Top 20 Lakes around San Jose
Best lakes around San Jose offer diverse recreational opportunities and scenic beauty. The region, situated in California, features a variety of lakes, many of which are reservoirs. These bodies of water provide an escape from urban life, with activities ranging from water sports to extensive hiking trails. The natural landscape includes rolling hills and oak trees, providing a backdrop for outdoor adventures.
Best lakes around San Jose
- The most popular lakes is San Francisco Bay Trail, a trail that is a flat and picturesque paved path around the wetlands of Shoreline Lake Park. It offers nearly eight miles of scenic trails through sloughs and marshlands, providing a transformed recreational space.
- Another must-see spot is Stevens Creek Reservoir, a lake surrounded by a large park. Visitors can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, and limited fishing, with seasonal boating available.
- Visitors also love Camden Ponds, a series of man-made reservoirs. These ponds create a wetlands environment, offering bird observation opportunities.
- San Jose is known for artificial lakes, reservoirs, and smaller fishing lakes. These include options for water sports, fishing, and land-based activities like hiking and picnicking.
- The lakes around San Jose are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 60 upvotes and 10 photos across 11 highlights.
Last updated: April 24, 2026
San Francisco Bay Trail
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Stevens Creek Reservoir
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Camden Ponds
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Vasona Lake County Park
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San Jose is fast becoming the best bikeable city in the Bay area (which admittedly doesn't mean much if compared with Europe), with several long dedicated bike and multi-use trails through the city following natural features, such as Coyote, Los Gatos, and Guadalupe creeks.
The Los Gatos Creek Trail is a 9.7-mile (15.6 km) pedestrian and bicycle trail that runs through western Santa Clara County in California, from Lexington Reservoir in Los Gatos, California through Campbell, California to Meridian Avenue in San Jose, California alongside Los Gatos Creek. The trail is heavily used.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Gatos_Creek_Trail
losgatosca.gov/907/Los-Gatos-Creek-Trail
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasona_Park
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Calaveras Reservoir Scenic Segment
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Popular around San Jose
Tips from the Community
This 152-acre park connects right to the Los Gatos Creek Parkway. The park is open from 8am to sunset, and if you ride your bike you don't have to pay the vehicle entrance fee (currently $6).
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Calfateras road begins by a robust climb, and then it changes to a series of switchbacks with spectacular views to the reservoir and surrounding park. The switchbacks alternate between downhill and moderate climbs, before a long downhill and flat terrain.
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Riding south on Felter road from Calaveras after doing Polamares and and Calaveras Roads was a real challenge, especially since it was my first time! Get something to fuel up on at the Sunol Little Store!
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Stevens Creek Reservoir spans 87 acres and is surrounded by a 1,063-acre park. Visitors can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, and limited fishing. Seasonal boating for low-power boats is available from mid-April to mid-October. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset, with vehicle entry fees collected year-round at the Chestnut Parking Lot. Visitors can explore natural beauty and historic remnants like the Villa Maria orchard.
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The San Francisco Bay Trail is a flat, paved trail that runs along the border of the bay. It is a great place for a run because it is traffic free and has great views.
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The Bay Trail is a flat and picturesque paved path around the wetlands of Shoreline Lake Park. The trail can be crowded on weekends, and there is not a lot of shade. Shoreline Lake Park was once a landfill but has been transformed into a 750-acre recreational space. Bikers can use nearly eight miles of scenic trails through sloughs and marshlands. Benches are scattered throughout for visitors to take a break. Check out the restored Rengstorff House, a nice example of Victorian Italianate architecture that offers free tours.
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Camden Ponds consist of three man-made ponds designed to serve as reservoirs for water management. The ponds, along with the surrounding wetlands, make it an ideal location for birding enthusiasts.
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This beautiful reservoir is overlooked by the Santa Cruz Mountains. It's a great spot!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which lakes around San Jose are best for family-friendly activities?
Several lakes near San Jose offer great options for families. Stevens Creek Reservoir is surrounded by a large park perfect for picnicking and hiking. Lake Cunningham Park features an action sports park and Raging Waters San Jose, along with land-based activities like volleyball. Cottonwood Lake in Hellyer County Park has a playground with water features, while Almaden Lake Regional Park offers basketball, bocce ball, and reservable picnic areas.
Are there accessible paved paths around the lakes in San Jose?
Yes, the San Francisco Bay Trail is a flat and picturesque paved path around the wetlands of Shoreline Lake Park, offering nearly eight miles of scenic trails that are wheelchair accessible. Almaden Lake also features leisurely strolls along its trails, which are generally well-maintained.
What kind of water sports can I do at San Jose area lakes?
For water sports, Anderson Lake is popular for boating, water-skiing, and jet-skiing, though checking water levels beforehand is recommended. Lexington Reservoir is a picturesque spot for kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skiing, and wakeboarding. Calero Reservoir also allows sailing, boating, water-skiing, and jet-skiing.
Where can I go fishing near San Jose?
Fishing is a popular activity at several lakes. Cottonwood Lake is known for good fishing. Anderson Lake is a great spot for bass, trout, or catfish. Lexington Reservoir is good for bass fishing. Stevens Creek Reservoir is popular for catch-and-release fishing for koi, bluegill, largemouth bass, Asian carp, and crappie. Guadalupe Reservoir also has a catch-and-release fishing program.
What are some notable natural features or viewpoints around the lakes?
The lakes are set amidst diverse natural beauty. Stevens Creek Reservoir offers stunning views and a peaceful ambiance, overlooked by the Santa Cruz Mountains. Lexington Reservoir is surrounded by rolling hills and oak trees. Anderson Lake boasts diverse wildlife and ecosystems, including bald eagles. The Camden Ponds create a wetlands environment, offering great bird observation opportunities.
Are there hiking or cycling trails near the lakes?
Absolutely. Many lakes are surrounded by extensive trail networks. Anderson Lake County Park offers hiking, cycling, horseback riding, and jogging trails. Calero Reservoir County Park provides 30 kilometers of hiking and equestrian trails. Stevens Creek Reservoir County Park features over 14 kilometers of multi-use trails for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. You can find more detailed routes for cycling around San Jose, including the Coyote Creek Trail and Anderson Lake Loop, on the Cycling around San Jose guide. For running, the Running Trails around San Jose guide lists routes like the Guadalupe River Trail.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around San Jose?
The lakes are generally enjoyable year-round, but the best time often depends on your preferred activity. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling. Summer is ideal for water sports, though it's always wise to check water levels for reservoirs like Anderson Lake. The parks are typically open from 8 a.m. to sunset.
Can I find any historical or cultural sites near the lakes?
While the focus is primarily on natural recreation, Lake Cunningham Park is home to the restored Rengstorff House, a Victorian Italianate architecture example that offers free tours. The Camden Ponds are man-made reservoirs that are vestiges of urban sprawl, creating a wetlands environment.
What are some options for mountain biking near San Jose's lakes?
For mountain biking, Stevens Creek Reservoir County Park offers multi-use trails. Additionally, the MTB Trails around San Jose guide features routes like the Lisa Killough Trail loops near Calero Creek, providing various difficulty levels for mountain bikers.
Are there any lakes where entering the water is prohibited?
Yes, at Guadalupe Reservoir, entering the lake is prohibited. However, picnic tables are available near the shoreline, and the neighboring Almaden Quicksilver County Park offers extensive trails.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around San Jose?
Visitors appreciate the diverse recreational opportunities and scenic beauty these lakes offer as an escape from city life. Many enjoy the extensive hiking and cycling trails, water sports, and picnicking. The peaceful ambiance and natural landscapes, including rolling hills and oak trees, are frequently highlighted.
Is there parking available at Almaden Lake Park?
Yes, Almaden Lake Regional Park offers parking facilities for visitors. It's a popular spot for various activities, so arriving earlier during peak times might be beneficial.
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