Lafayette Reservoir Recreation Area

Let's face it: the walking track at the city park can get stale pretty quick. Spice up your daily walking routine with a visit to the Lafayette Reservoir Recreation Area! The reservoir features seven unique trails to ensure that your adventure-hungry hound will never get bored! 

The 2.7-mile Lakeside Trail is a furtastic option for families with special needs -- it is wheelchair and stroller accessible and offers spectacular views of the lake. It also features ADA-compliant fishing piers, restrooms, and picnic shelters! There are plenty of ornamental trees along the sides of this trail that offer shade for when your pack needs to cool off for a bit. The rec area can get pretty hot during the summer months; early spring or late fall are the best times for walking here. Park hours vary by month, but the rule of thumb is that the park opens at sunrise and closes at sundown.

Packs who like a bit of a challenge will dig the Rim Trail. This packed-dirt fire road is  4.7 miles long and has been compared to a rollercoaster with hilly terrain and steep inclines sure to get your heart pumping! There are plenty of shortcuts back to the main trail if this adventure proves too difficult for your pooches. This path features superb viewpoints of Mt. Diablo and the reservoir, so be sure to bring the camera! Avoid peak times for this trail by going in the afternoon. Looking for a short and sweet option? There are several trails ranging from 0.4 miles to 0.7 miles that will do the trick, like the Westview trail or the slightly longer Canyon Trail. These dirt trails can get muddy after a rain, so bring a towel for the ride home!

After your grueling journey, relax at a picnic shelter or under a tree by the reservoir and enjoy some sandwiches with your favorite comrades. You've earned it!