Home › California › Belmont › Water Dog Lake South Trailhead
Water Dog Lake South Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 62 Google reviews · Running trail in Belmont, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Water Dog Lake South Trailhead'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.
Dog-friendly preserve offering multiple hiking trails with scenic views.
What runners say about Water Dog Lake South Trailhead
“The Waterdog Lake Trail is a beautiful and peaceful hike that offers a perfect escape into nature.”
“The grade is not too steep and many of the trails are shaded.”
“The Waterdog Lake Trail is a beautiful and peaceful hike that offers a perfect escape into nature.”
“it's a fairly easy hike and can be done in about 30 minutes.”
“It is wide like a fire road so plenty of room for dog walkers, cyclists and hikers.”
Lots of interconnected hiking trails. There are some easy trails. The moderate ones are Berry trail and John Brooks (connecting to chaparral trail). Generally well paved. Lots of rocks which necessitates good hiking shoes. Overall if you want to hike the entire green space it takes 2-3 hours.
Best hiking place in Belmont. It's best to start the hike @7 am or before. It's partially shady so prepare for the sun rays. It's good to have water , a hat and sunscreen. It's good to go with a group. You could see the bobcat warning. It's steep in some locations but can be easily done with kids.
Possibly new favorite trail. It's practically in my backyard and I only recently started hiking here. Can't wait to get my bike back up and running so I can ride around the lake.
The Waterdog Lake Trail is a beautiful and peaceful hike that offers a perfect escape into nature. It features scenic views, lush greenery, and a serene lake surrounded by trees. The trail is moderately easy, making it suitable for a wide range of hikers.
Trail conditions & character
“The Waterdog Lake Trail is a beautiful and peaceful hike that offers a perfect escape into nature.”
“It is wide like a fire road so plenty of room for dog walkers, cyclists and hikers.”
“A moderate hike with a steady ascent, several steep climbs, and loose gravel rocks.”
“The grade is not too steep and many of the trails are shaded.”
“The loop is well-maintained, and the lake is a great spot for birdwatching or just relaxing by the water.”
“The Waterdog Lake Trail is a beautiful and peaceful hike that offers a perfect escape into nature.”
Plan your run at Water Dog Lake South Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Phone(650) 595-7441
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–8 PM |
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Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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