So this reservoir was built in 1874 but closed to public, then opened for recreational use in the 60s. So the trails around the lake have matured really well. Like most parts of the paved trails are very well shaded from trees that have grown over those years. My dog and I walk for around an hour to hour and a half, so we usually pick west or east from the parking lot and return the same way. I think we've only explored like half of the lake so far. I've seen wild turkeys, deers, rabbits, and ducks around. And if you are wearing overear headphones, you get the natures remix with all the birds and insects chirping. read more

Lake Chabot Regional Park - Parks Near Me - Castro Valley, California

I've been to this east Bay regional park a million times and I've had a great visit each time. They do lots of races here and I've enjoyed running the bike trail up at the top coming through the Eucalyptus trees. It's's fun except for a challenging hill called live oak trail. If you've never tried it before, try running up the hill as fast as you can go. It will be a fun experience for you. You could thank me later. In the Marina. there's a small Cafe--sort of like a bar-and-grill except for no bar. They also sell fish, licenses and rent boats. One of my favorite all time parks in the east bay regional park system read more

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I'm genuinely surprised that after all these years, I have never written a review for Lake Chabot. Situated just east of San Leandro, this man-made lake covers 317 acres and offers a bevy of fun activities to do including fishing (both around the shoreline as well as on a boat), hiking, boating, and picnic grounds. The path looping around Lake Chabot is fully paved and a very easy and flat hike. I also use to come here with friends to rent a boat at the docks and go fishing out on the water. Although I never caught anything, it was still really serene to get out on the relatively flat waters early in the morning with the prospect of potentially catching dinner. There are also fish cleaning stations and bathrooms near the main marina. Dogs are a common sight here but must remain leashed. Additionally, there is a daily $2 dog fee to enter with your furry companions. Parking is also available at the entrance for $5, or you can just park at the street level and walk in like I always do. The free curb parking does fill up fast though, so make sure to arrive early to secure a spot. You can also launch your own boat with a $3 launch fee. read more

Lake Chabot Regional Park - Parks Near Me - Castro Valley, California

It was a nice day to be outside. Can't wait to go back and just enjoy another day outside read more

Lake Chabot Regional Park - Parks Near Me - Castro Valley, California

Love bringing my dogs to hike, well an easy walk here. You will find a lot of people either hike, walk, run, bike along the lakeside. The park is dog friendly, they used to charge $2 per dog but cancelled it since the beginning of the year. Crowded when we were they, and a lot of people picnicking, barbecuing. They have a longer hike with more intense workout (approx 9 miles), but with my senior dog, an easier route will fit our need. read more

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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. The lake is stunning, especially when the light hits the water, and the surrounding hills and greenery make it feel immersive and calming. It's the kind of place that instantly slows you down and helps you breathe a little deeper. One of the biggest highlights is the sheer number of trails available. There are so many options, whether you're looking for a casual walk, a longer hike, or something more challenging. The trails are well maintained and offer a great mix of lake views, wooded areas, and open stretches. It's also a great park because it works for so many different types of outings. You'll see hikers, runners, cyclists, families, and people just enjoying time outdoors. There's plenty of space, so it never feels overcrowded, even when it's busy. Lake Chabot Regional Park is a true gem. The natural beauty, variety of trails, and peaceful atmosphere make it a place you'll want to return to again and again. Whether you're local or just visiting, it's absolutely worth spending time here. read more

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First time here and we had such an amazing experience . RANGER LARRY is so kind! He went above and beyond to assist our party. Very thankful for his help. Would come here again. Dog and family friendly read more

Had the weekend off work and decided to go on a two hour walk around lake chabot on a Sunday. This place is family friendly and spacious, where you can have a picnic on the grass or in the picnic table areas. There are outdoor grills and a little coffee/cafe. It was also nice to see that row boats can be rented if you want to be on the water/in the lake. I enjoy this park and it is one of my go to places because there is plenty of shade with the surrounding trees and the path is paved. The trail is not steep and walkable for little kids. This trail can go around the lake and can take 3-5 hours, but you can stop at any point and turn around. Parking is paid but you can park outside of the entrance on the street. This park is a great escape from busy areas and good way to spend some time outdoors. read more

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Lake Chabot holds a special place in my heart. Having grown up in the area, I've spent decades walking these trails and enjoying the peaceful views. Now, as a photographer, it's become one of my favorite local spots for engagement sessions. The park offers a little bit of everything; tree-lined trails, wide open grassy areas, and of course, the lake itself. The light here is beautiful in the late afternoon, especially along the water and among the eucalyptus groves. It feels like a hidden escape, even though it's right in the heart of the East Bay. For couples who want a location that's relaxed, scenic, and authentically Bay Area, Lake Chabot is a perfect choice. It's easy to access, never overly crowded, and photographs beautifully in every season. read more

Lake Chabot Regional Park - Parks Near Me - Castro Valley, California

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There are so many reasons to love Lake Chabot. From picnics to camping to walking on the trail, I've been coming here forever and have enjoyed each time. Most recently, Lake Chabot has been my favorite place for post-work or early morning weekend walks. It's a 9 mile trail if you plan to go all around the lake. I'd say it's a moderate trail - mostly flat but there are some inclines that will get your heart rate up. I've only done the full round trip trail once and towards the middle, you do get to some more foresty area with a less defined trail. However, if you decide not to go all the way around, you can easily get 3-4 miles in while still having a clearly defined trail. Some of the trail is shaded with trees, other parts are more open to the sun. It's best to still bring a hat + sunscreen! There's just one trail for bikers, walkers, and runners so just be sure to be aware of your surroundings and move out of the way for those who need to pass. A lot of people bring their dogs and for the most part, people do a good job about keeping their dogs on a leash, but I have seen some with off-leash dogs. If your dog is not great with other dogs, this might not be the best trail. There are some camping bathrooms along the trail, but be prepared with some toilet paper and hand sanitizer if you think you might need to use them. There are also some (very few) trash bins along the trail in case you toss out any dog poop bags. Weekends get really busy, especially as you get to midday with picnic goers, parties, or boaters. Get here early to avoid the crowds. They have a paid parking lot available inside ($5 for cars, $2 per dog, if I remember correctly). I've usually parked right outside on the street for free with no issues of finding parking. Of course, the best part of Lake Chabot is the lake itself. You'll get beautiful views of the water and hills, especially during the quiet early mornings or during sunset. read more

Lake Chabot Regional Park - Parks Near Me - Castro Valley, California

We love walking here!! My husband and kids like that the road is paved. There is also unpaved road and its a nice walk. The view is amazing. Husband also fish here, too. We really love coming here. We are regular here. The only thing that bugs us is when dog owners don't pick their dogs poop. We are actually became a regional park member because we come here so often that we make our $$ worth it. read more

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I am writing to formally express my disappointment regarding my recent experience at the park and marina area. During my visit, my children and I waited nearly two hours to get on a pontoon boat while I observed management allowing other individuals to board boats based on personal relationships or favoritism. This felt unfair and unprofessional In addition the staff behavior inside the café was extremely disappointing and lacked professionalism. The only positive part of the experience was the young men working on the dock, who remained respectful and uplifting once they noticed I was upset. They handled themselves professionally despite the stressful environment around them I also noticed several safety and cleanliness concerns throughout the area. Many of the boats appeared old poorly maintained and dirty From what I observed employees were mainly instructed to spray the boats down quickly with hoses, with little to no proper cleaning supplies being used This does not appear to be an effective or safe maintenance process for equipment being used by families and visitors Another concern was the way some employees were treated by management I witnessed behavior that appeared disrespectful and unprofessional toward staff members. I strongly believe all visitors and employees should be treated with courtesy, fairness, and professionalism at all times, regardless of background or position Overall the lack of organization, customer service, assistance, and maintenance created a very frustrating experience for my family and negatively impacted our visit to the park I respectfully ask that management seriously review these concerns and take appropriate action to improve customer service, employee treatment, safety standards, cleanliness, and overall operations moving forward read more

I love this park. I've hiked multiple trails starting at a few different trail heads. The park is very well maintained with plenty of clean bathrooms. There is a good section of paved trails that are great on wet days. They offer boat rentals. There are places to fish. A frisbee golf course and a cafe. read more

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Very lovely and nice park in the bay area. Great for walking with beautiful views. The restrooms are well maintained and clean. I highly recommend this park. read more

Gray early morning hike, air is fresh and so magnificent with a layer of fog sitting over the lake, wish I can walk on it Trail is clean and easy to hike read more

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Lake Chabot Regional Park is a popular and family-friendly destination with plenty of trails, shade, and activities. The main loop is about 9 miles long, taking roughly 4-5 hours to complete, rated as easy to moderate. The most popular entrance is the Marina area, with $5 paid parking, street parking is available too for free, boat/kayak rentals at the Marina Cafe. Facilities include restrooms near the Marina. However, it can get crowded, especially during peak times. read more

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Great park with tons of trails and activities on the water! We went paddleboating and it was super fun. You can kayak as well/rent other boats. Tons of options to choose from. There are also some picnic areas with bbq pits you can reserve scattered around the park. If you come early enough, it's first come first serve! The reservation method can get quite pricey. The lake is gorgeous as well. No swimming here. It gets pretty crowded here though, and the parking lot does fill up fast. Parking is $5 and they charge at the gate. Alternatively, you can park outside the park for free and walk up (note: it can be a little far/uphill though). read more

Lake Chabot Regional Park - Parks Near Me - Castro Valley, California

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Beautiful park for walking, picnics relaxing and hiking. I always have a nice time you can boat, fish and get a snack.

This park is amazingly beautiful. It had been some time since I had been here. A perfect place for a run, walk or a hike. read more

Lake Chabot Regional Park - Parks Near Me - Castro Valley, California

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We love Lake Chabot. I wouldn't say I consider it a "hike" per se, it's a little too suburban. But it's a wonderful walk around the lake with multiple easy trails sprouting from the main trail. It's partially paved in some areas, which offers accessibility. If you plan to go the whole way around, it's around 8 miles or so. Not too long, not too short. It is not paved the entire way around. The lake offers a lot of parking and recreational activities. We frequently see people boating or fishing here. Parts of the trail get very muddy in the winter so be cognizant of choosing which shoes you plan to bring if you are going on the parts of the trail no longer paved. read more

Quick take: best place to exercise The West Shore Trail provides plenty of shade. The weather was beautiful and it wasn't too hot. Great place to kayak, pedal boat, bike, jog or walk. Also see people fishing off small boats. Fishing off the piers. It does get crowded here in the afternoon. Lots of people bbqing and hosting parties. read more

Nothing less than 5 stars for Lake Chabot! Parking fee is $5. But you can park on the street for free. Though on weekends, parking fills up fast! I like lake Chabot for the versatility. You can rent a peddle boat or go kayaking on the lake or have a bbq. There are different trails to go on and they're not that strenuous. Some trails are shaded surrounded by many trees. Come by for a short hike or a long all day excursion. read more

I've been coming here since I was an child. Its a great place for nature walk and to bring your dogs. They have cafe and pedal and motor boats to take out. read more

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Can I just say my previous experience here was terrible however today they completely changed my mind. I arrived approx at 630A for a boat rental. Few people waiting but the line continued to grow. One person working at the story was a little rude and she seemed frustrated to be at work however can I just MARLEY turned our experience around. She was polite, professional when we came back to ring up. I was not even frustrated that I had to wait 2X in line because we were still helped really fast. After we waited in line to get in the dock but overall they were quick to get our life vests and out in the water. We came back twice to use the restroom and never once did we feel like we were an inconvenience. Marley and Essex (I think that's how you spell his name) were amazing!! They were quick to help us in and out and made us feel so welcomed. They are amazing employees and we appreciated them so much. It made us want to come back every month to rent a boat. The weather was perfect and everyone out on the water was friendly. It doesn't hurt we also caught a fish. read more

Lake Chabot Regional Park - Parks Near Me - Castro Valley, California

Wonderful little park that is family friendly. Great trails for all levels. Lots of puppy's and people on the weekend. Parking is $5. Free parking outside park. No reception. Beautiful scenery :) read more

Lake Chabot Regional Park - Parks Near Me - Castro Valley, California

What a lovely way to spend an afternoon. Lake Chabot Regional Park has beautiful views and trails, is super family and dog friendly, is very accessible and offers a wide range of things to do. When you enter, there is a $5 charge per vehicle and $2 for dogs. Many people park on the road outside the park and walk in, so if money happens to be tight, this is always an option. We visited on a weekday and paid at the kiosk but when we returned after lunch the booth was manned. He checked our receipts and allowed us back inside. We went for multiple long walks around the lake so that we could check out the views from both sides. I love that anyone can hike/stroll/roll here. The pathway is paved so even if you have a stroller or wheelchair you can still walk the paths. It's about 9 miles around the lake but you can walk up and back as far as you like, so no matter your fitness level, anyone can use the trails here. The views of the trees and lake are very nice and there are lots of bathrooms and benches along the way. If you don't feel like walking the trail, they have multiple exercise areas with actual outdoor equipment like a rowing machine and bench presses. There is a volleyball net set up so you can play and lots of open grassy areas to play catch or tag. If you're not feeling like being particularly active, that's fine too. There are lots of sunny or shady spots to rest on the grass and spots to fish as well if that's what you like. You can also grab some food at the marina or rent a boat to explore the lake. This is a really lovely space with something for everyone that you could easily spend the whole day exploring and place you will return to again and again. read more

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It's a large park with nice view and 9 mile trail. Make sure to wear hiking shoes because there are few large hills on this trail. You can rent a boat here, kayak or even paddle board. Also, you can host classes here or even birthdays, you just need to call the park office or even talk to them. They have small kiosk on site. Very affordable prices and very enjoyable park for families or couples and even singles. If you get thirsty or need a quick snake, they have a small store that sells drinks, fishing gears and snacks. Yes, you can fish here read more

Lake Chabot Regional Park - Trail - Parks Near Me - Castro Valley, California

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Lovely,peaceful and happiness with love and respectful place where can hiking, boating,picnic, play,physical exercise and more to connect to the nature of beauty with heart and mindfulness .. read more

!BEST.PARK.EVER! It's Mother Nature, who can argue against her? SHE provides you with a lake, hiking trails, fresh air, trees, bushes, bugs, fishes, birds, and many more! This park is perfect for family picnics, copping a squat near a giant tree, relaxing rental boat rides, biking on the dirt trails, romantic walks with your boo, and even kissing under the clear blue sky while sitting on a giant rock... What are you waiting for? Go get your steps in with mother... mother nature that is... read more

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Beautiful lake BUT dog owners lack basic common sense here: Keep dogs ON leash and AWAY from other dogs. Simple. Unnecessary negative interactions as a result. Unfortunate. read more

Lake Chabot Regional Park - Lake chabot - Parks Near Me - Castro Valley, California

One of the best spots for hiking and picnicking in the East Bay. There are several picnic areas with tables and bbq pits that you can reserve. The lake itself is gorgeous. There's a paved, almost flat, section that's perfect for older folks, but if you continue around the entire lake, it's a total of about 9 miles. After the paved section, the rest of the loop is a bit more challenging with ups and downs and narrow paths. But there's lots of trees and plants to admire, and is a lot of fun. There's also quite a few piers for fishing, and boats you can rent. There's something for everyone here. My favorite time to come is in the late spring when there's plenty of wild flowers to enjoy. Be aware, though, that there is no cell reception in the park or in the parking lot. Tip: there's usually plenty of parking in the nearby neighborhood if you want to avoid the $5 parking fee ;) read more

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This is the parking/trail above the parking lot. There is about 10 spots to park in the lot but plenty of parking on the street. This paved trail is about 1.75 miles from top to bottom and the way up is pretty much an incline. There's a memorial there that's kind of hidden along the end of the trail and I didn't expect it and it almost made me cry. It's for children lost in the county due to crime. Benches along the way and the view on clear days is unbelievable. Can't believe it took this SL native so long to find this gem! read more

Lake Chabot Regional Park - Parks Near Me - Castro Valley, California

Another great place to hike with my doggos! This is our second favorite place to hike! Once I know my dogs are safe I unleash so they could roam around! Be careful though a lot of other dogs roam around but they are mostly nice! It just my mix chihuahua gets really aggressive sometimes so I make sure to watch him a lot :) read more

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Lake Chabot is my go to spot for Family BBQ and hiking. I always get lost when I do the bicycle trails- it would takes me 5-6 hrs to complete. So now I just do the hike around the lake, it about 3 hrs. Not too hard, a few up hills and down hills- not crazy like mission peaks. And the view is amazing! If you need food, you can check out their cafe, it's a little pricey but very convenient. Thanks Lake Chabot for all these wonderful family and friends memories for the past 25 years!! read more

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Great place to get some walking, jogging, biking, hiking, kayaking, paddle boating, fishing, and picnicking/BBQing. +++ Calming lake views along both the west shore and east shore trails (both trails have some up/downhills but nothing steep) + Ample shade along paved trails + Plenty of benches and BBQ + Food and drinks available at the cafe + Restroom available near the cafe - Reception can be spotty, so coordinate a meeting point if you're going with others Tip: * $5 for parking or included in the East Bay Parks membership * Boat/kayak rentals available read more

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The walk is a leisure walk with mostly shades and beautiful view of the lake. There are many family with kids around lounging on picnic mats or having bbq. There are lots of geese poops also so beware where you step or sit on. Overall, great spot for a lovely stroll. read more

Nice regional park in Hayward, CA to hike or for a picnic. I can't believe I have not rated this place yet. I almost forgot this park was here! We used to go here for family party picnics all the time when I was younger but as families got bigger, we didn't go as much. The family would be too big to accommodate. Also, the picnic areas had to be reserved. I think it's better that way so you don't have to go early in the morning to reserve a spot like we used to. The park has upgrade a lot from when I was younger and looks so much better and prettier than I remembered. It is also very crowded now. Parking can be full very early so extra parking will be outside. There is still a parking fee of $5 which has not changed since I was younger. Their are still boat rentals here if your interested in being on the lake. Just recently, I went here to hike and forgot their were hiking trails here. Nice beautiful trails along the lake (8 miles) or some shorter trails to choose from. Totally recommend to come here. I will be back! [42nd/100] read more

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Lake Chabot walking trails are very popular in the east bay. The main loop trail is paved for a good portion. And the views at the right time of day will remind me of the beautiful area we live in. read more

Lake Chabot Regional Park - Afternoon overlooking the tule reeds - Parks Near Me - Castro Valley, California

This was a wonderful park visit. First the weather was cool and comfortable and there were lots of shaded areas for when the sun came out later on. There is a parking lot for $5 and a dog fee of $2, which is the first time I've seen this. Plastic bags for dog owners, were scattered around the park. We came before 9 and found lots of street parking along Lake Chabot Road. There's plenty of wild life here, as we saw a herons, ducks and pelicans. Plenty of areas for BBQs near the entrance and there is a children's play ground for the young ones. Restrooms are located near the entrance with 4 stalls and porto potties scattered around the park. It's about 9 miles around the lake, with various trails depending on whether you want to go up the hills or around the lake. Overall, a great walk with lots of trails to explore. Would love to come back to hike up the hills. read more

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Beautiful day for a hike around Lake Chabot! Fist time here and I was impressed with all the boating options this regional park offers! The full walk around the lake is about 9 miles so 3-4 hours! I suggest coming earlier as there's more people here in the afternoon for picnics and barbecues. This month, if you visit the visitors center before 2pm PT, you can pick up a free t-shirt and booklet of all hiking trails that's part of the hike challenge! Parking is $5 per vehicle everyday and $2 for each dog entering the park. Not sure if they charges you if you walked in versus parking in the park. There's plenty of street parking outside but seems full when I was there. read more

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