HomeCaliforniaArroyo Grande › Lopez Lake

Lopez Lake

4.6 ★★★★★ 218 Google reviews · Running trail in Arroyo Grande, California · Open 24 hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Open 24 hours

Confirmed from Lopez Lake'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.

Open 24hScenicRestroomsTrailhead parking

Reservoir set in rocky hills, popular for hiking, kayaking & fishing, with shoreline campgrounds.

What runners say about Lopez Lake

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (218 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 5 mentions

“Such a beautiful lake , I have got to get better at fishing it again I know there are some nice sized fish in this lake.”

There's a lot to love about Lopez Lake. The fact it's a short drive from the coast, tons of camping spots, fishing, boating, hiking and much more. We've gone here many times, sometimes for a quick day trip or weekend camping when we didn't want to drive for hours.

★★★★☆ — Rocktoredwoods , Mar 2026

Camped and rented a pontoon boat. Weather was great. Only 8 miles from Arroyo Grande. Wild turkey visited our campsite.

★★★★★ — David , Dec 2025

Its a wonderful park for hiking, lots of trails with stunning views over the lake, lots of wildflowers in the spring.

★★★★★ — Philippe , Aug 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 218 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 6 mentions

“Such a beautiful lake , I have got to get better at fishing it again I know there are some nice sized fish in this lake.”

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🚻 Restrooms 4 mentions

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🅿️ Trailhead parking

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Plan your run at Lopez Lake

The practical stuff

  • AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
  • Websiteslocountyparks.com
  • Phone(805) 781-5930
  • Social Facebook

Hours

Monday Open 24 hours
Tuesday Open 24 hours
Wednesday Open 24 hours
Thursday Open 24 hours
Friday Open 24 hours
Saturday Open 24 hours
Sunday Open 24 hours

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Lopez Lake

Lopez Dr, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420

Get directions

Running trails near Arroyo Grande

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Biddle Park

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Big Falls Trailhead

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76 miLoopScenic

Hiking area in Los Padres National Forest featuring kid-friendly paths.

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Strother Park

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ShadedScenicDog-friendly

Local park & popular gathering spot with 2 play structures, a picnic area, BBQ grills & restrooms.

6.5 miles away

Rancho Grande Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 256 reviews

Arroyo Grande, CA

ScenicDog-friendly

Picnic benches and play areas at a large park with a basketball court, for families.

7.6 miles away

James Way Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 55 reviews

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1.7 miLoopDog-friendly

Relaxed trails to walk pets and kids through a preserved oak forest.

8.1 miles away

James Way trailhead

5 ★★★★★ 1 reviews

Arroyo Grande, CA

8.5 miles away

All running trails in Arroyo Grande, CA →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.