Top 10 Lakes around Belmont
Best lakes around Belmont are primarily found within the city's open spaces and in the broader Bay Area. Waterdog Lake is a notable feature directly within Belmont, nestled in a wooded canyon with trails. Nearby, several reservoirs and lagoons offer additional recreational opportunities. The region provides diverse landscapes for outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, and photography.
Best lakes around Belmont
- The most popular lakes is Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir, a lake that is part of the 15-mile Crystal Springs…
Last updated: May 12, 2026
Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir
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Oracle Lagoon
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Bay Trail on Foster City Levee
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Sawyer Camp Recreation Trail
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The 15-mile Crystal Springs Regional Trail is one of the best mostly paved bike trails with few cars in the Bay Area. It spans from San Bruno to …
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Cañada Road Along Crystal Springs Reservoir
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Tips from the Community
An easy, long stretch of relatively peaceful peninsula road, highly frequented by cyclists. Most Sundays, Rangers shut down a section of it for the exclusive use of bikers and walkers, from 9am to 3pm.
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The Crystal Springs Regional Trail is a top spot for cyclists, featuring mostly paved paths with minimal car traffic. The trail runs through scenic areas like Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir, offering beautiful lake views. On Sundays, you can ride the car-free Cañada Road segment for a more relaxed experience. Be mindful of the 15 mph speed limit, especially around hikers. The Sawyer Camp segment provides a gentle descent and stunning views, perfect for an easy ride through woodlands and along the reservoir.
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This small lagoon offers an excellent photo opportunity for visitors and photographers alike. Its calm, crystal-clear waters create a stunning mirror-like reflection of the iconic Oracle Buildings that surround it. The tranquil setting, combined with the striking architecture, makes it an ideal spot to capture breathtaking images, especially during sunrise and sunset.
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An excellent paved section of the Bay Trail circles around Foster City along the bay, not the shortest but probably the fastest and more interesting route than the alternative along roads branching off here through the center of Foster city.
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90 percent of San Francisco Bay's former wetlands have been destroyed by development, this one for the eponymous offices for Larry Ellison's company, who wants to be a famous sailor (judging by how he bought a 'victory' at the America's Cup), but apparently doesn't care much about protecting the waters he's sailing on.
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The 15-mile Crystal Springs Regional Trail is one of the best mostly paved bike trails with few cars in the Bay Area. It spans from San Bruno to Woodside and is routed along three gorgeous lakes and connector links amid riparian woodlands. On Sundays, you can combine the San Andreas and Sawyer Camp segments to south of Highway 92 to Cañada Road, which is closed to cars for Bicycle Sundays (See https://www.komoot.com/tour/11413421) Speed limit: 15 mph, difficult for high-end road bikes to stay below, so bring a bell: some hikers stand and talk in the center of the trail ;-) San Andreas segment: From Skyline Boulevard south of San Bruno Avenue the trail drops to the head of San Andreas Lake, with pretty views across to the west of the wilderness slope of Montara Mountain. It rides along the lake 2 miles to an access point near Larkspur and 0.6 miles to another (at Hillcrest) where it connects to the Sawyer Camp segment. Sawyer Camp segment: This is a gorgeous, easy bike ride, where you drop 400 feet over the span of 6 miles to Crystal Springs Dam. The route descends into riparian woodlands for 2.5 miles to Jepson Laurel picnic grounds, then runs along Crystal Springs Reservoir for 5.2 miles. You can continue another 1.7 miles to Cañada Road for Bicycle Sunday (no cars). Cañada Road/Crystal Springs segment: South along Upper Crystal Springs Reservoir for 2.1 miles to the Pulgas Water Temple. It continues another 2.1 miles past Filoli Botanical Center and Phleger Estate to Edgewood Road http://sfgate.com/outdoors/sundaydrive/article/Crystal-Springs-Trail-links-lakes-woodlands-4723374.php http://parks.smcgov.org/crystal-springs-regional-trail
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Frequently Asked Questions
What outdoor activities can I do around the lakes near Belmont?
The lakes near Belmont offer a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling on routes like the Bay Trail on Foster City Levee, or explore mountain biking trails, particularly around Waterdog Lake. For more challenging rides, consider the gravel biking routes that incorporate parts of the Crystal Springs area. You can find detailed routes for various sports in the MTB Trails around Belmont and Cycling around Belmont guides.
Are there family-friendly options for visiting lakes near Belmont?
Yes, several spots are great for families. The Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir and its associated Crystal Springs Regional Trail offer mostly paved paths, making it suitable for families with strollers or younger cyclists. Oracle Lagoon is also considered family-friendly, providing a calm setting for a stroll and photo opportunities.
What kind of trails can I find around the lakes in the Belmont area?
You'll find a mix of trails. The Crystal Springs Regional Trail, which runs along the Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir, features mostly paved paths ideal for cycling and walking. Waterdog Lake offers well-maintained trails through wooded canyons, suitable for hiking, running, and mountain biking. The Bay Trail on Foster City Levee is another excellent paved section for cycling and walking with bay views.
Are there any lakes near Belmont that are dog-friendly?
Yes, Waterdog Lake in Belmont is dog-friendly, allowing dogs on leash on its trails. Additionally, Oracle Lagoon is also noted as dog-friendly, providing a pleasant environment for walks with your canine companion.
Can I go swimming in the lakes around Belmont?
Swimming is generally not permitted in Waterdog Lake. For other lakes and reservoirs in the area, it's best to check specific regulations, as many are used for water supply and do not allow swimming.
What are some notable natural features or viewpoints around the lakes?
The Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir offers beautiful lake views along the Crystal Springs Regional Trail, with riparian woodlands and views of Montara Mountain. Oracle Lagoon is known for its calm, crystal-clear waters that reflect the surrounding Oracle Buildings, creating unique photo opportunities. The Bay Trail on Foster City Levee provides expansive views of the bay.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible trails or areas near the lakes?
Yes, the Bay Trail on Foster City Levee is an excellent paved section of the Bay Trail that is wheelchair accessible. Oracle Lagoon is also noted as being wheelchair accessible, offering a tranquil setting for all visitors.
What is the best time to visit the lakes near Belmont?
The lakes and trails around Belmont can be enjoyed year-round. However, spring and fall often offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Waterdog Lake Open Space is open from sunrise to sunset. For cycling, Sundays are particularly good for the Crystal Springs Regional Trail, as the Cañada Road segment is closed to cars for 'Bicycle Sundays'.
Are there any historical or cultural landmarks near the lakes?
Waterdog Lake itself has a historical connection, as it was originally formed by financier William Ralston to supply water for his Belmont mansion. Near the Crystal Springs Reservoir, you can find the Pulgas Water Temple, a notable architectural landmark that marks the terminus of the Hetch Hetchy Aqueduct.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Belmont?
Visitors frequently highlight the scenic beauty and the variety of recreational opportunities. The mostly paved paths and beautiful lake views of the Crystal Springs Regional Trail are very popular among cyclists. The tranquil setting and unique reflections at Oracle Lagoon are also highly appreciated for photography.
Where can I find easy walking trails around the lakes near Belmont?
For easy walking, the Crystal Springs Regional Trail offers gentle, mostly paved sections along the Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir. Waterdog Lake also has varying trail lengths, including easier paths suitable for a relaxed stroll through its wooded environment. The Bay Trail on Foster City Levee provides a flat, paved surface perfect for an easy walk with bay views.
Are there fishing opportunities at lakes near Belmont?
While swimming is not permitted, fishing is a possibility at Waterdog Lake. Additionally, nearby lakes like Stevens Creek Reservoir, Lake Merced, and Lake Chabot are popular fishing spots where anglers can find species such as bass, channel catfish, panfish, and trout.
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