Lake Chabot
- Accessible Restrooms
- Fishing pier
- Food
- Picnic
- Accessible Parking
- Bicycling
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Particularly good for families
- Wildlife viewing
Features
- Accessible Restrooms
- Fishing pier
- Food
- Picnic
- Accessible Parking
- Bicycling
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Particularly good for families
- Wildlife viewing
Information
- Website:
- visit link
- Address:
- 17600 Lake Chabot Rd, Castro Valley, CA,
- Region:
- San Francisco Bay Area
- Hours:
- 5am-10pm
- Last Visited:
- May 2022
The paved West Shore and East Shore trails around the lake offer some access although their steep terrain may be a deterrant to some with limited mobility. They are worth the effort if possible because it feels as though you’re far from the nearby bustling cities.
Trails and Pathways
- Trail:
- West Shore Trail
- Time to Complete:
- 1.5 hours
- Trailhead Location:
- At the boathouse, if looking at the lake, go left to hike the Westshore Trail.
- Trail Length:
- 2-4 total miles
- Typical Width:
- 4 ft. & above
- Typical Grade:
- Steep
- Typical Terrain:
- Hard
Although paved, the West Sshore Trail has numerous steep grades throughout as it travels high above the lake passing in and out of shade provided by oaks, bay laurel, willow, cottonwood trees. Poison oak is plentiful and on my visit so was vetch, blackberries, and blue-eyed grass. A few interpretive panels about the dam’s history are towards the end of this 2-mile route. Benches are scattered throughout although most have a steep grade to reach them.
At about 2 miles you reach the dam where shortly after the trail climbs steeply and becomes gravel. I turned back here.
- Trail:
- East Shore Trail
- Time to Complete:
- 1 hour
- Trailhead Location:
- From the parking lot take the ramp towards the boathouse but turn right on the paved path before you reach the restroom.
- Trail Length:
- 2-4 total miles
- Typical Width:
- 4 ft. & above
- Elevation Change
- 184
- Typical Grade:
- Steep
- Typical Terrain:
- Hard
The East Shore Trail has fewer steep grades than the West Shore Trail especially before .8 miles. It also travels high above the lake offering nice views of it while passing in and out of shade provided by oaks, bay laurel, willow, cottonwood trees. The native plant, stcky monkey flower, abundant on my visit, added orange splashes on the hillside and birdsong was plentiful. Benches are scattered throughout.
At 1.7 mile the trail becomes dirt and strewn with rocks making for a more bumpy ride. Shortly afterwards I turned back due to a flight of stairs that prevented me from continuing further around the lake.
Accessibility Features
- Accessible Parking:
- Yes – designated accessible parking, van accessible, firm, level or slope no greater than 2%
- Accessible Restroom:
- Yes – The only accessible restroom is by the boathouse; none are accessible along either West or East Side trails.
- Accessible Picnic Table:
- Yes – firm & stable path to tables, firm & stable surface, 27" or greater knee clearance; There are many picnic areas throughout the park with most tables having access only at either end of the table .
