Máyyan 'Ooyákma – Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve is a protected landscape in the Diablo Range foothills east of Coyote Valley, at Malech Road in Morgan Hill, California. Its five miles of trails include an accessible overlook route and trails that require a free annual Butterfly Pass.
- Location: Malech Road, Morgan Hill, in the foothills east of Coyote Valley.
- Trail network: Five miles across four named trails.
- Access: The three Habitat Protection Area trails require a free annual Butterfly Pass.
- Hours: Open Wednesday to Sunday; closed Monday and Tuesday
Where is Máyyan 'Ooyákma Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve?
The preserve is on Malech Road in Morgan Hill, in the Diablo Range foothills east of Coyote Valley. It protects 1,859 acres of land and opened to the public in 2023. Budget Inn Morgan Hill is in the same city.
Opening hours
- Wednesday to Sunday: 10 AM–4 PM
- Monday and Tuesday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
The Open Space Authority permanently protected the land in 2015 with $8.6 million in funding. The name Máyyan 'Ooyákma translates to “Coyote Ridge” in Chochenyo, the language stewarded by the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Which trails can you take at Coyote Ridge?
Coyote Ridge has four named trails, including an accessible overlook route and three trails within the Habitat Protection Area.
Máyyan Wáayi (Coyote Valley) Overlook Trail
This 1,000-foot trail has an average grade of 5% and does not require a Butterfly Pass. An accessible trail connects two scenic overlooks. The preserve also has a shaded picnic area with seating and a shaded central gathering area with interpretive signs.
Habitat Protection Area trails
Serpentine Spring Trail, Tule Elk Trail and Bay Checkerspot Trail are within the Habitat Protection Area. You need a free annual Butterfly Pass to use them, and you must clean your shoes, bike tires or horse’s hooves at the cleaning station before entering.
The Bay Checkerspot Trail is part of the Bay Area Ridge Trail network. The preserve supports rare serpentine grassland habitat and is home to the federally threatened Bay checkerspot butterfly.
What should you know about seasonal access?
Opening hours change seasonally, and some trail access follows a recurring weekly and seasonal schedule.
The Habitat Protection Area trails close on Mondays and Tuesdays for scientific research. On Saturdays and Sundays from March through May, bikes and horses are not permitted on the trails, and reservations are required for docent-led hikes. Check the official site before you go; the Open Space Authority’s preserve operations calendar has current opening information.
The preserve has a free parking lot with 42 spaces. Free horse-trailer parking is available Wednesday through Friday by reservation only. Facilities include an accessible all-gender restroom and picnic tables, but there are no trash cans or drinking water, so plan to pack out what you bring.
What are the preserve’s rules?
Use designated trails, keep wildlife and habitat undisturbed, and take all trash and food back with you.
You may hike, mountain bike and ride horses on designated trails. Pedal-assist e-bikes are allowed where they can be used safely without risking harm to natural or cultural resources. Dogs and drones are prohibited throughout the preserve.
Picnicking is allowed in designated rest areas, but barbecues and open flames are prohibited. Do not feed, disturb, touch, chase or remove wildlife. These rules help protect the preserve’s habitat and cultural resources.
Planning a visit from Morgan Hill
Plan your route around the trail access rules: choose the overlook trail if you do not have a Butterfly Pass, or confirm access requirements before heading to the Habitat Protection Area trails.
Check seasonal hours before setting out, and bring drinking water and a way to carry out your trash. If you are traveling by train, the Morgan Hill Station guide covers getting to and from the station.
If you are adding time in town, a walk through downtown Morgan Hill can be part of the same city visit.
Budget Inn is in Morgan Hill, where the downtown is an easy addition to a visit to the preserve.
FAQs
Do you need a pass to hike at Coyote Ridge?
A free annual Butterfly Pass is required for Serpentine Spring, Tule Elk and Bay Checkerspot trails. The Máyyan Wáayi (Coyote Valley) Overlook Trail does not require one.
Are dogs allowed at Máyyan 'Ooyákma?
No. Dogs are prohibited throughout the preserve.
Can you ride a bike at the preserve?
Mountain biking is allowed on designated trails, subject to access restrictions. Bikes are not permitted on the trails on Saturdays and Sundays from March through May.
Is there drinking water at the preserve?
No. The preserve has an accessible all-gender restroom and picnic tables, but no drinking water or trash cans.