Hiking Around Gilroy
By Larry J. Mickartz
Gilroy is unique in that it is surrounded by green space, wondrous hills and forests. And springtime is a great time to enjoy the abundance of opportunities to view the beauty of nature that our county, state and national parks afford— all within a relatively short distance.
To get a good feel for the breadth of the areas offerings, we contacted two veteran hikers. Our first contact was with Ron Erskine, hiker extraordinaire and author of many articles( featured in the Gilroy Dispatch, Morgan Hill Times and Hollister Freelance) about hiking locally as well as throughout California. Ron also offers corporate team building and adventure hikes. Visit him on line at RonErskine. com or his blog at WeeklyTramp. com. Always a lover of the outdoors, Ron has hiked and backpacked all his life. He qualifies his“ local favorites” by the convenience of being able to get to them and if they have what he calls“ spectator value.” While the micro world may be fascinating, Ron prefers the macro world of big views and sweeping panoramas.
Ron has been involved with the Pine Ridge Association for some 22 years. The association is made up of volunteers who contribute about 20,000 hours of support annually to Henry W. Coe State Park. Ron notes that he became fascinated with the expanse and beauty of Coe Park soon after his move to this area from Mill Valley.
So, Coe Park seems like a good place then to start our journey through some of his favorite trails.
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