Home › California › Castro Valley › Lake Chabot Regional Park
Lake Chabot Regional Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 4,161 Google reviews · Running trail in Castro Valley, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- 70 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Lake Chabot Regional Park'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.
Parkland featuring a 315-acre reservoir for canoeing & fishing, plus trails, picnic areas & a cafe.
What runners say about Lake Chabot Regional Park
“Since we moved to the area, have been to Lake Chabot Park multiple times, and it never stops to amaze me at how well kept and beautiful it is.”
“Despite its length, the trail was not only physically demanding but also incredibly picturesque, offering a feast for the eyes throughout the journey.”
“Nestled in the heart of the Bay Area, this serene and awe-inspiring regional park offers a vast expanse of trails and a rich tapestry of history.”
Lake Chabot Regional Park is a scenic regional park located in the southern Berkeley Hills of Alameda County, California. Established on June 18, 1966, it is part of the East Bay Regional Park District and encompasses the 315-acre Lake Chabot reservoir. EN.WIKIPEDIA.
Nestled in the heart of the Bay Area, this serene and awe-inspiring regional park offers a vast expanse of trails and a rich tapestry of history. A must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and history buffs, this park boasts a magnificent lake encircled by majestic mountains, providing breathtaking views…
My sister, niece and I was visiting from Chicago for Thanksgiving. My sister and her family lives in Oakley, and she brought us here for a nice brisk walk after that Thanksgiving dinner. We needed it! 😋 We didn't have sun, but it was a great place to visit.
Lake Chabot Regional Park is an absolutely beautiful place and easily one of the most peaceful outdoor spaces in the area. From the moment you arrive, it feels like a true escape from the city--quiet, expansive, and surrounded by nature. The scenery alone is worth the visit.
Trail conditions & character
“Since we moved to the area, have been to Lake Chabot Park multiple times, and it never stops to amaze me at how well kept and beautiful it is.”
“Gets busy quite early but parking is also available on the main road outside the park entrance.”
“Nestled in the heart of the Bay Area, this serene and awe-inspiring regional park offers a vast expanse of trails and a rich tapestry of history.”
“We embarked on a challenging yet rewarding 10-mile hike around the lake, which took us approximately four hours to complete.”
“The lake is stunning, especially when the light hits the water, and the surrounding hills and greenery make it feel immersive and calming.”
“Also unlike so many parks, there are bathrooms all around the lake so you will never be far from one.”
“The lake is stunning, especially when the light hits the water, and the surrounding hills and greenery make it feel immersive and calming.”
“Fishing, picnic tables with grills, tons of green space, beautiful lake with accessible walking trials!”
“One side of the lake has a paved trail, while the other is unpaved but still easily accessible.”
Plan your run at Lake Chabot Regional Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Distance70 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteebparks.org
- Phone(888) 327-2757
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–9 PM |
Running trails near Castro Valley
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Fairmont Ridge Staging Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 152 reviews
Area with winding dirt trails and a paved path, for off-leash dog walking.
Nike Trail | Lake Chabot
4.4 ★★★★☆ 51 reviews
Kid-friendly hiking area with picnic tables and a public restroom.
Chabot Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,612 reviews
Leafy nature area with a big lake, hiking trails & a disc golf course, popular for fishing & biking.
Halcyon Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 418 reviews
Family-friendly park with a kids' playground, picnic benches and barbecue grills, plus a volleyball court.
Meek Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 883 reviews
Landscaped grounds of a historic mansion with play structures, picnic space with grills & open lawn.