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    Quarry Lakes

    4.1 (239 reviews)
    Open 6:00 am - 10:00 pm

    Quarry Lakes Photos

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    Lake
    Anusha S.

    Was on the lookout for a picnic spot near San Jose when I found about Quarry Lakes! Pictures looked beautiful so we decided to check it out on a Sunday in May around 3pm. There is a $5 fee per vehicle to park in the lot. There are picnic tables and volleyball courts. Lots of geese surrounding the tables. The park was very active that day - lots of people walking around and there were youth volleyball games happening on the courts. Weather was amazing so we ended up walking around the lake for a little bit! Nice nature - there were still wildflowers and fruit trees with actual fruit. Great park to get away from the hustle and bustle of Silicon Valley. I would come back!

    Jennifer A.

    Fun place to stretch the legs and do some light hiking or walking - depending on your pace. A little bit of nature in the city, safe to go alone, in a group and even take the dogs. It would be really nice if they had a few more garbage cans around. I took my dogs and had to carry poop for about a mile. Not horrible but just a suggestion. The free parking lot gets filled quickly- lots of space in the paid lot. I love the little garden area - it's going to be so pretty once spring hits!

    Ayush K.

    Amenities: It's a great place for a swim! They have a sandy beach area with restrooms and lifeguards during the summer months (check their website for exact dates). https://www.ebparks.org/parks/quarry-lakes There's also volleyball courts for some fun in the sun. Fishing is allowed in designated areas, and they even have a lead-free tackle exchange program to protect the environment - that's a big thumbs up! Picnic areas are plentiful, with both reservable sites for bigger gatherings and first-come, first-served tables with barbecues. Just remember, alcohol is only allowed with a permit in the reservable areas. Things to Consider: $5 entry fee, which was a surprise. Swimming is not allowed in some lakes in the area, so please check their website. Overall: Quarry Lakes offers a beautiful and relaxing escape. With swimming, fishing, picnic areas, and trails that connect to a larger regional trail system, there's something for everyone. Just be aware of the no-swimming zones and potentially bring some cash for parking.

    Reeven S.

    Quarry Lakes is such a beautiful park for strolling, biking, sitting on a bench, reading a book, and many other relaxing outdoor activities. What makes this place unique compared to most lakes is that it consists of multiple lakes, and you can walk all around and in between them. There are a handful of people walking around the park with their dogs or going for runs. Some, like me, just biked around. I saw a few people on benches by the lake reading a book. There are no steep inclines, so this place is suitable for most people. This park is definitely a great place to get your steps in, especially if you live within walking distance. I really enjoy going here every time because the scenery is just very soothing and calm.

    Phil A.

    The great outdoors right here in Fremont!! Quarry Lakes consists of Rainbow Lake, Horseshoe Lake and Lago Los Osos. There are dirt trails all through this park and along the intersecting lakes. When I came, it was a 5 dollar entry fee for parking, and the parking lot is super huge! Lots of restrooms near the parking lot and they were very clean also. People come here to fish or walk, run, or bike the trails mostly. And it's also a great place for picnics, BBQs, or any large group gathering, their is definitely enough space for it!!

    Watch out the ducks  and their poop
    Joyce T.

    Nice lakefront park, stunning view of sunset. 4 stars because most of the trails are not tarred, kind of dirty and slippery when the roads get muddy in winter. Parking is limited if you park at Isherwood staging area (free), parking at the quarry lakes regional recreation area costs $5.

    Lots of fishing early morning.
    Jay P.

    In the mid-1800s gravel was quarried from here and used for the railroads, groundwater was diverted after creating the bodies of water. Early morning you'll see plenty of people fishing and when we went it became even more relaxing from a guy who played the flute up on the hill for at least an hour, the sound carried and it made us feel like we had our own soundtrack as we walked around. It's super green now and peaceful, my kids love throwing sicks and stones into water and we found a nice secluded spot they could go crazy making "bloops" and my wife and I could challenge each other skipping stones. The coolest area is the center peninsula that creates Horseshoe Lake, they have exotic plants and fruits which are free to sample, don't go crazy taking them or nobody else can try it. Some of the cool citrus fruits I remember: Tangelo, Limequats, Buddha's Hand, pink lemons, and Kalmansi.

    Rachel M.

    Nice outdoor escape! This place looks like it can be quite popular pre-pandemic with all of the amenities (boating, huge pavilion, restrooms.) It's a great spot to host outdoor events. We went during the pandemic for an outdoor day trip. The park was spacious with lots of grass, picnic tables sprinkled throughout, walking trails, birds, and the beautiful Quarry lakes at the center of it all. We perused a bit and started hiking the perimeter around the huge glassy lake. At some point, my hubz started skipping a bunch of stones in the lake. You can park in the nearby residential area to avoid parking fees. However, it's only $5 if you have lots of items to unload and want to park closer. Highly recommend to get a relaxing walk in and to host a future event!

    Tim by the lake
    Kelly M.

    Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area in Fremont, CA, is dog-friendly, but it's the first time we ever had to pay a dog fee at a park: parking was $5; Zoey's admission $2! I hope she got her money's worth! We had a nice walk could have gone a lot further if Zoey did not get tired. I don't mind carrying her, but I have my limits. Anyway, I am very glad we finally found this place!

    Albert G.

    The Quarry Lakes consist of nine lakes and ponds that are a water shed in the Eastern part of Fremont for the East Bay Regional Park District. The largest is Horseshoe lake (by the shape of the lake) and I believe the smallest is Shinn Pond. There is great fishing here stocked by EBRPD paid for by the cost of permit fees charged at the entrance kiosk. Right now during Covid the fees are being waived. Many people come to walk and picnic. Although right now, picnicking is not allowed because of Covid. There are nice long trails to bike or walk and much scenery to take in while you exercise. This is a great place to take the family and go biking but be aware that the trails are pretty much all gravel/dirt vs. paved. Yet there is a good length of paved sidewalk between the bathroom near the fishing dock down to the sandy beach area east of the entrance and the boat dock heading west to Rainbow lake. There is plenty of parking in the main area of the park. But there is also a small parking lot off Isherwood way if you come from Paseo Padre Pkwy just to the right as you cross over the small bridge about there blocks before you come to the Main park entrance The park is dog friendly with leash required. And every now and then you'll even see people on horse back!

    Alice K.

    Expansive flat trails (gravel/sandy), views of Mission Peak/Hills, cool orchard in middle, fishing, birding. Great place to escape the daily bustle and explore nature. Plus way less crowded than Lake Elizabeth. Enter for free from Isherwood Staging Area, or bike/walk in!

    Vivienne C.

    One of the more underappreciated trails in Fremont. Around the main area, it is around a 1.5-2 mile walk with a lot of smaller ponds surrounding the main lake. There are also a lot of vegetation and animals that you wouldn't normally find among other parks in the region. I really love the pelicans flying overhead and wild Evening Primrose growing everywhere. The park is paved pretty well and I will say that compared to Elizabeth Lake Park, this is definitely the better kept one and the water seemed surprisingly clean. Also there are not that many people who were walking in the area, but I do have to say that the bathrooms are kind of disgusting here. Overall, pretty good experience and will definitely be coming back.

    Theresa M.

    Two of our friends celebrated their birthdays together at this park. This is a very nice regional park with lakes. People were out hiking, biking, having picnics, and fishing. We had a great time. Good clean restroom facilities and jogger friendly trails. Has a big outdoor pavilion for parties which is really nice since it's really a good idea especially when you have a big family and quite a few people to invite. I'll keep this in mind if ever we want to celebrate an event. They really have a nice view of the beach and has a volleyball net so you can play with your group if you want to. There's a lot of ducks strolling around the area but the downside is there's a lot of their "droppings" lol! So you have to watch out what you're stepping while on the grass. Overall, we'll definitely come back here.

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    We live nearby... Beautiful and great walking trails. Not too crowded and you always feel safe.

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    Page 1 of 6

    Ask the Community - Quarry Lakes

    Is it allowed to do kayak or standup paddle here?

    Yes, you can launch from the boat launching area

    Anyone ever fly fishing here? Suggestions?

    Yes. There have been many people who have come to fly fish

    How many tables are under the north/south Ensenada picnic areas?

    Are there BBQ pits available?

    There are grills next to the picnic tables

    Is this a good lake/beach to lay out and swim? We're visiting and my teenagers want to lie on the beach; my little ones want to swim and build sand castles. I just don't feel like battling the traffic to Santa Cruz or the cold in Half Moon.

    Yes, small area, man-made lake with life guard on duty...tons of parking...

    Is there many people walking around 9.30am or 10am in the mornings on weekdays? how safe it is during weekdays? I somehow feel it's kinda deserted in the weekdays

    Their alway patrols by cops/park security or park maintenance staff.

    Can you fly quadcopters (drones) here?

    I don't think so. But here is info: http://www.ebparks.org/civica/press/display.asp?layout=11&Entry=343

    Is this a great place to watch the sun rise?

    Hi Paul, i would say yes as is facing east and you have those wonderful mountains, it can be an awesome experience...however I don't think the park is open so early!

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    Review Highlights - Quarry Lakes

    I saw some people fishing in the horseshoe lake , one guy told me he caught a 7 lbs rainbow trout last Friday.

    Mentioned in 9 reviews

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    Mission Peak Regional Preserve - Bathrooms and water station at Standford Trail

    Mission Peak Regional Preserve

    4.4(1.8k reviews)
    8.8 mi

    My bf and I started our hike from the Stanford Avenue trailhead. The parking lot was full around…read more10am this past Sunday, but street parking was plentiful along Vineyard Avenue. As a first-timer here, I was pleasantly surprised by the gradual incline and found the difficulty level to be manageable. In fact I saw people of all ages along the trail, including babies and senior citizens, and a bunch of unleashed dogs too. There were a few grazing cows, but otherwise we didn't encounter many animals nor pesky flying insects during our trek. Beware, the climb does become steeper and more challenging the closer you get to the top. It's a workout on the way down as well, but not as tiring. My legs didn't really feel it till the next day. Be ready for sore muscles! We got lucky with the weather, as it wasn't scorching hot, rather sunny and breezy on this beautiful spring day. The season may affect your experience as there's minimal shade. But plenty of opportunities to take a break and enjoy the views while surrounded by lovely scenery and grassy hills. Several benches along the way too. This was a nice hike, mildly challenging for the most part, with ample space on the wide gravel and dirt trails, so it doesn't feel too crowded even with many visitors on site. There are also restrooms (porta potties), free parking for convenience, and an alternate (though longer) route via Ohlone. Much to appreciate about Mission Peak.

    Practice walking uphill and train to get yourself ready for it!…read more oh my gosh, how are children doing this trail and I'm struggling and pushing myself! passed a few children along the way up and down. maybe they got carried? maybe they're just doing a section of it? maybe they've been training since they were born?! ok ok if they can do it, i can too. it was an extra motivation. Took me a bit over 4 hours of a hike with few breaks. Start to finish get back to the same spot. Bring at least two bottles of water per person. Wear a hat. Sunglasses. Sturdy shoes Walk carefully over the rocks, don't want to hurt yourself and it gets slippery in some spots Choice of Trails: 1) Beginner trail- from ohlone college. Less steep, more trees for shade in the beginning. Longer. 2) Stanford trail - steep but shorter Saw some cows along the way on the Ohlone trail just lounging around and eating or taking a break in the sun! You get real close to them! Just don't touch them

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    Mission Peak Regional Preserve - Water Fountain at Standford Trail

    Water Fountain at Standford Trail

    Mission Peak Regional Preserve
    Mission Peak Regional Preserve - City horizon

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    City horizon

    Riptide Charters

    Riptide Charters

    3.5(102 reviews)
    26.5 mi
    Private events
    Certified professionals

    My family and I just went on a whale watching trip today…read more It's always part luck. Thankfully, we got lucky. Spotted a couple Gray Whales from a distance, and after a tip from another boat were able to get closer to two others swimming together and ride along with them for a while. Captain Smitty and Lee were great! Knowledgeable, friendly, informative, and great stewards of the sea, and marine life. We definitely recommend these guys. Go with an open heart, patience, and have fun!

    We had the best time with Riptide Charters. The F/V Riptide is a 40' fiberglass hull, equipped with…read morea turbo diesel, and is licensed and inspected by the United States Coast Guard. It was so clean, well until we all made a mess. It is a lovely boat. We felt so safe with the crew. The Riptide is owned by Capt. William Smith. He has been a licensed captain for over 30 years. You will find it located on "H" dock at Pillar Pt. Harbor in El Granada (near Half Moon Bay), California. The Captain was with us and he was able to help the weak ones, like me, without making me feel like I did not belong. The boat leaves super early in the morning so get some sleep the night before. I had to nap after. Go to their website to see what type of fish is in season or you will not be happy. We went for Rockfish and caught a few and were so happy. We grilled it all up and it was great and we were able to serve a lot of people. I was hoping to see a whale, but sadly, did not. I think they are pretty rare to see in that area. They have clean bathrooms. We will be back, this time for salmon.

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    Riptide Charters
    Riptide Charters
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    Quarry Lakes - parks - Updated May 2026

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