Coyote Run Trail
This trail description was written by Bill Sherrard in 2009. Most details are still accurate, but keep in mind that foliage and other flora change seasonally and over time.
It is an easy hike with very little change in elevation between the beginning and end of the trail. The trail elevation starts at 1369 feet and rises to 1537 feet at the trail’s end which coincidently is the highest point on the trail.
Getting to the trailhead requires a hike down the Creek Crossing Trail to its junction with the East Ridge Trail. From this junction one hikes west on East Ridge to the Coyote Run trailhead. The first leg of this distance is 0.66 miles on the Creek Crossing Trail to its junction with East Ridge and thence a short distance (0.14 miles) on the East Ridge Trail.
There are two to three hills to climb getting to the Coyote Run trailhead. The first two are on the Creek Crossing Trail and the last hill is on the 0.14 mile stretch of East Ridge.
The Coyote Run Trail is 0.70 miles in length and traverses between the Sage Trail on the north and the East Ridge Trail on the south
The beauty of the plants along the trail is evident at the trailhead. A couple of plants are still flowering even though it is mid-summer. The dead plants here and other points along the trail are due in part to serious fires that have passed through the park.
At 0.24 miles from the trailhead is an excellent view of Escondido. One does not get a clear view of Escondido due to the hazy days we have in this area during the summer months.
A short distance further down the trail is a rock outcropping on the left side of the trail. A dead tree, probably a fire victim, is visible in this area.
One-third of a mile from the trailhead is the Diamond Back Trailhead. This is a short 0.6 mile long trail between Coyote Run and the Sage Trail.
Also in this area is a plant that resembles a topiary creation. With a little imagination one can visualize it resembling a peacock with a bushy tail and a rather bulbous head.
At 0.47 miles down the trail is an example of the many flowering plants along the trail. This white bush is the most prolific of all the flowering plants along the trail.
At the half mile point along the trail is a lavender colored flowering plant. This plant, appearing repeatedly along the trail, grows several feet high.
The closest to a vista along the trail are views of small bushes mixed with some larger trees. These patches of green set against the rolling hills and nestled in the low growing tan brush depict a serenity that can be somewhat relaxing to the viewer.
There is another rock outcropping to the left of the trail at 0.59 miles from trailhead. This outcropping resembles the frowning face of an individual with a rather large nose.
Just 0.03 miles farther down the trail is a dead tree beside a living tree. One is the story of a fire that moved through the park and the other a story of recovery from the fiery disaster.
The largest rock outcropping is near the end of the trail at 0.65 miles from trailhead. It is surrounded by trees, bushes and flowery plants.
The trail ends at its junction with the Sage Trail. The Sage Trail commences in the southeast corner of the ranch and continues for 2.6 miles to a junction with the Jack Creek Meadow Loop Trail. At the junction one is about a tenth of a mile from the ranch house.
Text and Photos Copyright © 2009 William R. Sherrard. Used with permission