INCH Hike: Bills Hill and Willson Peak

919. Bills Hill and Willson Peak (03/08/14)

Hikers (34): Aaron, Adam, Alan B, Angelika, Arlene, Biz, Brad, Chen, Chinyet, Chris P, Christina, Despina, Giulia, Helen, Hima, Jane, Jeff, Kathryn, Keung, Kristy, Le D, Nagendra, Nick, Paul, Peter E, Ross, Russ, Sarah, Shuli, Sophie, Stephanie W, Steve, Tiffany, Vicki
Distance: 15 miles
Rating: 3 difficulty, 8 beauty
Park info: Henry Coe State Park near Gilroy

Write-up by Steve -- Pictures by Keung and Eric L

Last year I picked this hike for my birthday thinking it would be rough, but was surprised to find the route to the summit was cleared (relative to our first visit). On the previous trip, we successfully navigated a route that made the route a loop instead of an out-and-back. This time we tried an alternate route which turned out even better. Henry Coe SP should mark the loop on the maps and it would get "maintained" by virtue of people hiking it. That's not to say the trail up to Bill's Hill is easy--it is quite steep. But the views and remoteness are enough to get people up to the summit.

A few people suggested we should have done Vasquez Peak along the way. . .maybe next time. There is something to be said for getting to the beer sooner. While the poison oak was cut back, I know at least one person pictured below (with an asymmetric pant leg) managed to get a touch of PO. But it was nothing like that first visit!