We came here early in the AM to fish for a few hours, and it was largely unsuccessful aside from a couple small fries. They stock trout, catfish, bluegill, and black bass, and have convenient monofilament and fluorocarbon recycling bins. Parking fee is $5 (and plenty of it), as well as fishing, and additional fees if you bring boats here. There is no reception in various areas. It looks like it's a poppin' place for hiking, picnics, and other recreational activities. There is swimming allowed in the main lake only, though it's not the cleanest lake I've seen. The entire park area is quite expansive, that you'll have to drive around to visit everything efficiently. I suppose you can hike, but the road is a bit gravelly, rocky, uneven, and dirty with random poop. If you're walking to some of the fishing docks, you'll have to be careful about trekking up and down the hills with your gear. It could have been the day, but this was one of my least favorite fishing spot around the bay. The fishing docks were whatever, the fish weren't biting, the cleanliness wasn't there, and the trails were annoying. It started hailing/heavy raining randomly on our spot, even though it was going to be a warm afternoon. Also, an otter stole one of our catches. Still, the topography was interesting so I'd be open to coming here again to see if I'm being unappreciative. read more

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Lovely place to get on the water in Pleasanton - we stopped by with our newly purchased paddle boards earlier this month. There is a $5 parking fee and a $7 boat inspection fee (inspections are valid for a month) as they are concerned about mussels getting into the lake. After parking, we inflated our paddle board and lowered it into the water, which was clean and calm. We all took it out for a spin, some of us staying close to shore, others venturing much further. Some of us rowed sitting down, others paddled standing up, till we were all tired and hungry and decided to call it a day. Will be back! read more

Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area - The water was calm and clear. - Parks Near Me - Pleasanton, California

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We went fishing at shadow cliffs and caught large mouth bass & Trout! For Bass we through senko's and wacky worms! For the rainbow trout we use power bait & spoons! It's very much a time of year fishing spot so read the reports! We have how to fishing videos on our youtube: fishing with austin ca$h read more

Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area - Fishing at shadow cliffs in pleasanton california - Parks Near Me - Pleasanton, California

My first time here and I loved it. There are so many things to do here, equestrian trail, normal trails, boating, fishing, swim (summer time), picnic, kites, just play with the ducks and birds. or just take in the beautiful scenery. It was not too crowded, but this is before 10 am and in the spring time. Will have to go back in the summer which I am sure it will be crowded. And hey, people with dogs, we can continue to clean up after your dogs.. right? Please keep the place as you found it when you walked in It's a great area. Fun for kids! read more

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We've brought our kayaks here when the weather is warmer. It's a nice little spot to paddle around. The water is so calm that our dog was able to ride on one of the kayaks. My husband and I have also come here to walk around. Its flat and hardly anyone is on the trail so it makes for a nice quiet time. Dogs are allowed on the trail. Lot of people out fishing. It's great that this spot is right in our backyard. read more

A wonderful little lake! I came here on a hot day for a swim when I was in the area, and decided to explore a bit more. It's got a wonderful trail along half of the lake and if things are in bloom it's gorgeous! There are also a few fishing docks along the accessible part of the lake. read more

Great place for fishing, I come here often they do stock trout often. I have also come here on picnics With family. Very well maintained area. Great place to relax on a weekend! read more

Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area - Parks Near Me - Pleasanton, California

They charge $6 for parking here, but they have a humongous lot with different parking areas to reach different parts of the park (note, there's also a free parking lot at the bmx track about 5 minutes away... that's probably where google maps will take you if you don't input "lake" in your search). The park is divided into sections... closest to the parking lot is the beach area with plenty of sand, where swimming is allowed in a roped area of the water and a lifeguard is on duty. Further down is a fishing area of the lake, where snacks and boat rentals are available as well. Here, there's plenty of grass and trees, no sand, and it's less crowded than the beach area. Beyond that, no fishing is allowed. Plenty of signs are posted everywhere, noting these rules and separating these sections. There's ample seating throughout the entire park, and 2-3 restrooms too. When I visited this past Monday, besides geese hanging out on the shoreline, plenty of other creatures could be seen on site including lizards and squirrels. There's also a bit of a trail along the water for jogging but it's only on one side, not wrapping around the lake. You can access trails going in other directions though, like Arroyo trails in the back of the parking lot near the Interpretive Pavilion. The place is lovely, but there are lots of rules and restrictions for different areas of the park, and lots of staff on site making their presence known... and while I appreciate them keeping everything in order, it sorta takes away from the appeal of parks where it just feels peaceful and free. Hence why I didn't give 5 stars. read more

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Our walking group decided to do a walk here on a recent Thursday before a lunch in Pleasanton. Shadow Cliffs is a recreational area that encompasses 266 acres where people can swim, fish, picnic, boat, hike and birdwatch. There is a $6 entry fee per a car. We parked under the solar panel sections of the parking lot for shade. There were restroom facilities. The snack stand was not open. Maybe weekends only? The area was originally a Kaiser gravel quarry donated to EBRPD and opened as a park in 1971. The large part of the area is an 80 acre lake where I saw people swimming and playing on the beach and fishermen fishing on a boat and from piers along the shoreline. There are many open areas with picnic tables. We hiked several of the main trails, the Lake, Levee and North and South Arroyo. All the trails were relatively flat and a steeper trail was closed due to maintenance. None of the trails looped around the lake, so you would double back on a couple of them. We hiked about 2 1/2 miles during our trip. A nice recreation area that picnickers, swimmers, fisherman and boaters would enjoy. read more

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Nice family park,tons of parking recently lowered parking fee to $5,nice roped off swimming area,good fishing lots of shoreline to choose from 4 dock areas u can fish from also. Large picnic area quite a few tables and bbqs Quite a few public restrooms,overall a great place to spend the day with the family. read more

This place is not transparent about their upfront fee for paddle boarding in their lake. I don't like liars.

It's a big park that you can circle around in a little over a mile. Perfect to walk your dog. Parking is $6 and Dog fee is $2 You can get the East Bay regional annual pass at REI and it's about $60 for a year. Very much worth it if you go to a park with your dog that paid parking is required. The park have very clean bathrooms but ok weekdays I noticed that only one is open. The beach really needs some cleaning up and no water activities resumed yet since COVID. The hike is easy so it's great for me and my small dogs. We saw poppies right in the parking lot on 4/7/2023. Beautiful. Plenty of parking spaces. There is paid chargers. Drinking fountain available so bring a doggie bowl and poop bags for dogs. I wish the water activities would resume and the beach can get some new sand. read more

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Wife and I always passed this park on our way to work and decided to go for a walk with our dog and it was super nice! They have a designated beach area (no dogs allowed on beach area) and lots of fishing areas and a wrap around trail (we walked about two miles) that had their own smaller lakes. Some parts of the trails are not covered and totally exposed to sun while others are covered in shade but beware if you got allergies lol Parking is $6 and dog fee is $2 but I think we got lucky and didn't have to pay (someone was at the Kiosk waiting) read more

Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area - Beach area within park - Parks Near Me - Pleasanton, California

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Hello again. Again, my review are for parents considering taking a stroller. My wife and I have been checking out East Bay Regional parks with our one and three year old. We have been using our GT double stroller. Okay, big parking lot so that's a plus. We started our hike behind the big Interpretive Pavilion. The top trail is really really rocky. Take the route to the lower paths as soon as you can. It's still dirt / gravel but 100% better than the top trail. Your kids will thank you. There is a combination of sun and shade from the big trees. May be two inclines but nothing like my other review on the Castle Ridge Trail. This trail is totally doable with a stroller. I'm not sure if we will come back since we have done longer and nicer paved trails. The beach was closed and the park was pretty empty. We saw awesome homes right a long the trail. One home was solid this month for 3.25 million dollars! That's insane but wouldn't it be cool to have a regional park as an extension to your backyard. One could dream... or move out of state. read more

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It's been 25 years since I went fishing! My family wanted to celebrate Father's Day by bringing my dad out for fishing. During the COVID, the gates are still closed so no parking available inside. We had to park at the BMX parking lot which was a half a mile away by walking. When we arrived at the large park, there were so many ducks. So you know what that means? Please watch your step! After the whole morning fishing, we didn't catch anything. I guess the park didn't restock the fishes during the pandemic. Oh well. What matters most was our dad having a good time and bonding with the fam. read more

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Had a great time went on two trails and got to getting into the water on the beach side

GEESE POOP LOT OF IT literally covering the entire man made shore. glad I only paid $5 but I would not have came if I would have know everyone just swims with the poop. read more

Came with my pups to have a change of scenery. I was excited that there was a local spot with water views, but was very disappointed. There is way too much poop everywhere from geese and negligent people who don't pick up after their animals. Every bit of grass we wanted to walk or play on was covered in poop. Water access was closed with a "do not swim" warning. It gets scorching hot here so bring extra water for you and your dogs. Parking is $6 and supposedly $2 extra per dog. Pay at the machine next to the entrance booth. Credit cards only. read more

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On the day we went the water was muddy and had lots of geese poop In it , the sand was black under the surface, Not a clean swimming environment read more

Shadow Cliffs is a smaller regional park that used to be a gravel quarry, but now offers a nice lake and interesting greenery. It was pretty empty and quiet when I went this past week! There are a couple main sections and reasons why people come: 1. Picnic areas and lawn: can often become really packed with visitors having barbeques, parties, and even cross country races. Park bathrooms and facilities are well maintained. 2. The lakes: Individuals (and their pets) are generally able to swim, boat, and fish in the main lake and other little lakes in this park (see notices, closures, and required permits on the park website @ https://www.ebparks.org/parks/shadow_cliffs/ if you want to double check). There's a small portion of sandy beach with a roped off swimming area. 3. Nature and trails: While each of the paths around Shadow Cliffs is fairly short (nothing longer than a mile or so) there are many crosscrossing paths which provides for opportunities for a longer walk and adventure. There is a main, flat road called "Levee Trail" that is well maintained that offers a view of the lake and cement company down the road. The south portion of the park has many little paths, shaded by trees and winding around a series of smaller ponds. This park seems very suitable for dog walking, and I saw at least a dozen friendly dogs during my visit. I also saw several birds nesting in a tree, turtles basking in the sun, and butterflies fluttering around berry bushes. Beware the occasional mosquito! It does cost $6 to park at Shadow Cliffs, but if you're not coming to picnic, I'd recommend parking at the back entrance for free and walking into the park. You can map to 2538 Vineyard Ave and park along Park Access Road if you're lucky enough to snag a spot. read more

Shadow Cliffs is a small Regional Park -- and during the warm season, it fills up fast and it's noticeable. I never actually came here until fairly recently despite being a local for 20+ years. I had always been told there were better places to go, which is true, but I'm glad I tried it at least once on a rainy Sunday afternoon. Even in bad weather, you will find that is will be difficult to find your own space here. There were still a lot of people out and about here! EBRP district has closed one of the trails for safety reasons (muddy trail collapsed) but people walked through anyway. It wasn't too bad. Off in the distance you will see the gravel factory off Stanley Blvd. A neat structure, but I like to hike to escape that feeling of urbanization and city life. Opposite direction has a beautifully trail overlooking South Pleasanton. Great fishing, good walks, picnic areas, restrooms, docks to sit on, boat rentals. They have it all! However I would much rather go to Del Valle or even maybe the Bay to do some kayaking or paddle boarding. I feel like the water would be cleaner too. Overall not a bad park though. Very nice for a low key day out with friends and family. read more

Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area - Parks Near Me - Pleasanton, California

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Shadow Cliffs is really great spot for outdoor activity, sunshine, and fresh air! Parking is $6 and you have access to the various picnic tables and lake activities, as well as some nice walking trails, lots of open expanse and greenery. This is a wonderful place to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. I recommend going here if you want to have a nice little picnic or just bask in the sunshine and indulge in views of the water. Enjoy! read more

"There's a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore like an idiot."―Steven Wright Built on a former rock quarry, Shadow Cliffs (SC) is a 266-acre park located just a few minutes from lovely downtown Pleasanton. SC's main draw is an 80-acre lake that is a haven for fisherman and boaters alike. I have only been here once on a fishing trip with my fishing guru and my son to see what we can catch. We actually ended up getting skunked most of the day, but after changing locations we ended up scoring a few trout before heading home. SC is a nice park that I look forward to exploring more of in the future, but for now here's a quick guide: Fees (as of 5/2017): $6/car & $5/ea trailer car $2/per dog (Guide/service dogs free) $5/ea fishing permit (**Must also have a CA fishing license[https://goo.gl/CiPgVI]***) $5/per boat launching fee (17' max) Amenities: -Reservable and non-reservable picnic areas w/ BBQ pits -Swim Beach open on weekends in spring and fall, and daily during summer months. Lifeguards are on hand during the summer. -Fishing from the shore or off boats. Catfish and trout are (allegedly) stocked here weekly. -Boating, kayaking, and windsurfing -Hiking trails -Snack shack that I believe is only in operation while the swim beach is open. -Very clean restrooms. Overall nice park and a great place to bring the family for some water related activities. P.S. I see they're now going to build a solar array over the parking structures, which will provided much needed shade and renewable energy for the park. Kudos! read more

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If you plan to go into the water, look at the guidelines located on the East Bay Regional Parks website.. It is currently NOT recommended to swim in the lake and states people shouldn't swallow any water due to unsafe levels of ecoli bacteria. Therefore, the same should apply to pets as well. You can refer to the east bay regional parks website located on the yelp link. I took some photos of the information so you know what to look for. read more

Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area - Park is currently at YELLOW level regarding water usage. If you go in, wash off right away and don't swallow any water. - Parks Near Me - Pleasanton, California

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Got bit by something like a flea and kept getting new bites daily for a week. Dirty place and nasty water

It's a nice place to go with family the only bad thing is that they don't let the doggy's get in the water which my dog loves

Nice spot on the weekends. Lots of trees and usually not too busy. Quite a few activities to be had.

While every other hike I've been on as part of the 2016 East Bay Parks Trails Challenge has been a hit, Shadow Cliffs was sadly a miss in my book. http://www.ebparks.org/Assets/Features/Trails+Challenge/Trails+Challenge+Guidebook+2016.pdf It's rated as an easy "hike" but really it's just a simple stroll around a marginally scenic area. The featured loop took us on the Levee and Arroyo trails. They were not well marked and the whole area seemed kind of run down and not very rewarding at all. The parking was a bit expensive (considering my friend had her dog with her, which is extra) and it just didn't seem worth it for a walk. Perhaps this park is better suited towards families out on a picnic. I don't recommend it for even casual walkers. I've experienced paved flat regional trails that are more interesting to visit than this sad little park. Skip it if you're looking for any serious hiking or walking. Hike #11 of Trails Challenge Miles Hiked: 2.85 Total Miles Hiked in Challenge: 45.25 read more

The is NOT a place to go swimming. The water is cloudy and on warm days there is often signage regarding unsafe bacteria levels. I simply don't enjoy swimming next to all the geese and duck poop. Avoid the busy Memorial Day and other long weekends where it's so packed there's no parking and the place is saturated with people. NOT ideal for paddle boat rental - not certain their hours but they usually closed whenever we come by. The boat and dock do not look well maintenance so I've had no interest in renting one to see the same view I can see from shore. I actually seldom go to human swimming and boating area - too much duck poop. This park is excellent for dogs, hiking, running, and bird sanctuary/bird watching. We live close by and walk our dog here regularly, to her favorite doggie swimming area. The BMX bike park is great but unfortunately my children is not that adventurous so we usually just bike along Stanley. They hold the Tri for Fun here as well as many other races and events (kayaking, fishing, swimming, boating). It's also a great place to go fishing (children under 16 does not need permit). On non event days, it's just a nice place to chill. Although I know the appeal of being near water in summer heat, this park is definitely better in Spring and Winter (less people and safe bacteria levels). read more

Nice place for kids and families to have some fun on weekend or weekdays Nice swimming area for kids and adults , picnic areas for families to spend some awesome family time ! read more

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Shadow Cliffs had reopened while we are in Covid! We were there a few times in late December 2020 and early January 2021. Prior to that, I had visited around 2002. The reason why I stopped going for so many years was that back in 2002 it was very common to bring your dog to swim in the chain of lakes in the back behind the main Shadow Cliffs reservoir and my dog got accidentally tangled in fishing line and almost drowned. My husband had to jump in and save her. This is why we know that her legs were tangled in fishing line! He tried to untangle her and it was very hard to do. That had left an awful taste in my mind. Fast forward almost 20 years, and during Covid, I decided to go back. I really needed a change of scenery from my usual walks. I noticed that the park has more services now. It has bathrooms, better-marked trails, and signs also that say No Swimming in the lakes in the back. I also noticed that the lake is so low that boats are currently not allowed in unless you can CARRY your boat and take it into the water. This is because the boat ramp does not reach the water. The ranger told us that they are stocking fish during Covid and it is possible to fish. However, you still need a fishing license, etc. In the winter, the park closes at 5 PM. Also, Attention fishermen; please remove and properly dispose of hooks, bait, fishing wire, trash etc. It is a hazard for wildlife and for pets. read more

Shadow Cliffs is a really nice regional park to walk around, ride your bike, or hang out on the small beach near the entrance. There are also plenty of picnic areas and parking available ($6 entrance fee). Do watch out of all the poop from the Canada geese that hang out here (as well as any other body of water and large grass area). There is also a waterslide on the opposite side of the entrance, but it operates seasonally. read more

Very misleading information about swimming here. and dogs can't go on the beach. and wish things could be different because I would give it all good stars but this is not acceptable they don't make Announcement about this. read more

Easy trails for walking and/or running. We met up with friends with young children, and both the eight- and two-year-old enjoyed wandering with us, and especially throwing rocks and sticks into the water, collecting rocks and sticks, etc. $6 to park seems a bit pricy if you are just popping in for an hour or so to walk/run. However, I like supporting our regional parks so at least my money is going to a good cause. We saw lots of people fishing. They have bathrooms, although they were closed off. It also seems like parts of the park are currently a work-in-progress. Not sure I will be rushing back for a return visit. read more

Today's visit gets one star (doggy area and employee interaction) We watched the employees drive from gate to gate in their cart trying to find the hidden cash money (the guy on twitter who hides money decided to hide it here, he tweeted a few minutes after we arrived) . Very annoying . Police and News station came barging in. I was trying to relax with my dog ! Waste of 8 dollars I paid to get in. Thank You @hiddencash for kinda ruining the limited time I do have with my dog . The main reason why I am giving them one star is because of the gal who was working at the entrance . I go here twice a week with my dog , each time it cost $8 to get in ($6 car $2 dog) I wanted to pay the $50 membership fee for the year and she told me its better off if I do it online because she is not sure how to do it properly , and that she is afraid the other East Bay Parks won't accept the membership if I pay there . I'm not sure why she didn't take my money , nor am I sure why it is so difficult to set it up at the park entrance. Last week when I was there , the other girl made it sound so simple and she was so informative . Clearly there was an issue of knowledge and training with the employee who was working there today . Honestly the dog area (water / sand access ) is about 8 feet wide. I can't justify the cost for dogs or the amount of space they give the dogs to play in. There was another dog there today , and it is literally to small for two dogs to play in (the area directly across from the dog poop bags and trash can) If my dog wasn't allergic to chlorine we would never go here. I might occasionally stop by here after I visit family in Ruby Hills but will no longer make an effort to go here . The trails are not good either , you don't get a real burn in your thighs when you walk / hike . It's all flat , there are no hills that go up hill or down hill. Extremely disappointed today . read more

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I was so frustrated and disappointed this afternoon. I pulled into the driveway at 3:25, rushing from work , ready to relax and kayak for an hour. I did my research, looked up the hours (said they closed at 5) of the rental place for the day. Paid my $6 parking fee at the front office. Drove around to the rental mobile office and went to the dock where the guy pointed me in to the office. At this point it was 3:35. I told the teenage kid that I wanted to rent a kayak for an hour and he said 'Sorry we've stopped renting for the day our last one goes out at 3:30'. I'm polite so I said thanks and left but I WAS LIVID!!! What else does that damn kid have to do for the next hour and a half!!! read more

We will NEVER go here again. The waterslides scratched and injured everyone in our party in less than an hour. We are all on the normal/thin side. Then for children under 42" tall, they only offer kiddie pools that they can fill up with a hose for $5. I would prefer to not have my child play in reclaimed water. Then on the other side of the parking lot is the beach & picnic area. Both the picnic area and the beach are dirty. In the picnic area, there was gum and taffy all over the grass. In the beach, there was litter, chicken bones in the water and several kids with saggy diapers. It was so gross. Then once the kids get out of the water, they need to watch out for goose droppings as they seem to be everywhere. If you like that much nature, then go here. Otherwise, please save yourself the trouble. This place gets 1 star for plenty of ample parking! read more

We still love bringing dogs for mini hikes and swimming here.

What a shit hole. Literally. They also wanted me to pay $3 for air. Air to fill my daughters swan floaty. The little girl working was a snot. The lady who took the money for parking was shaking her head at me when I was trying to find my ones to pay the $6. Did I mention this is a shit hole? Pleasanton can keep it! read more

3.5 stars really... This place is a convenient area to enjoy a variety of water activities such as: fishing, swimming and paddling. The only thing I would change is get rid of the geese!!! Too many of these rascals and their poopies, ruin the whole experience.. We have at least one Outrigger regatta here per year, and we line up the shoreline with people.. it's no fun trying to dodge all the poop bombs. In addition, this place can be expensive with $6 parking and $3 rooftop craft (for my SUP or Outrigger) read more

Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area - Perfect place to take your pup on SUP!!! - Parks Near Me - Pleasanton, California