Loch Lomond Recreation Area
Boating, fishing, hiking, and picnicking in the Santa Cruz Mountains
Nestled among redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Loch Lomond Recreation Area offers a peaceful outdoor getaway with boating, fishing, hiking, picnicking, and nature programs.
Loch Lomond also serves as the City of Santa Cruz’s only drinking water reservoir and is surrounded by protected watershed lands. By following posted rules and staying on designated trails, visitors help protect this vital local water source while enjoying the park.
Swimming is not allowed. Leashed dogs are welcome on trails and in picnic areas. Pets are not allowed on boats or in the reservoir.
2026 Season Opening and Hours
Season Opening: Sunday, March 1, 2026
Loch Lomond Recreation Area is open seasonally between March and October and is closed every Wednesday for maintenance and operational needs.
Seasonal Operating Schedule
- March: 7 AM - 7 PM (Friday - Monday)
- April: 7 AM - 7:30 PM (Thursday - Tuesday)
- May: 7 AM - 8 PM (Thursday - Tuesday)
- June: 7 AM - 8:30 PM (Thursday - Tuesday)
- July: 7 AM - 8:30 PM (Thursday - Tuesday)
- August – Labor Day: 7 AM - 8 PM (Thursday - Tuesday)
- Labor Day – Second Weekend of October: 7 AM - 6 PM (Saturday and Sunday Only)
Entrance Fees
Entrance fees help support park operations, facility maintenance, and recreation programs.
- Vehicle Day Use Fee: $10
- Vehicle Season Pass: $100
View All Fees and Prices
Recreation Area Map
Use this map to explore trails, picnic areas, the boat launch, and park amenities at Loch Lomond Recreation Area.
View Area Map
Things to Do
Boating and Boat Rentals
Loch Lomond offers a variety of boats for rent, making it a great way to experience the reservoir.
Free Boat Tours
Beginning in April, free interpretive tours on the Newell Jewell pontoon boat are offered on the second weekend of each month.
- Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to noon.
- Tours accommodate up to 25 people.
- Sign-ups available in the park store.
- Tours are free and first-come, first-served.
Boat Rental Rates
Electric Motor Boats (Aluminum)
- Weekdays: $60 for first 2 hours, $30 per additional hour, $180 all day
- Weekends and Holidays (before noon): $90 for first 3 hours, $30 per additional hour, $180 all day
Row Boats, Paddle Boats, and Nucanoes
- $30 for first 2 hours, $15 per additional hour, $90 all day.
- Note: Reservations are not available for Nucanoes.
Boat Rental Policies
- Boats are rented on a first come, first served basis.
- All boats must be off the lake one hour before park closing.
- Outside boats and paddleboards are not allowed, except for boats stored onsite through the private boat storage program.
- A limited number of boats (excluding Nucanoes) may be reserved at the all-day rate by calling (831) 335-7424 at least one day in advance (no refunds).
- Visitors may bring their own electric motor or marine battery for use on row boats, subject to inspection for a clean, dry propeller before launch .
Private Boat Storage Program
To protect Loch Lomond’s drinking water supply from aquatic invasive species, private boat launching is limited to boats stored onsite at the recreation area.
Storage Program Details
Annual passes are available, and entrance fees still apply. Space is limited to about 100 boats, with limited trailer parking. For storage availability, inspections, and launch procedures, call (831) 335-7424.
Annual Storage Fees (includes inspection, decontamination, and launch fees)
- $425 for trailered boats.
- $325 for non-trailered boats.
Half-Season Storage (after June 15)
- $275 for trailered boats.
- $175 for non-trailered boats.
Decontamination Fee
- $30 for boats removed and returned mid-season
Fishing
Loch Lomond is a popular fishing destination in the Santa Cruz Mountains. A valid California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) fishing license is required and can be purchased at the park store.
Fish Stocking Update
Fish stocking at Loch Lomond Reservoir is temporarily suspended as a precaution to protect the City of Santa Cruz’s drinking water system from invasive species risks, such as Golden Mussels.
Golden Mussels were detected in the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta in 2024 and can spread through watercraft and equipment. While personal watercraft are not allowed at Loch Lomond, the City and CDFW are taking proactive steps to reduce any potential risk.
The City’s water system is not connected to affected water bodies, and local drinking water remains safe.
For the latest fish stocking updates, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website.
Hiking, Picnicking, and Group Activities
Loch Lomond offers scenic hiking trails, shaded picnic areas, and nature programs in a beautiful redwood setting.
Hiking and Picnicking
Explore forested trails with reservoir views and enjoy picnic areas throughout the park. Charcoal BBQ pits are available, and leashed dogs are welcome on all trails and picnic areas.
Guided Loch Walks and Education Programs
Join guided Loch Walks and other natural history programs to learn about the reservoir, wildlife, and watershed. School environmental education events are also offered throughout the season. The 2026 Loch Walk schedule will be announced soon.
Group Picnics, Weddings and Events
Reservable group picnic areas and a wedding venue are available for special events. Oversized BBQ pits are available for large groups. For reservations, call (831) 335-7424.
- Group picnic areas: $70
- Group alcohol permits (21+ with ID): 1-5 adults: $5; 5+ adults: $50
- Wedding venue: $250
Rules and Safety
Loch Lomond is both a recreation area and the City of Santa Cruz’s drinking water reservoir. Please follow these rules to help protect visitors, wildlife, and the community’s water supply.
Water and Boating Safety
- Swimming is prohibited (Loch Lomond is a drinking water reservoir).
- All boats must be off the lake one hour before park closing.
- Outside boats and paddleboards are not allowed, except for boats stored onsite through the private boat storage program.
Pets
- Leashed dogs are welcome on trails and in picnic areas.
- Pets are not allowed on rental boats or in the reservoir.
Trails and Stewardship
- Stay on designated trails and follow posted signage.
- Help protect the watershed by packing out trash and respecting wildlife and other visitors.