It offers more varied scenery, some shade, and arguably better views. read more

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I ventured out here to hike and take some pictures. Plenty of parking. Great place to hike, bike ride or walk your dog. There are a variety of trails to choose from. There are kid friendly trails or a great place to bring them to ride their bike around the loop trail. read more

Harvey Bear County Park - Hiking Near Me - San Martin, California

This park is huge! I've entered the park from all 3 entrances, and each has a different type of trail/scenery. (*Note: lots of cows and cow dung at this park so if you have a sensitive nose this place isn't for you). The Harvey Bear Ranch entrance (off San Martin Road and free parking) has the Martin Murphy Trail (which is basically a high school running track), and easy hikes further into the park. I've hiked the Harvey Bear-Coyote Ridge Loop, but remember to check your map! The park is big so one wrong turn could be a significant detour. The Mendoza Ranch entrance (also free parking) is on the outskirts of Gilroy. The last time I was here I went on the Mummy Mountain Trail and it was great! It was early spring so everything was lush and green. Plus lots of cute little calves moo-ing at me while I ran past. :) The Coyote Lake entrance has you go through parts of Gilroy to get to the entrance, and since it's the main entrance, I believe you have to pay for parking. This trail runs along Coyote Lake. It's a bit dry/hot in the summer, especially since there isn't too much tree cover, but it's a very easy, flat hike. Overall, I really enjoy hiking/running at Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear County Park - with its variety of scenery, terrain and abundant trails. A great place to visit! read more

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Love this hike. Perfect for the whole family. The walking loop is great too. Spacious enough for strollers and never too packed. read more

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This park is nice and clean except the cow pastures. Lol. The places opens at sunrise and closes at sunset. Make sure you leave . A park ranger will be there at sunset to close the parking area off of San Martin Ave. The trails well mark and scenery is great. Moderate walking trails. You can try the lower one if you aren't sure with the foothill trails. Can be busy but it's a nice place and let's keep it nice. Peaceful. read more

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Buck Swope: You're not being fair. This isn't fair. Bank Worker: This financial institution cannot endorse pornography. Buck Swope: Stop saying pornography. Why are you doing this to me? I am an actor. I am an actor. The trees that are slow to grow bear the best fruit -- Moliere Better to be without logic than without feeling -- Charlotte Bronte This time of the year is a perfect time to hike Harvey Bear. I'm starting to do it most evenings either several loops around the 2 mile jogging path or 60-90 minutes up in the hills. Beautiful, green lush hills with beautiful gnarled oaks. I'm sure in the summer it is ugly but right now, especially with a cool, rainy day like today...almost like Ireland. And yes, like the 3 star review states and my photos show, there are cool looking future beef by-products roaming the hills along with wild, succulent living bacon vessels (otherwise known as pigs). And if you be scared of cows, maybe hiking is an activity that you should give a second thought to. Because someday you might run into a squirrel, raccoon, or egads a deer!! Oh, oh Biff...that Buck be angry...just as angry as Buck in Boogie Nights was angry at getting denied his bank loan to open a stereo store. Harvey Bear is a fun park to hike in just don't miss your trail like I did and come back after dark because a 4 mile jaunt became an 8 mile Bataan Death March with no water while hiking with sunglasses on. They are not kidding when they say they will ticket your car after sunset (that's why I park on the street outside the gates). Highly recommended right now while it is green and the wildflowers start blooming. And don't tip them cows or be afraid of them! read more

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By far one of my favorite trails. I parked at Mendoza Ranch, free parking & absolutely gorgeous drive up. I highly recommend this trail if you want to experience beautiful views. It has a cute little pond where the cows hang out, there are a few picnic benches along the hike where you can stop & enjoy the views, & it is green as ever right now!! Absolutely breath taking. We had the opportunity to watch the cows going back along the trail while we were ending our hike. So awesome. There is a porter potty in the parking lot & plenty of parking. read more

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Love the views, great place to walk and unwind! I always play music and helps me with my trails. Overall always a great experience!

Went to Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch Co Park Mendoza Ranch Entrance on Sat 1/31/15. FREE parking at this and Harvey Bear Ranch Entrance, at the Coyote Lake Entrance you gotta pay (don't know cost). Parking lot as one pit toilet. Bring toilet paper because they can run out! They did have paper seat covers to use. We did maybe 10 miles total, lots of hiking. From the Mendoza Ranch Entrance, went up Coyote Ridge Trail to Mendoza Trail - down to the Rancho La Polka Trail a 1.4 post sign, though map says 1.0 loop. There are 2 picnic tables there, scenic vista, and many official bird nests. Then we went up on Mummy Mtn Trail - nice scenic views and 3 picnic tables - 1 in the sun (best views), 2 in the shade lower down the trail (views not that good). After lunch we went on the Valley Oak Trail (flat trail) saw lots of deer running, then up on Coyote Ridge Trail (steeper trail) all the way back near the parking lot. Though we were tired, we did the Roop Pond Trail 0.3 ea way to see a big pond, 2 benches to sit on. It was out and back to the pond. About 58 miles from my place in Fmt, 1hr drive each way, returning home is always worse lots of traffic. read more

This is a great place to go for anything from an easy walk to a long hike. There is a flat loop that can be easily walked. There are also many long paths through the hills. Both are great options depending on how intense of a walk you want and how much time you have. If you see cows go around them giving lots of space. read more

I've been doing this place all wrong. Every time I've gone here I just stick on the paved path. After going through the Yelp photos that other people posted, I realized there is so much more beauty to see here. Next time I go here, I'm not going to be so cookie cutter, instead I'm going to go on the road more traveled, which seems to be the unpaved one's according to the Yelp photos. When I go here, I typically go with my dog. My dog is usually a nice guy. Like every time we go to the dog park, he has no problem with the other dogs. He'll do his own thing for a while and then hang with the other dogs when he's in the mood. I really can't tell if he's more introverted or extroverted, he might be right in the middle. Anyways, what I'm trying to say is he is usually chill with other dogs. For some reason, whenever I take him on walks at Harvey Bear, he turns into a jerk. Some people turn into jerks when they drink, my dog turns into a jerk when he's on a leash. I couldn't imagine Dexter being drunk and on a leash, that would be a disaster. I think he turns into a jerk because he feels like he needs to protect me or something. Like when he's on a leash we're somehow one entity or in a pack. I've never been in a fight before and I don't think I would be great at it. I'd consider myself pretty fast though. When you're in a dangerous situation, your flight or fight comes into action and my flight is real fast. I wish I could explain that to Dexter, so he doesn't bark every time a dog passes. To be honest, I don't think Dex is much of a fighter either, but's he trying to be one, he's a flighter. I think if we were ever in real danger, we'd both be in flight right next to each other. Anyways, besides Dex trying to flex and be something he's not in front of other dogs, I enjoyed my time here. read more

Bring your bikes, kids or your horse and you're all set! Beautiful scenic park with nice trails and lots of parking. They should change the name to Rattlesnake Park though. Just beware of snakes, especially on hot summer days! read more

It's beautiful here. The hikes are perfect for beginners or intermediate hikers. The park is dog friendly and people are nice. read more

Harvey Bear County Park - Beautiful view - Hiking Near Me - San Martin, California

There are a ton of different trails of different levels. The park closes at sunset and they are pretty strict about this. There is a 2 mile flat fairly loop along San Martin Ave ( cross at Foothill). There is free parking and this area opens up to different trails. read more

This is a beautiful park for running and hiking. There is a paved two-mile running/walking path that's open and nice, and a couple of hiking trails. The main hiking trail is about four miles, and takes you over rolling hills. You'll get to see tons of cows (up close and personal!) and possibly some wild boar and coyote! Definitely a lot of wildlife. The one downside is that there is almost no shade to speak of. read more

The hike here was great! For being a first timer I could tell there were a lot of options for trails but I found one and that was awesome! Unreal views of the south bay - totally make the climb worthwhile. I never used to get why people climbed up hills ... now I get it NATURE! read more

Harvey Bear County Park - The trail - Hiking Near Me - San Martin, California

Well paved blacktop to run walk on. 2 mile plus a bit more loop if you go all the way around. Every so often there are benches to sit on which is a nice option. If bringing your dog, there are not very many trash cans to throw away baggies once your dog has finished their business. Parking slots are gravel. read more

the best for hiking and running :) so recommend it. even for picnics. 1 more thinking go biking as well and kid friendly they can bring scooters and bike. read more

I love the 2 mile loop and the 5 mile hike. They have really well maintained trails! Great for running and hiking. One downside is the hiking trail-it weaves through pastures that include herds of cows that are not fenced in. Last time we tried to hike there, there was a pack of cows on the trail 2 miles in, and they wouldn't move away. One of the bulls actually seemed angry. So we had to turn around :( I will return though! read more

This is one of my favorite places to go for a walk or a run on a nice day. It has a perfect running path and walking path! You can bring a bike, rollerblades, your dog, your kids, etc. There is not a ton of shade. The sunshine is so nice, the atmosphere is terrific and I love that there is ample parking! read more

Beautiful! 2 mile loop for dogs, walkers, cyclists, runners, and horses. Free and perfect. God's country :) read more

Love the 2 mile paved loop for easy cardio - however long/short you like; love the trails for good hiking and wildlife siting. Stroller/dog friendly (the paved loop and parking lot get crowded in the morning though, beware). Been yelled at by uptight ranchers, seen big coyotes and wild boar on the loop plus some BIG, free ranging bulls on the hikes - SO watch for all that! read more

Love going to this park with my girls and my dog. We really enjoy the scenery and wild life.

An awesome park, with a variety of trails to take, I come on my own, or with my dog, or on my horse! I love bringing my dog here for a nice run in the fresh air :) Best time to go is during the morning when it's still cool out read more

I walk here as often as I can the parking is plentiful and the paved trail is just over 2 miles great for a good stretch of the legs without taking too much time. read more

They just reopened the trails after the winter closure. They need to fire the contractor who just graded the trails, loose dirt, large rocks and many ruts. Be careful if riding bikes or walking. Worst trail maintenance I have ever seen. Looks like my grandson played on a tractor up there. read more

Went on a hike the other day in the morning with a friend...never been before even though I grew up around the area. We hiked for a few miles and at the end of our trail there was a beautiful lake! It was so worth the hike. Watched the water for a while and felt the cool breeze before making our way back. If you're looking for a nice easy hike, this is the place to go! read more