Lafayette Reservoir

First time there today. Great dog friendly hike. (2.7 miles) It was a little chilly, and it even started hailing– which was strange to see. But overall a nice easy hike with a few hills. Parking is not free however. Will definitely be back

I came here today for some outdoor exercise with my mom and her dog. The parking meter takes cards which was convenient, but my mom had trouble navigating the machine. The directions are listed on the machine though. It is $ 1.50/hour with a 2 hour maximum. So, we paid the $ 3, which I think is reasonable. The paved walk around the lake is about 2.5 miles and is fairly flat with about 5 smallish hills. There are bathrooms by the playground and there are lots of picnic tables available. The bathrooms are disgusting, but so are all EB Parks bathrooms. When you really have to go, you’ll go anywhere. 2 things turned me off a bit about the walk however. Firstly, the trail is fairly skinny and in parts very rough with wide cracks. Part of the trail goes through a parking lot, which didn’t seem very safe with the traffic. There are tons of people who use this trail and so it is very busy. Most people had dogs and most were friendly. However, secondly there was one really aggressive dog. I wish people with dogs that have behavior problems wouldn’t take them to such a busy public place. There was another woman who was extremely rude and made a sarcastic comment about us for having our leash too long. The rule is 6 feet. Ours was not longer than that. My advice: DO NOT COME HERE IF YOU DO NOT LIKE DOGS. There are so many of them. There are also paddle boats available which my husband and I have done before. It is fun, but expensive in my opinion compared to bowling or mini golf. My friend got engaged here too, so I’m sure a picnic and a paddle boat ride with your partner would be romantic.

Can’t believe I haven’t heard about this place until recently. Came here on a Sunday with some friends to train for the NWHM. The reservoir is off of hwy 24. Once you arrive at the entrance, You drive up a single narrow road to the parking lot. Don’t forget to bring a bunch of quarters. There is a upper trail and lower trail. The lower trail is about 2.7 miles around with a few small hills and the upper (rim) trail takes you on some major rolling hills. We did the upper trail. The upper trail is a great training ground to train for the brazen races and the NWHM. I believe the rim trail is about 5 miles. Even just taking a leisurely hike on the upper trail gives you a great workout. I also noticed picnic areas, nearby restrooms and a playground for the kids. Looking forward to coming here again

The best reaction park in the east bay. So beautiful and peaceful place for everyone! I like the hike trail around the lake. I usually go there once a month with my kids and friends. We like to do the pedal boats (open till 2pm in the weekend). We love BBQ/​picnic there. The park is big with tables, grills and the most important thing is — trees for shade. There’s play ground for kids which is a plus. I see a lot of people fishing there too.
Private parking is $ 7 per car.

Parking isn’t too pricey but definitely mostly meant for hiking. Beautiful and calm area.

I had no idea this hidden gem was in the Bay Area! Trails are nice and wide and plenty easy for all levels of hikers. Has lot of parking, and is easy to get to. Doggies are more than welcome! There is a minimal fee for parking.
To get around the entire circle takes about an hour.
After your hike, there’s plenty of restaurants to eat at. I love the Bay Area! Always something great to see here!
Come connect wit Nature here, you’ll love the atmosphere.

LR is THE best of the best of places to connect with Nature. From fishing to boating to hiking and running. My most favorite time is sunrise; either on the East ridge which just takes 10 or so minutes to get to from the East end of the parking lot or from floating pier just North of the boat rental area.
I’m sure many others have given the same caveat: know that if you are going for the first time with your dog, you’ll be encountering heaps and heaps of other dogs, especially in morning hours. Etiquette is of the utmost importance; especially if your dog has a tendency to snap at certain other dogs. Short leashes are best. I’ve run around the reservoir with three large dogs and the shorter the leash, the better.
Enjoy this most lovely of nature reserves/​sanctuaries that graces our community.

What a great place to spend a warm and clear day. There is plenty of trials to walk, run or hike. You can also find grassy areas if you want to throw out a blanket and have a pick-​o-​nick.
Have kids no problem, let them run wild or tire themselves out on the play structure.
I thought I notices some paddleboats when snapped a shot of the reservoir, so coming back and renting one is definitely on the list of things to do.
While on todays visit I truly intended to walked off that bacon cheese steak I devoured for lunch, I decided to let the ITIS kick in and enjoy the sun.

It’s official: I’ve found my new favorite hideaway. Hiking, trails, waterfront, boating, fishing… This reservoir is SO gorgeous and serene, I’m not sure why I haven’t been spending all my summers here!
I’ve lived on this side of the East Bay for my entire childhood, and the Lafayette Reservoir is gorgeous. I came on a late Sunday afternoon and some people were jogging, running, going on mini hikes, walking the waterfront, boating and fishing. The atmosphere is just so peaceful and serene as people are doing their own thing, enjoying their time under the sun with the cool reservoir breeze…
Google mapping this location doesn’t really help, as it leads you around to the «closest side» of the reservoir. I mapped myself to the closest street and found the main entrance that way. You drive up a hill and park in their lot – one side reserved for annual pass holders, the other side for those to pay for the day.
I must have a liking for the water or something, because this is such a nice location that’s suitable for those looking for some nice, easy-​going strolls and trails. I haven’t ventured too much out, but I’d love to try their paddle boating someday. Officially my favorite local escape.

Beautiful spot to go to for ~ 3 or 6 mile loop around the Reservoir. A friend recommended I try it and happy I did. Here are some more details: —
This trail is located around the natural Lafayette reservoir. There is plenty of metered parking where you can start your hike. I’ve also seen cars parked down on the road leading to the park. There are reset rooms as well. The park closes at 9 pm, so plan your hike in advance!
It’s a very scenic location at the top of a hill, and the reservoir filled with water gives a lake like feel. I did the 2.74 mile hike. It’s basically a paved road with several ups and downs but can be a good workout depending on your speed.
To the left of the reservoir I noticed a dock, picnic tables, a stage and a playground. So you can do more than just go for a hike here. Caught the sun setting on camera, got lucky with my timing!
After my hike I went to a local restaurant and enjoyed a meal as well. I’ll be back in the morning to do the longer hike for sure.

If you like a nice, paved place for a quick run/​walk, come to the Lafayette Reservoir! It’s an almost three mile loop around the water, with lots of rolling hills, a couple of restrooms and water fountains along the route.
Myself, my boyfriend and his parents came here one morning while we were in Lafayette. We got here around 8:30am on a Saturday and got a parking spot right away — parking is about $ 1.50 an hour (if you do the loop once, you’ll be done in an hour). When we left about an hour later, the parking lot was pretty much completely full. The reservoir opens at 6am and closes about 7pm or so. I’d get here early!
My boyfriend and I did a run/​walk around the reservoir and his parents walked the whole loop. This would be the perfect place to train running on hills (which I’m not good at) since there are lots of rolling hills here. You get a beautiful view along the route too. I’d suggest coming here when it isn’t too hot or sunny, as about half the loop is not covered by shade.
If I lived in Lafayette, I’d be running this trail/​loop weekly! I’ll be back next time I’m in the area.
Cheers!

Came here for the first time today, and it was really nice. Did the 5.4 mile hike with s group of hikers. A few of the inclines were a little challenging for me since I recently started hiking, but it wasn’t a difficult hike.
I enjoyed the hike and the scenery. Definitely plan on doing it again.

If you want a good solid hike, this is the place to go. Thank goodness it’s fairly close to work as it’s quite a trek from the South Bay. So why do I like this trail so much that I’m willing to drive all the way here?
It’s a solid 5 mile hike on the outer trail (Rim Trail/​Jeep Trail). We start at the Trail entrance on Paseo Grande and Campolindo. Reason for this is:
1) When you go clockwise, you get rid of the worst hill. I call it Papa Hill.
2) You don’t have to pay for parking.
After that it’s just rolling hills. It gets your ticker going in the first two minutes. You get a slight relief and then bam it’s another hill. then relief.then bam! Another hill. So it’s like High Interval Training! Best thing is that it has lovely views of the reservoir and during the afternoon/​early evenings you can see the fog roll in over the hills. It’s a well traveled trail. I always see someone running, walking their dog, or huffing and puffing like me.
There are a couple of restroom stops but they’re at the actual reservoir/​parking entrance. Also there’s water only at that portion as well, so make sure you are well prepared especially during the hot months.
There is a trail (Shore Trail) that hugs the actual reservoir that’s about 3 miles that’s paved which I’ve never done, but looking to do one day.
It’s no Mission Peak, but it’s an enjoyable kicks you in the booty but not too much type of hike.

Instead of focusing on «getting fit for summer» I’ve been trying to make some positive changes and simply get fit for life. The Lafayette Reservoir has been a great place for me to try to meet my fitness goals. I hate running, but when the run is as gorgeous as the reservoir, it’s not so bad. The paved loop is almost 3 miles and is perfect for running, walking and even walking your dog (they must be on a leash). The upper trail is a bit more of a challenge, it gets so hot up there, steep, but a great hike!
I’m ready for the weather to warm up so I can finally rent paddle boats and picnic!

Love this location. It’s beautiful running or walking around the reservoir. It has lots of grassy areas for soccer or throwing around a frisbee. Tons of picnic tables and little paddle boats you can rent. Populated enough that there isn’t the fear when running alone. Great place to bring pups!

Amazing beautiful place !! Perfect for jogs runs. Taking your Dogg out for a stroll or
Run!

Rating the Lafayette Reservoir is a tough one for me — as a kid, the reservoir was a great place for field trips, picnics, and gazing into the ‘lake.’ As an adult, the Reservoir trail is a sure-​fire cause of IT band issues and runner’s knee. Like the Giving Tree, the Lafayette Reservoir lifts you up with her bounty while breaking your heart at the same time.
For a day trip, parking in the short-​term lot is $ 1.50/hour. Charge me for parking once, shame on you. Charge me twice… well, let’s just say I’ll be walking up from the trailhead on Mt. Diablo Blvd. in the future.
As mentioned before — if you’re prone to running injuries (which ironically, I am not), you might want to consider staying clear of the trail for more than a lovely stroll. It’s slightly tilted at an angle for the majority of the 2-​mile loop, wreaking absolute havoc on my hips and knees. I stick with sprint workouts on the flat run in front of the parking lot.
Why put up with all this? It’s a gorgeous park with lots of wild turkeys, some well-​kept fields for lounging in, and it’s a great place to bring a bunch of people together for a picnic or BBQ by the water. There’s also a fun castle-​themed play structure for the kids, a pier for fishing, and paddle boats. It’s great for people watching, enjoying some nice weather, and getting some fresh air.
If you’ve never been, it’s definitely worth a visit; just save your workouts for some kinder terrain. ;-)

Fantastic place for hiking, walking, picnics and do some boating or just a family or friends gathering. So many people having fun in a healthy environment under the shadow of those beautiful and well maintained trees. Not overcrowded and very clean (plus you get different toilets all over, very good for any emergency).
Parking is paid, you can pay per hours or full day. I did the 3 miles hike around the lake and it was very mellow and serene.

One of the more beautiful areas in the East Bay! I don’t know why I’ve been staying home all this time. I went here around 11am this morning (Tuesday). There is plenty of parking, and I do believe the parking rate is worth it. I only stayed for 2 hours, so it was $ 3. And there are areas designated for annual passes, if you’re planning to only stay for a few hours, and all-​day parking.
I appreciate the mile marks around the reservoir. Today’s trip was simply to come and go for a nice stroll, but I plan on coming here more often to work on my endurance.
Running in fresh air with a pretty view… what more can you ask for?

Omg I can’t believe I waited about 15 years to visit again! The Lafayette Reservoir is an amazing outdoor space. Hillside and water views all around. There’s something for everyone. From hiking trails for the the fit and paved ground for a leisurely stroll around the reservoir. There’s a play area for kids and you can rent paddle boats!
Bathrooms along the way are sketchy but common among outdoor public areas. Informational signs about snakes are posted for your safety