The small community of Morgan Hill may not seem like a tourist destination, but its convenient location makes it an ideal spot to set up camp. A quick drive north will take you to San Jose, the heart of Silicon Valley. An hour south, and you'll find yourself staring at cliffside seascapes near Monterey or Santa Cruz. To the west is the state's largest park, Henry W. Coe State Park, a popular rural escape amongst Bay Area urbanites. Morgan Hill offers shopping, dining and a clutch of other tourist amenities but really, its lure lies in its proximity to undeveloped spaces.
Bounded by the Santa Cruz Mountains to the west and the Diablo Mountains to the east, hikers and mountain bikers will find numerous trails to explore. One of the most popular destinations for hikers is Henry Coe State Park with over 250 miles of trails, ranging from easy day-trips to strenuous backpacking excursions. Campers will find solitary retreats amidst chaparral and stands of live oak trees. For early-morning fishing trips, try your hand at one of several lakes, including the San Luis Reservoir, or tackle a hike-in fishing weekend to remote (and well-stocked) hot spots in the aforementioned state park.
In the general area, there are also a number of microbreweries, wineries, and golf courses good for perspective on dusty trail-based forays in the hills; more placid is the 15-mile multi-purpose trail that links Morgan Hill with San Jose, a pleasant way to get between the two once you've had time to tarack down handmade souvenirs in the quaint shops of historic downtown. Time your trip just right and you can enjoy one of the many festivals the community celebrates, such as the Mushroom Mardi Gras Festival or the December Holiday Parade.
Morgan Hill is located about 25 miles south of San Jose, just off Highway 101.
