Lyons Reservoir Trail

Get ready for a full day of adventure with your pooch at the Lyons Reservoir Day Use Area, located outside of Mi-Wuk Village in sunny California. The Lyons Reservoir Area is made up of a man-made lake and is surrounded by the beautiful Stanislaus National Forest. Due to its high elevation, the area is only open for outdoor recreation during the spring, summer, and autumn months. You and your pup can enjoy a wide range of activities here in addition to hiking, such as picnicking, birding, and fishing. The Lyons Reservoir Area hosts three main trails, which you and Fido can explore easily on-paw. 

The first, and shortest, hike to try out with your pup is the Lyons Lake Loop. This part of the trail features mainly forest and lake views and is an easy 5.5-mile hike to complete for all skill levels. The main takeaway from this trail is that there are seasonal creek crossings, so its best to complete when water levels are down. Otherwise, enjoy the flat grade and lovely views of the Lyons Reservoir with this pawpular loop trail. If you're looking for more mileage, try out the Sugar Pine Railroad Grade Trail. 

The Sugar Pine Trail offers gorgeous scenery filled with conifers, wildflowers, and views of the lake. This trail offers more of a challenge, with variations in grades, but is relatively easy to complete. The Sugar Pine Railroad Grade extends 9.5 miles one way, so make sure to prepare for your trip! There are plenty of places to rest in the shade and enjoy a picnic with your pooch. If your pup wants to press on, go for a short visit to the Lyons Dam. Here you can choose to hike along the wide fire road that encircles the dam and reservoir (10.4 miles). This trail is often washed out near the dam, but an alternate route is often possible.

Note that no camping, swimming or boating are allowed in the area.  

Completing all three trails might be tough in just one day, but whichever you choose, you and your pup will no doubt have a furrific time!