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Coyote Hills Regional Park
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
97 reviews for Coyote Hills Regional Park
97 reviews in English
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Review from Teresa P.
Sometimes I can't believe this is just in my backyard.
Lots of uphill paths if you are up for the challenge, and enough flat trails if you want to take it easy. A 5 mile hike won't feel like it because of the great views and surroundings. A spectacle of colors if you happen to catch sunset at the top of the hill.
Lots of picnic spots, too, and port-o-potties are well maintained. -
Review from Raman S.
Fremont, CA
2/5/2012
This is one of the easier hikes in the bay area. If you need a break from the tough Mission Peak hike this would be a good choice. We do this hike couple of times a year. I usually start off with the musk rat trail, continue on to the red hill trail. This trail will take you above all the mountains in the park. The view is spectacular from the top. On a clear day you can see both the Dumbarton and San Mateo bridge.
The red hill trail connects to the bay view trail on the north end of the park. I usually turn towards the bay and continue on the bay view trail all the way back to the parking lot.
If you plan to park inside you have to pay $5 entry fee. -
Review from Ralph D.
Fremont, CA
1/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
Coyote Hills is a place that means many things to many peoples. You can come here and have a great gathering and BBQ with friends and family. You can come here and have a terrific hike around the hills and along the bay. You can learn about local cultural and natural history.
If you want to lean about the history of the Ohlone Indians and about the environment of the bay prior to European contact, you can do that too. This is a gem of a park! When ever you visit I highly recommend you do the following: 1) go at a time when you can visit the museum in the visitor center. It has terrific displays about the Ohlone people; 2) take a hike out in the marsh, there is a reconstructed Ohlone Indian village out there, try and visit when the rangers have public tours; 3) walk around the hills and along the bay, you won't be disappointed. Check out their website in late September, the annual 'Gathering of the Ohlone Peoples' is a one-day event that takes place during October, it is not to be missed! -
Review from Chen L.
Fremont, CA
10/14/2011
Coyote hills is WOW! Okay, I haven't explored it all yet, so I can't say, but from what I've seen, it's pretty nice...considering it's just in my backyard. Haha. Definitely would go back.
So apparently there's a fee to enter, not sure if there were anybody guarding those gates or not, but when we saw people parking along the side of the streets and walking in (it's really only about a mile's walk, you also get to enjoy more scenery along the way), we followed suite. Yup! Saved us like $5? Haha.
But it's a really nice area. We found this little hole ...well not really hole, but this bridge that led us into the ponding area...that was so cool! It's like a little maze on its own. All the reeds are taller than you, and you're walking down this dirt path, but then two feet to the right of you is the pond! Quite amazing actually, esp since the ducks were all frolicking around that area. Very secluded area. Of course we did hit a dead end when the dirt path started to merge into the pond itself! Haha. Sad...
Nonetheless, there are other places to explore. There are hills to climb; we did half of one, but it goes in a lot further. Can't say what's on the other side, but hopefully we'll get to go back and check them out! -
Review from Jesse F.
Fremont, CA
1/13/2012
I mountain bike here all the time! It is my sanctuary.
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Review from Esther S.
10/10/2011
Came here this past weekend with the dog and parents. $5 car entrance fee and $2 for dog but the fees help keep the park maintained and the crowds out.
Small parking lot and quiet visitor center. Decided to the the bay view loop trail and it was beautiful! The first park of it runs along the marshes and we were just in time for migration season. Tons of different types of birds soaring around the sky in different formations or resting in the waters.
We were all remarking how this air show (as compared to the SF fleet week) was so much more beautiful.
Main trail is paved and soon loops around to the bay where you can see the dumbaron bridge and the open water. Lots of smaller more steep paths going up and down the hills. Lots of nice rest stops along the way as well.
They also have this cool path right through the marshes where they had a very sturdy wooden planked walkway that leads you above the water- walking through reeds and opens to the middle of the marsh! Very cool experience!
Great place for biking too!Listed in: For a Good Time, Out and About
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Review from Anna K.
Milpitas, CA
6/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've driven passed Coyote Hills going to Dumbarton Bridge to do a little fishing with the kids but didn't get to explore and learn about the area until chaperoning my son's 3rd grade class field trip.
His teacher was kind enough to provide the parents print outs briefing the history of the Ohlone Indians and their way of life before the field trip.
Coyote Hills is beautiful especially in the spring time. We walked through the mush and got to see some ducks. We hiked up the hill and took in the beautiful view. There's also a small museum, gift shop, butterfly garden and the park rangers played a video teaching us about the Ohlone Indians.
The park is clean and the rangers are really friendly. -
Review from Oliver D.
Union City, CA
9/19/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Very rural. Going here makes me feel like I've left Fremont and transported into some type of countryside.
Good place to hike/bike (or just walk around) while enjoying the surroundings that Coyote Hills provides.
Parking inside Coyote Hills is $5 (additional $2 if you bring a dog). If you'd like, you could park for free outside the park and just walk the long road inside, but it's a LONG walk. I'd only park outside Coyote Hills if I had a bike to ride inside. -
Review from Ravi G.
West Sacramento, CA
7/30/2011
I took my family out here for a nice hike. We used to live in South San Jose right next door to Quicksilver Park, so we know hiking well. When we came to this place, we were quite pleased. Even though there is a $5 entrance fee, it is possible to park outside and walk in.
The park itself was big. The paths were wide and easy to walk on. There are paths for all types of people, those who want flat ways and those who want steep parts.
The views of the Bay are also really beautiful. If you can handle the steep paths, they give you unobstructed 360 views of the SF Bay.
The only reason I gave this place 4 stars instead of 5 is because of the lack of shade. Bring plenty of water because a lot of the area is very dry with little to no shady spots. -
Review from Dennis W.
Pleasanton, CA
1/2/2012
Nice place to run and walk. Really feels isolated like a backcountry hike. I only have visited once, and will need to go back and explore this place.
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Review from Jeffrey N.
Hayward, CA
7/28/2011
Another great place that I put miles on my nikes! It has a few routes that lead you to the dumbarton bridge and another to the ohlone indian marshes - views of the San Franciso Bay keeps you motivated... Other activities I've seen are biking, dog walking, bird watching, rock exploration, and picnicking.
Check it out!
Park Hours -
April-Oct.: 8 am to 8 pm
Oct.-April: 8 am to 6 pm -
Review from Jade Y.
Fremont, CA
9/17/2011
This is a nice place to escape to for the evening. On a clear day you get a great view up past San Francisco. The trails are well maintained. It is impossible to get lost here. I don't, however, care much for the $5 entrance fee. That seems a bit steep or a regional park like this. It keeps a lot of people out. There should be a free day on one day of the week at least.
We often park just off Ardenwood Blvd and then walk in. That works out ok, though the trek in is not particularly scenic. -
Review from Jillian R.
Fremont, CA
5/9/2011
This place made me realize that I actually am VERY, VERY bad at biking. I always thought I was average, that I was fairly capable. But apparently, my biking skills are only applicable when I'm on safe ground.
Despite this sad, pathetic discovery, I still enjoyed this place. Great scenery, very simple and understated. Absolutely loved the trails too. It's not super strenuous like Mission Peak or anything, but it's probably more challenging than you'd expect it to be.
For me, I always find this trail peaceful yet challenging at the same time. Great place! -
Review from Kelvin P.
Hayward, CA
10/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
Wonderful place to go on a Nature Walk..Free entry unless you're parking. Parking is $5 but there is parking outside the park if you don't mind walking a mile to go walk a mile...
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Review from Helenas O.
San Francisco, CA
6/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
I have been here a few times when I was little and all I remembered were field trip events at the information center..
Recently a friend brought me here again for a mini walk/jog and I have been loving it since. The paths are pretty flat and wide..there are options for an more uphill walk/climb or just a slight incline...within 2 miles you get this great landscape view...just amazing. I often see a lot of couples taking this walk which makes me kinda sad..but it's ok..I am an independent woman. Anyways, I think this is a pretty safe zone where I am going to start running here by myself...it seems pretty popular where I am not totally alone and there is some reception if I feel like I am in danger. -
Review from Diana B.
6/6/2011
Coyote Hills has been here forever... They tried to close it down a few times, but it always managed to remain a part of Fremont...
Coyote Hills is a great place for a run, a hike or a place to hang with the kids...
If you're a nature person living in the area- check it out... it's worth it. And if you don't think so, you didn't have to go that far to find out! -
Review from Nate R.
2/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
It thrills me that this place is practically in my own backyard!
I grew up in Newark, so when I was a kid we used to have field trips to Coyote Hills. My dad used to grab his Audubon Society bird watching books and take my sister and I through the cool wooden footpaths that twist through the marshes and point out all the various water foul that inhabit this part of the Bay Area. When I was in my late teens and early 20's, we'd sneak in after hours and party and hope not to get kicked out by park rangers or the cops. Good times, great memories.
Every time I bring someone new to Coyote Hills, they are always stunned at the great natural beauty and wonderful bay views from the hilltop trails. I mean, considering this place is Newark/Fremont adjacent, their surprise is actually merited, no?
My latest adventure here was for a dateish sorta meet and greet thing. (what an original Idea!) We parked in the free parking at the entrance and walked into the park, past the marshes, and onto the trails that snake through the hills surrounding the park. As always, I loved playing the Coyote Hills tour guide as this is one of the few local places that I'm proud to show off to a newcomer. The conversation was awesome, and the trails are easy to moderate - neither of us was out of breath as we gabbed the afternoon away.
There are a ton of different trails here so you can have a different adventure every time you come. Parking is $5 if you don't feel like walking in from the outside parking area. There's a visitor's center with a small shop, trail maps and friendly staff that are more than happy to answer your questions.
Oh, one more note and something that I've always wanted to check out; at the top of one of the hills is a facility with a lot of radar dishes and antennas. During the cold war, this was a NIKE missile site that protected us from Soviet aircraft. The site has long been closed, but a few radar dishes and a guard post remain. Maybe next time I decide to hike Coyote Hills, I'll take a trek up that hill to see the remnants of a (thankfully) bygone era. -
Review from Tram N.
Nate R... =)
I parked at the front only because I did not want to drive further then have to make a u-turn. I don't think I saw any signs about the parking but then again I am pretty blind. I don't know how parking is for others but I grabbed a superb spot, I backed my ass in.
This trail/walk that we did was very relaxing, extremely moderate, and the views are breathtaking. I only go to Mission Peak and Alum Rock so I am clueless to what I should be anticipating. My tour guide *ahem* was very thorough and I actually learned on this adventure. The break at the rocks to drink our water was a great, simple, and might I add a romantic idea? Ha!
We picked an easy trail- no need for me to experience shortness of breath now. I honestly did not how long we walked for nor the total miles we walked because I was so emerged in our conversation. It's a great thing when you are so into something, you forget some of the distractions that would normally divert your attention.
We saw some birds and the water view was just lovely. I would highly suggest this place for a first date because it'll give you a chance to see the bay, the bridges, the marshes... and talk w/o the awkward silence of what might happen on a dinner or lunch date. W/ this walk and the things you see will definitely break the ice.Listed in: Outdoor Adventures
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Review from Kimberlee H.
Fremont, CA
4/14/2011
This park was nice. Free parking, yay! Plenty of hills, plenty of flatland.
Try running up these hills with a group of Army men. I, being the only female almost DIED. But as soon as we hit flat land, hoooooray... third place! AHHHHHHHH (Stewey voice).
Imagine seeing a bald guy with an Army ruck (stuffed and heavy) in shorts, a t-shirt, sprinting up these hills looking like a rabbit.. and he's in his thirties. Then... comes the Asian chick in her early twenties with baby hairs stuck to the side of her face via sweat breathing for her life yelling, "Fuck this" with nothing but a sweater on.
Awesome place for a workout, group workout, and if you ever see me running, feel free to run with me!(: -
Review from Ellie W.
Fremont, CA
10/9/2011
- Convenient location
- Great Views
- Variety of Paths to challenge yourself
- Good for Dogs & Bikes too! -
Review from Ed V.
Updated - 11/24/2010
If you what to learn about Ohlone Indians, this is the place to be. For thousands of years, the Ohlone Indians were the sole human occupants around San francisco Bay until the first European settlers arrived in the mid 1700's.
More than 250 years later, the tribe is very much alive, but only traces of it's early civilization remain. The best place to get a hint of how the Ohlones lived is at this 978-acre Regional Park, right on the southeast shores of San Francisco Bay, west of Freemont, just north of the Dumbarton bridge.
Start by popping into the park headquarters where you can see displays of Ohlone artifacts, including their lovely handmade baskets ( some of which are so tightly woven, they're freakin waterproof) and a reconstructed tule reed boat.
Lectures and demonstrations are sometimes included.Listed in: (Emphasis on the word TRY)">Where I run...
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/26/2010
In Coyote Hills Regional Park, a little-known oasis between Hwy 880 and the bay, hop off your bike… Read more »
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Review from Amy L.
4/25/2011
I love Coyote Hills. I can't believe my first time coming here was less than a year ago.. I've never run/biked the trails, but the boy&I like coming here and walking around. Sometimes, when we're in a mellow mood, we'll just walk on the bridge path things around the marshes. If we're feeling more adventurous, it's to the hills we go! Adventure is out there! [Caw caw rawr?]
But yeah, it's a gorgeous hike. The people I know who run here generally like it - it's challenging enough, but not so much that it discourages novices. I see bikers around, too. Maybe this summer I'll step up my game and bring my Asics [and/or bike] and run/bike around. The views are definitely gorgeous enough to motivate me :)
Gorgeous views and paths to run/bike/walk on? Yes please! There usually aren't too many people there - and the ones walking around usually smile and say hi [yay for friendly people]. But it's not so empty that its creepy. Oh and best part? It's all free! So on the next sunny day, consider dropping by Coyote Hills instead of the too-crowded Lake Elizabeth. -
Review from Melvin L.
Union City, CA
4/5/2011
I love this place! I love this place so much that I'd be an angry mofo if any residential developers were to try to build over it. Screw that! This place is truly a gem... even if it smells like shit some times. I love running here in the early mornings, especially in Spring or Summer. It offers a variety of trails and different hills that can cater to anyone's fitness level. This ain't a Mission Peak type of hiking destination but it's a great place to be at.
You don't have to pay for parking if you park at the dirt lot right along Paseo Padre. Only thing is you have to make a 1.5 mile journey into the main lot. Now, if you're lazy or don't mind paying for parking, just drive in, pay the machine, and park.
Seriously, I love this place. It's serene and really lets you get in touch with nature. There's no reason to not enjoy what Coyote Hills has to offer. -
Review from Didie U.
Walnut Creek, CA
1/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love this park! If you're coming for the exercise, park at the intersection of the main street and walk the half mile to the entrance so you don't have to pay for parking.
I love a park that I can bring my dog to and he loves all the squirrels. Dashing up these hills definitely kick my butt, but the view of the bay at the top is a nice reward and there are several hills to keep your interest. I would come every weekend if the weather will cooperate. -
Review from Ali O.
San Leandro, CA
8/20/2010
I admit this review might be biased. When I was a wee lass, just about every year, my class took a field trip to Coyote Hills. I loved it. Burned deep into my memory is the day we walked along the marshland to the native village and they showed us the canoes made from tule. They emphasized how water tight the canoes were even though they were made using natural materials with low tech tools. That was one of the first few moments that taught me how fascinating Native culture was. It opened my eyes to the history of our region and how much native culture was a part of that.
Coyote Hills is a vast wetland in a region where natural open spaces are disappearing and being developed. Marshes and wetlands are even more at risk since many have been filled in with landfill to accommodate for development. Luckily Coyote Hills has survived.
I recently stopped by to recapture what I found so memorable about this park. It really is tranquil. Walking in Coyote Hills, you see a wide array of water birds along the marshes. There are several trails and hills, but they aren't very difficult. You can walk or bike along the bay. Just get off the couch, get off the internet, get on your bike, and get yourself out to Coyote Hills. Oh yeah, that village and tule canoe thing, they still have it, but I think you have to be with a group or have an appointment to get a viewing. -
Review from Amber H.
Fremont, CA
3/23/2011
I wouldn't have thought to come here if it weren't for yelp, so for all of the reviewers out there... THANK YOU!
This place is truly beautiful, I am so blessed to be living close to and able to enjoy this refuge and wildlife park, this is the most serene, quiet place I have been too on the south east bay. -
Review from Nathan T.
Union City, CA
4/5/2011
If you're a road cyclist, there is this one huge hill that will seriously train you for hills and whatnot. It is crazy. Best times would be in the afternoon in the Spring or anytime in the Summer, if you don't mind the heat.
If you're a mountain biker, there is another unpaved hill you can bomb safely with another uphill after that.
Also, it's a great place for a dogwalk because you get to see the Bay and the sunset here is crazy good. -
Review from Ashley R.
Newark, CA
1/7/2011 2 Check-ins Here
My friend and I decided to come here since we weren't mentally (or physically) ready to hike up Mission Peak. It had been years since either one of us had gone to the park, so we figured it would be fun to go somewhere we haven't gone in a while. It's $5 for parking, but the day we went was when the permit machine was out of service, so no parking fee for us! There's also a little free parking lot right by the street, but it's a little walk...and you might as well park inside the park to feel a little safer about not having your car broken into, as well as support the actual park.
I love walking on the boardwalk through the marshes. There aren't too many trails to explore, but there are enough to wander for a few hours. There's only one trail that is almost the same incline as Mission Peak, but it's definitely not as long and intense. Every trail has at least one beautiful view of the marshes or Dumbarton Bridge, but if you're familiar with the area you'll know that the water surrounding Dumbarton isn't the prettiest shade of blue. If you're a huge fan of swampy, murky green/orange shades, then you'll be happy.
I truly think it's important to find time to appreciate nature. Although Coyote Hills isn't anywhere deep in the forest, you can still go out and find peace and tranquility. Great place to go if you just need a quick escape from the real world. -
Review from Surge C.
1/4/2011
While I appreciate the conservation of natural parks like Coyote Hills, I cannot stand coming here. I often came here to watch my friend's cross country matches and would be attacked by swarms of bugs. I was often overwhelmed by the dirt being cast on my face and clothes because of the strong winds in this area. Though it is a nice regional area, I prefer to go to parks not attacked so strongly by the winds from the bay. The only enjoyable thing is the view from the hills of the Dumbarton and surrounding Bay Area cities.
DISCLAIMER: I am a bit high-maintenance, which is probably why I cannot fully appreciate Coyote Hills, sorry! -
Review from Dan R.
Fremont, CA
8/14/2011
A gem right in the neighborhood. Great place to hike with hills above the bay. Great place to spend a warm summer day.
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Review from Grace Y.
11/28/2008
This place is great! I used to come here on field trips throughout elementary school and we walked all over the place.
I've been here for company picnics and just to hike.
It's a large area to explore, with hiking and parks as well. There are lots of animals to spot, and a great place to bring the kids, or your pets, or just yourself.
I do enjoy picnics though :)
Come poke around one day when you're bored and you have a lot of time to kill.Listed in: Things to do that don't…, The great outdoors...
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Review from Tomomi S.
4/5/2008 3 photos
This park is truly an East Bay's hidden gem - well, not really hidden exactly but it seems to be there were not many people even on weekend :D Trails are well kept, there are choices of easy to somewhat challenging level hills. You could get to enjoy wildlife sightings and the view of the Bay from the hills is just breathtaking.
Walking though a couple hundred of "woolly-weeders" (sheep) made me feel like we were in a country side of Italy... haha.. it was really fun!! The fact that there were not many people added fun to our day hike experience.
One note - it is really windy here and even though it is sunny it was a bit chilly. Make sure to bring a windbreaker or wear layers of shirt. It would be a perfect place to fly a kite! -
Review from Cynthia H.
Fremont, CA
3/21/2008
If you need to unwind or relax, this is the place to come - you'll almost forget that you're in a city. On a clear, sunny day, you get beautiful views of sf and the peninsula. It's nice to come here for short hikes where you'll see a variety of wildlife. There can occasionally be a strange smell, but it doesn't bother me too much.
Free parking, but entrance fee is $5/vehicle. -
Review from Barb B.
5/27/2007 2 photos
Best kept secret in Fremont. I love this little park. My better half and I go out on our bikes along the many dirt and paved paths out a ways on the bay. During the weekdays, there is usually no one out there. You see so much wildlife out by the water or in the hills....its wonderful. The paths along the marsh and bird sanctuary is great too. I used to bring my kids out here to see all the bird and marine life in their habitat. There is a Ohlone shell-mound archaeological site there too. It is fenced off but you can see part of it through the fence. The little museum is great for the kids. The view of the bay from the top of the hill is fantastic.
http://www.ebparks.org... -
Review from Alena M.
8/22/2010
I never write reviews for parks, but I just had to for Coyote Hills. If you enjoy marshes, trails for bikes, hikers and strollers, great views of The Bay and lots of wildlife, then this park is for you!
Minus one star for not enough parking. Thankfully we snagged the last spot, but I saw several cars waiting later. You can park a quarter mile away for free or pay $5 to park in the little lot. I'll make the trek next time. -
Review from yorkey n.
San Francisco, CA
6/25/2007
Wow, this place is GREAT! If you like paved trails, unrelenting wind, and the sweet smell of sewage surprising you around each turn.
I took a couple beginner mountain bike friends here because it was recommended online for newbies. This was the worst trail I've ever ridden. And I will tell you why.
The main trail is completely paved. Half of it is completely exposed so that means no shade and windburn from the bay. The parts that are off-road either point straight up or straight down and are so short they're not much of a ride anyway. For a newbie, it's either way too easy on the paved sections or way too hard with the steep up and downhill. For more advanced riders, you'll be bored to tears plus you can finish the entire trail system in a half hour.
Now don't get me wrong, this place isn't entirely bad. If you're out for just a leisurely stroll, bike or hike, it's not so bad. There's great bird watching, the view of the bay is not too shabby, plus the day we went we saw some dudes flying their RC planes. Oh, and a bunch of sheep grazing on the side of the hill. How quaint.
TIP: There's an empty dirt lot at the corner of Paseo Padre and Patterson. Park there and walk or bike into the park to avoid having to pay for parking. You have to walk nearly a half mile or so but what the hell else were you going to do at the park anyway, right? Oh, and extra bonus--on your way in, the marsh to your right smells like god took a big fat poo in the park. Yummy! -
Review from Valerie F.
Fremont, CA
7/29/2006
I can't add anything to the first review but need to rate it to put it on a list so there ya go.
Agree with everything that Shari D. said.Listed in: Local Places I Go Out, Unexpected Places
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Review from John S.
Union City, CA
1/16/2007 3 photos
It's a great place to take the family.
I'm not an outdoorsy type but thoroughly enjoyed spending the day hiking on trails of varying difficulty. Hike all the way to the top and you get a great view across the Bay. At the top, you could often find people flying their model airplanes.
At the base of the hills is a small museum that I didn't bother going into. There are benches to have a little picnic/BBQ, throw the frisbee around and stuff. Near the main parking lot is pier trail that takes you into a marsh. I went there when I was very young and remember it being pretty awesome, but my kids were to tired to explore that part of the park. Interesting smells and wildlife there. Next time.
Access to the park is $5 if I recall correctly. If you're a cheap ass or just want the exercise, you can park near the road off of Thornton and bike or walk on in (about a mile?)
Coyote Hills is a great place to spend the day if you live in or near the Tri-City area. Good times!Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Belinda S.
Irvine, CA
6/5/2007
Great park for hiking, biking, or checking out birds.
However, I totally avoid this place during spring/summer since my allergies go beserkers in this area (I'm allergic to grass and weeds). -
Review from Gwen K.
Hilo, HI
7/6/2010
Coyote Hills is basically my backyard. Those of us who live in Ardenwood, often forget what we have nearby. Coyote Hills is spledid nature at its finest. The paved and unpaved trails for biking or hiking are for cruising or the thrill seeker. There's so much wildlife around as well.
Since I've been umemployued now for 3 weeks, I've been biking to Coyote Hills. There's so many people mid day out here taking in such beautiful nature.
