Lake Del Valle is a storage reservoir located 10 miles southeast of Livermore, California. Del Valle Dam and Lake Del Valle are features of the South Bay Aqueduct, which is part of the State Water Project. It is located within Del Valle Regional Park which is the perfect place to get outdoors, enjoy the scenery, take family photographs and more. Del Valle has become quite the tourist attraction over the years and is a must see in our book. With opportunities for picnics, swimming, boating/fishing, horseback riding, and hiking there is something for everyone to enjoy.
According to AllTrails, there are 25 great trails for hiking, running, bikings, and even horseback. There are trails for everyone, ranging from easy to strenuous. The trails range from 3 to 5,521 feet in elevation gain. No matter what you have planned for the day, I’m sure you can find the right trail for your next trip.
Top 3 Trails:
- East Shore Loop to Lake Del Valle : Experience this 4.4-mile loop trail. This trail is considered a moderately challenging route and takes an average of 2 h 9 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and trail running so be prepared to encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are April through October. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.
- Murrieta Falls Trail: Looking for a longer traill? Head out on this 13.2-mile out-and-back trail. This trail is generally considered a challenging route and takes an average of 8 h 24 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking and horseback riding. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
- Cresta Blanca: Experience this 2.1 mile trail. This trail is considered moderate and takes an average of 1 h 8 min to complete. This trail has a gorgeous view of the Lake and is very popular for the scenic-route.
To see the list of all 25 trails, click here.
We are so lucky to live in a place with easy access to that perfect local escape we all need sometimes. If you are looking for something to do this weekend, pick a trail and head on out. If you have never been to Del Valle before, this is your reason to go. Get outdoors, enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.