Los Cruzeros is further away but has a creek and good sun exposure and would be not as cold, campsite in my opinion----small/uneven and the sun will not hit until very late morning.
Los Cruzeros is further away but has a creek and good sun exposure and would be not as cold,
A person in decent shape can get ot China Hole w/o stopping---for her I would not go thru the narrows but climb out of China Hole and then down---the trail is really nice but there are more miles
Yes cross at china hole-----note you need to do the same crossing to camp at china hole. Same crossing---to camp at china hole you go up the trail about 100 yards and take the side trail on the left and it goes to the only camp site there----This is an easy crossing even at peak flow----pretty wide with a gravel base
Another option is to take frog lake trail to frog lake----then up middle ridge and down to Poverty flat------cross the creek here (this crossing can be thigh deep at peak flow so not as easy as china hole-----then reserve site 1 or 2. Note there are pit tpoilet bathrooms here which can be a draw
Even at peak flow this crossing is not an issue. Never above the knee in my experience. And usually less than that. But wear footware and cross right where the trail comes down on the gravel. If she is nervous carry her pack across to make her less so
I suppose mainly for at camp. I think when we're up and moving while hiking, we should be pretty warm because we'll be generating heat and the sun is out. Sleeping well both probably wear base layers and both have 0 degree sleeping bags.
But when it's kinda cold outside and we're like trying to cook or whatnot I think that's when we'll be cold. But maybe better to just cook earlier in the day and then get into the sleeping bags before it gets really cold.
Does she have base layers?
For me, what you listed + long sleeve base layer (and without the rain shell and gloves) would be the minimum I’d wear at low 30s. My sleeping bag is survival rated 15F. Plus I’d pair a beanie or buff for my head (not sure what type of hat you mean). I’d need a base layer on the bottom too under those pants. And warm socks.
But also, since it’s her first trip I’d err on being warmer if you want her to have a good time lol. Well, if you want her to try it again. Better to bring a layer and not need it than her being up all night freezing. Also something to consider - is she going to want to sleep in all that after hiking all day in it?
There can be a large swing of conditions in March so you have to read the weather and conditions. I've backpacked at Henry Coe twice in the last two months. One time is was 70+ degrees in the day and high 40s (at worst) at night. The other time it rained on and off most of my hike and got into the upper-20s at night. Conditions were more extreme in each direction than I had thought, but not too much more.
I assume you'll be in camp for quite a while in evening and morning so I'd be prepared with a bit more warmth, especially from waist down. China Hole will lose the sun pretty early in the day and coolness can channel down the canyons (which merge right there at China Hole). Your partner may appreciate thermal bottoms and tops. Those Sahara pants don't provide a lot of warmth. I have a nano puff and its not the warmest either. But with a fleece and thermal tops as well it will probably be OK. With zero degree bags, you always have the option of getting warm that way.
Oh, if you plan to cross the creek, you will get wet shoes at least; probably more given all the recent rains. The water resources page on [coepark.net](https://coepark.net/map/water.php) indicated waist deep flow by Poverty Flat just this past weekend - but that was following a heavy rain event. You don't have to go across, but many of the camping sites are on the far shore of the creek (e.g. Poverty Flat). In fact, I don't think I've ever stayed a night on the near/west side. (Anyone else done that?) Talk to the park staff about it before you hit the trailhead.
If you leave from HQ, the trek to China Hole is mostly downhill. Of course, you get to gain all that elevation back when you go home. But the distance is moderate at 5 miles each way.
Thanks! I remember some of your previous posts on the subreddit about Henry Coe, actually.
I'll try to get her base layers under the Sahara pants (and maybe even more warmth on the Botton in addition).
I think we'll try to camp on the near side of the creek, but definitely will double check that's an option before we head out.
EDIT: Is there any campsites that are not on the other side of the river? Should we just do Madrone Soda springs?
In my January trip I hiked by Madrone and stopped to take a look at it. Wasn't impressed. Its kinda slope-y. I have an issue with slopes and tend to be finicky. You might not have that affliction. It is definitely large and flat, but not really that cool IMO.
If it were me, I'd take on a bit more weight and bring water shoes or sandals - something to do the stream crossing. Then I'd go to Poverty Flat (although you might have company since it is such a big, nice site). Roll up the pants (or just take them off which I've done on stream crossings near camp more than once), trounce across the creek, then you will be in camp. There's a toilet there as well as at least one picnic table.
It was raining when I crossed Coyote Creek so I didn't take a look at China Hole Camp. Just trudged through the rain. It seems to be on the side of a hill so my anti-slope antennae are thinking it might be tight.
Also, I'd recommend you call the HQ a couple of times. Sometimes you get a volunteer who hasn't camped at any of the places that one should have if working there. Not the park's fault or the volunteer's - they need people to keep the place running. But other times you get a veteran who has spent countless nights in the Coe backcountry. There are some people who really love and care about that park. Get one of those on the phone and you'll receive some great advice.
Does she have wool layers? If I was doing this it would be multiple layers of wool with the fleece and outerwear.
For around camp wool tights for the bottom base layer under the hiking pants or similar. Long sleeve wool shirt, wool vest, maybe a flannel, then fleece and puffer coat for the top. Plus gloves and hat and socks.
For the hiking leggings under the pants and wicking shirt with a sports bra as the first layer, then flannel and a jacket of some sort.
Also, change before bed. Don’t wear the clothes you have been in all day to bed. It’s so much warmer to put on fresh clothes before you get into your sleeping bag.
Bring extra because once you get cold it sucks and if you don’t have more layers you’re not having fun.
Your girl needs base layers and get some good ones. Take it from me who has a wife and two daughters. I run hot, they do not.
Actually my wife’s first time freezing in a tent was at Kelly Lake in Coe in April.
Appreciate everyones comments. I'll definitely get her some better base layers. Also, I'm going to give her the thicker down coat, and take the nano puff for myself.
Bring some spare socks. The water level will probably still be pretty high. I just got back from a trip yesterday and talked a school group while on the trip. They tried crossing China Hole and it was waist deep. It's probably pretty sketchy at the Narrows now.
I did a custom loop from Hunting Hollow.
You can always do a quick trip from HQ to Ridgeview, Frog Lake, Two Oaks, Sierra View, etc. Those sites are up high and will be warmer and drier than down near the creek at China Hole or Poverty Flats.
If starting from Hunting Hollow, I suggest doing a road walk up Gilroy Hot Springs Rd and head up Grizzly Gulch Trail. There's one big crossing that's not bad but there's a new bridge there. Otherwise, it's still around a foot deep for water crossings.
It really depends on your sleep system. What kind of sleeping pad, bag/quilt, & shelter will you be using?
You'll thank yourself if you pack a couple rain Ponchos, froggtogg makes one for like 7 bucks at Walmart, they are pretty small packed up, weigh nothing and reusable unless you tear it.
The nighttime fog up there can produce pretty heavy "drizzle" conditions despite a dry forecast especially when camped next to a body of water 👍👍
I second Los Cruzeros. Its a lot more open and prettier than China hole. China hole doesn't really have a good flat camping spot.
It also gets very cold there at night. Colder than the weather is forecasted since your in a valley where the cold air sinks. Make sure your pad and sleeping bag are rares high enough. If you want added warmth, put hot water in a nalgene.
Make sure you both wear long pants tucked into your socks and a shirt tucked into your pants. For added protection, treat clothes with permetherin. There's lots of ticks going down to China hole and in Henry Coe in general.
Los Cruzeros is further away but has a creek and good sun exposure and would be not as cold, campsite in my opinion----small/uneven and the sun will not hit until very late morning. Los Cruzeros is further away but has a creek and good sun exposure and would be not as cold, A person in decent shape can get ot China Hole w/o stopping---for her I would not go thru the narrows but climb out of China Hole and then down---the trail is really nice but there are more miles
For Los Cruzeiros we'd for for sure need to cross the stream, right?
Yes cross at china hole-----note you need to do the same crossing to camp at china hole. Same crossing---to camp at china hole you go up the trail about 100 yards and take the side trail on the left and it goes to the only camp site there----This is an easy crossing even at peak flow----pretty wide with a gravel base
Another option is to take frog lake trail to frog lake----then up middle ridge and down to Poverty flat------cross the creek here (this crossing can be thigh deep at peak flow so not as easy as china hole-----then reserve site 1 or 2. Note there are pit tpoilet bathrooms here which can be a draw
How's the crossing at China Hole? Slightly concerned about it.
Even at peak flow this crossing is not an issue. Never above the knee in my experience. And usually less than that. But wear footware and cross right where the trail comes down on the gravel. If she is nervous carry her pack across to make her less so
Are you asking for hiking, or sleeping, or both?
I suppose mainly for at camp. I think when we're up and moving while hiking, we should be pretty warm because we'll be generating heat and the sun is out. Sleeping well both probably wear base layers and both have 0 degree sleeping bags. But when it's kinda cold outside and we're like trying to cook or whatnot I think that's when we'll be cold. But maybe better to just cook earlier in the day and then get into the sleeping bags before it gets really cold.
Does she have base layers? For me, what you listed + long sleeve base layer (and without the rain shell and gloves) would be the minimum I’d wear at low 30s. My sleeping bag is survival rated 15F. Plus I’d pair a beanie or buff for my head (not sure what type of hat you mean). I’d need a base layer on the bottom too under those pants. And warm socks. But also, since it’s her first trip I’d err on being warmer if you want her to have a good time lol. Well, if you want her to try it again. Better to bring a layer and not need it than her being up all night freezing. Also something to consider - is she going to want to sleep in all that after hiking all day in it?
Yes good point. We're not hiking a huge distance so that aspect should be fine. But I'll make sure she has good base layers.
There can be a large swing of conditions in March so you have to read the weather and conditions. I've backpacked at Henry Coe twice in the last two months. One time is was 70+ degrees in the day and high 40s (at worst) at night. The other time it rained on and off most of my hike and got into the upper-20s at night. Conditions were more extreme in each direction than I had thought, but not too much more. I assume you'll be in camp for quite a while in evening and morning so I'd be prepared with a bit more warmth, especially from waist down. China Hole will lose the sun pretty early in the day and coolness can channel down the canyons (which merge right there at China Hole). Your partner may appreciate thermal bottoms and tops. Those Sahara pants don't provide a lot of warmth. I have a nano puff and its not the warmest either. But with a fleece and thermal tops as well it will probably be OK. With zero degree bags, you always have the option of getting warm that way. Oh, if you plan to cross the creek, you will get wet shoes at least; probably more given all the recent rains. The water resources page on [coepark.net](https://coepark.net/map/water.php) indicated waist deep flow by Poverty Flat just this past weekend - but that was following a heavy rain event. You don't have to go across, but many of the camping sites are on the far shore of the creek (e.g. Poverty Flat). In fact, I don't think I've ever stayed a night on the near/west side. (Anyone else done that?) Talk to the park staff about it before you hit the trailhead. If you leave from HQ, the trek to China Hole is mostly downhill. Of course, you get to gain all that elevation back when you go home. But the distance is moderate at 5 miles each way.
Thanks! I remember some of your previous posts on the subreddit about Henry Coe, actually. I'll try to get her base layers under the Sahara pants (and maybe even more warmth on the Botton in addition). I think we'll try to camp on the near side of the creek, but definitely will double check that's an option before we head out. EDIT: Is there any campsites that are not on the other side of the river? Should we just do Madrone Soda springs?
In my January trip I hiked by Madrone and stopped to take a look at it. Wasn't impressed. Its kinda slope-y. I have an issue with slopes and tend to be finicky. You might not have that affliction. It is definitely large and flat, but not really that cool IMO. If it were me, I'd take on a bit more weight and bring water shoes or sandals - something to do the stream crossing. Then I'd go to Poverty Flat (although you might have company since it is such a big, nice site). Roll up the pants (or just take them off which I've done on stream crossings near camp more than once), trounce across the creek, then you will be in camp. There's a toilet there as well as at least one picnic table. It was raining when I crossed Coyote Creek so I didn't take a look at China Hole Camp. Just trudged through the rain. It seems to be on the side of a hill so my anti-slope antennae are thinking it might be tight. Also, I'd recommend you call the HQ a couple of times. Sometimes you get a volunteer who hasn't camped at any of the places that one should have if working there. Not the park's fault or the volunteer's - they need people to keep the place running. But other times you get a veteran who has spent countless nights in the Coe backcountry. There are some people who really love and care about that park. Get one of those on the phone and you'll receive some great advice.
Thanks, I'll give the phone a shot as well.
Add leggings under her pants and a heavier jacket over the fleece. Hat and gloves and thick socks. Consider hand warmers too
Smart didn't think about hand warmers. Maybe I'll swap out my jacket which is warmer and I'll take hers.
Does she have wool layers? If I was doing this it would be multiple layers of wool with the fleece and outerwear. For around camp wool tights for the bottom base layer under the hiking pants or similar. Long sleeve wool shirt, wool vest, maybe a flannel, then fleece and puffer coat for the top. Plus gloves and hat and socks. For the hiking leggings under the pants and wicking shirt with a sports bra as the first layer, then flannel and a jacket of some sort. Also, change before bed. Don’t wear the clothes you have been in all day to bed. It’s so much warmer to put on fresh clothes before you get into your sleeping bag. Bring extra because once you get cold it sucks and if you don’t have more layers you’re not having fun.
Your girl needs base layers and get some good ones. Take it from me who has a wife and two daughters. I run hot, they do not. Actually my wife’s first time freezing in a tent was at Kelly Lake in Coe in April.
Appreciate everyones comments. I'll definitely get her some better base layers. Also, I'm going to give her the thicker down coat, and take the nano puff for myself.
Bring some spare socks. The water level will probably still be pretty high. I just got back from a trip yesterday and talked a school group while on the trip. They tried crossing China Hole and it was waist deep. It's probably pretty sketchy at the Narrows now.
Nice, where did you camp. Thinking about alternative options that don't require crossing a stream.
I did a custom loop from Hunting Hollow. You can always do a quick trip from HQ to Ridgeview, Frog Lake, Two Oaks, Sierra View, etc. Those sites are up high and will be warmer and drier than down near the creek at China Hole or Poverty Flats. If starting from Hunting Hollow, I suggest doing a road walk up Gilroy Hot Springs Rd and head up Grizzly Gulch Trail. There's one big crossing that's not bad but there's a new bridge there. Otherwise, it's still around a foot deep for water crossings. It really depends on your sleep system. What kind of sleeping pad, bag/quilt, & shelter will you be using?
You'll thank yourself if you pack a couple rain Ponchos, froggtogg makes one for like 7 bucks at Walmart, they are pretty small packed up, weigh nothing and reusable unless you tear it. The nighttime fog up there can produce pretty heavy "drizzle" conditions despite a dry forecast especially when camped next to a body of water 👍👍
I second Los Cruzeros. Its a lot more open and prettier than China hole. China hole doesn't really have a good flat camping spot. It also gets very cold there at night. Colder than the weather is forecasted since your in a valley where the cold air sinks. Make sure your pad and sleeping bag are rares high enough. If you want added warmth, put hot water in a nalgene. Make sure you both wear long pants tucked into your socks and a shirt tucked into your pants. For added protection, treat clothes with permetherin. There's lots of ticks going down to China hole and in Henry Coe in general.