Lafayette Reservoir

Active coyote trapping in progress

California Department of Fish and Wildlife is conducting trapping at Lafayette Reservoir during hours the recreation area is closed. Public access is prohibited.

Notice: Harmful algae present in Lafayette Reservoir

Blue-green algae in lakes can result in a buildup of toxins. While activities near the water, such as picnicking, biking, and hiking, are safe. take the following precautions for your safety.

• Body contact with water is never permitted. Keep children away from the water and the shoreline. Use tap water to rinse any skin that has contacted lake water.

• Keep pets, especially dogs, out of the water. They should neither enter nor drink the water.

• Fish caught here may be consumed after you throw away the intestinal tract and liver, and rinse filets with tap water.

 Lafayette Reservoir is a recreational reservoir; it is not used for drinking but serves as an emergency supply.

For more information contact EBMUD at 866-403-2683.

Updated trail maps

EBMUD is pleased to offer an update to the trails maps, including an interactive 3-D version with detailed trail locations, access points, elevations, amenities and a search function that allows users to find their ideal trails, including those within the Lafayette Reservoir Recreation Area. Visit East Bay trails for more information.

Annual parking pass program

In 2019, Lafayette Reservoir Recreation Area introduced annual pass hang-tags to replace gate cards. Hang-tags are a reliable, long-term solution for the recreation area's parking needs. 

Contact

Email Lafayette Reservoir
Or call 925-284-9669

The Lafayette Recreation Area is an all-year day-use area ideal for hiking, jogging, fishing, boating and picnicking, located off Highway 24 only one mile from the Lafayette BART station.

Things to do

Kids

The children's playground on the east lawn is closed.

Picnicking

Unavailable until further notice.

Fishing

EBMUD plants trout during the fall, winter, and spring months, and plants catfish in the summer. A daily fishing access permit is required.

Boating

Unavailable until further notice. 

Hiking

There are two main trails at Lafayette Reservoir. The Lakeside Nature Trail (paved, 2.7 miles) and the Rim Trail (unpaved, 4.7 miles). Additionally, there are 928 acres of open space for hiking, wildlife viewing, photography, and enjoying beautiful vistas.

Biking

Bicyclists and people on roller skates, roller blades and scooters are allowed on Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon until closing and on Sundays from opening until 11:00 a.m. on the paved Lakeside Trail and roads.

Bring your dogs

Dogs are allowed and must be kept on-leash at all times. Animal leashes may NOT be longer than 6 feet in length.

Invasive mussel prevention 

Learn about requirements for boaters that help prevent the introduction of invasive mussels into EBMUD waters.

Photo gallery of Lafayette Reservoir