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Lafayette Reservoir Recreation
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,994 Google reviews · Running trail in Lafayette, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Loop distance
- 2.7 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Lafayette Reservoir Recreation's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Sizable park featuring a reservoir, hiking trails & activities such as fishing & boating.
What runners say about Lafayette Reservoir Recreation
“Very clean park, groomed trails, bathrooms around the lake are septic tanks, kind of nasty.”
“I love walking the Lafayette reservoir it's a nice beautiful walk & great place to have a picnic.”
“Skyline is quiet and steep, brings you around to another trail that can connect back to the lot or continue around the lake.”
Huge parking lot, bring coins or card to pay $1.50/hr. Various hiking levels available. Skyline is quiet and steep, brings you around to another trail that can connect back to the lot or continue around the lake. Lots of birds... bathrooms were decent.
Very clean park, groomed trails, bathrooms around the lake are septic tanks, kind of nasty. Recommend using bathrooms at the front. Benches around the lake conveniently located to take a rest. Pave trail should be very easy. 2.1 miles or so. Day parking is $7 2 hour parking $2 .
For those interested in getting some exercise, this area has two areas to go for a walk or hike. The Rim Trail is about 5 miles long and has quite a few steep ascents and descents. The trail is very scenic. The second place to go for a walk is far more level so with some gradual ascents and descents and is about 2.
We went there for a picnic and bbq, It's a nice place and hiking has a lot of shades and trees. There's a 2.75 Mile loop hike too. They have rental boats and paddle boats. There are also a lot of picnic tables for small and big groups. $7 parking for day use.
Trail conditions & character
“Pro tip: when you get to the parking lot make a direct left for hourly parking, which is cheaper than daily parking (which is straight through the first stop).”
“Me and my friends did the longest hike, with many inclines 😭 super sore, but the views and the breeze were awesome!”
“There were no bathrooms, water spigots, or waste bins on the rim trail, but plenty if you drop down to the waterfront trail near the reservoir.”
“Also, for the more spirited hiker the rim trail is a dirt packed hill filled challenge and the lower paved trail around the reservoir is a 2.”
“7-mile walking loop is easy to follow and great for a relaxed walk.”
“Also, for the more spirited hiker the rim trail is a dirt packed hill filled challenge and the lower paved trail around the reservoir is a 2.”
“The calm water, wooded hills, and quiet walking trails make this place feel far away from the city, even though it’s right in the East Bay.”
“A very nice little park for an evening hike around the reservoir with your dog.”
“Skyline is quiet and steep, brings you around to another trail that can connect back to the lot or continue around the lake.”
Plan your run at Lafayette Reservoir Recreation
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- Loop distance2.7 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteebmud.com
- Phone(925) 284-9669
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6:30 AM–6:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 6:30 AM–6:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:30 AM–6:30 PM |
| Thursday | 6:30 AM–6:30 PM |
| Friday | 6:30 AM–6:30 PM |
| Saturday | 6:30 AM–6:30 PM |
| Sunday | 6:30 AM–6:30 PM |
Running trails near Lafayette
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Springhill Road Trailhead
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Olympic Blvd Staging Area
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