Friday, March 1, 2018
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“Lafayette Reservoir is the backyard fishing hole and recreation area for folks in Lafayette and Orinda. It should be on the map for anybody in the Bay Area for its beauty, good fishing and picnic sites. The 126-acre lake is the centerpiece of a 925-acre recreation area, tucked in a valley surrounded by pretty foothills. A multi-use trail circles the lake.”
“The Lakeside Nature Trail is a 2.7-mile route that is mostly flat, paved and circles the lake, with occasional views of the lake through the vegetation. Locals use the route for short walks, easy bike trips with kids, a jogging route, even strollers with infants. It links to the more ambitious Rim Trail.” *1
Begin this walk from Village Center off Mt Diablo Blvd in Lafayette. Parking is free and it’s a short walk up along the Shore Trail to the parking lot at Lafayette Reservoir.
The paved Lakeside Nature Trail is a relatively flat 2.7 miles around the reservoir. The trail goes along the manicured lawns and picnic areas as it travels counter-clockwise around the lake.
The trail cuts in and out of the shaded woodland on gentle terrain with the occasional glimpse of the reservoir.
The Lakeside Nature Trail leads to the large picnic area at the east end of the lake adjacent to the playground area.
Lafayette Reservoir
This a beautiful easy walk around the reservoir with wonderful views of the lake. Water fountains and restrooms are scattered throughout the 2.7-mile trail making it very doable for everyone! We did a double loop; beginning counter-clockwise and going in the reverse direction back to the parking lot area-it’s a very enjoyable walk in both directions and a low-key alternative to riding a bike on wet roads.
*1 From http://www.sfgate.com/outdoors/sundaydrive/article/Lafayette-Reservoir-not-just-for-locals-4489457.php
Stats:
6.7 Miles with 425′ of elevation gain
Max elevation: 525′
Time: 2 hours
Hike: Easy
Parking: Ample free street parking on Village Center or Mt Diablo Blvd in Lafayette OR $7 parking fee at the reservoir lot
Facilities: Restrooms & drinking fountains available around the Nature Trail.
Dog Friendly-ON-LEASH ONLY
Weather: Cloudy skies with temps ranging from the high 40’s to low 50’s with SW winds.
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