Top 3 Lakes in Calero County Park
Best lakes in Calero County Park are located in the eastern foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains in San Jose, California. The park is primarily centered around Calero Reservoir, a significant artificial lake covering 349 acres. It also includes Los Cerritos Pond, offering a more tranquil experience. The area provides diverse recreational opportunities and natural landscapes, including California Oak woodland and chaparral.
Best lakes in Calero County Park
- The most popular lakes is Calero Reservoir, a lake that is…
Last updated: May 13, 2026
Calero Reservoir
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Los Cerritos Pond
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Oak Cove Trail
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Calero County Park
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Other adventures in Calero County Park
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The Oak Cove Trail in Calero County Park is a 5.6-mile out-and-back trail open for mountain biking, hiking, and trail running. The trail offers a mix of flat sections and gentle hills, making it accessible for beginners and families. Riders can enjoy scenic views of the reservoir and surrounding landscapes. The trail connects with the Lisa Killough Trail, allowing for extended rides within the park. While the path is mostly flat, there are a few small hills that may require less experienced riders or kids to dismount. The first hill at the beginning (and the last hill on the return) is probably the most challenging.
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Los Cerritos Pond is just off the side of the Oak Cove Trail and is a great spot for a pit-stop during your ride. You can get right up next to the banks of the water, or you can hang out under the shade trees closer to the main trail.
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Calero County Park is a huge park covering over 4,400 acres and featuring a huge lake. Calero Reservoir is definitely the pinnacle of the park, but there are a number of trails and paths that offer different views and pass through different natural ecosystems. Being such a big park, there are a bunch of different trailheads and park entrances that you can utilize.
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True to its name, Los Cerritos ("little hills") Pond is ringed by hills. You'll find a great network of looping walking trails here, and from March through May the wildflowers here are spectacular. Plan to be without shade for long stretches of your run.
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True to its name, Los Cerritos ("little hills") Pond is ringed by hills. You'll find a great network of looping walking trails here, and from March through May the wildflowers here are spectacular. Plan to be without shade for long stretches of your walk.
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It's always nice riding by a lake or reservoir, but the draught has taken a toll on the water's level in 2022
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From the road, you have nice views of the Calero Reservoir, also known as Calero Lake.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main lakes and water bodies in Calero County Park?
Calero County Park is primarily centered around Calero Reservoir, a large artificial lake, and also includes the more tranquil Los Cerritos Pond. Both offer distinct recreational opportunities and scenic beauty.
What activities can I do at Calero Reservoir?
At Calero Reservoir, you can enjoy a wide range of water sports including boating, water-skiing, jet-skiing, kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Fishing is also permitted on a catch-and-release basis. The surrounding trails, like the Oak Cove Trail, offer scenic views for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
What makes Los Cerritos Pond unique?
Los Cerritos Pond offers a serene and peaceful experience, encircled by hills. It features a network of looping walking trails and is known for spectacular wildflower displays from March through May. It's also an excellent spot for nature observation, particularly for turtles and dragonflies, and has an oak-shaded picnic area.
Are there family-friendly activities around the lakes in Calero County Park?
Yes, both Calero Reservoir and Los Cerritos Pond are considered family-friendly. Los Cerritos Pond has easy looping walking trails and a shaded picnic area, perfect for a relaxed outing. The Oak Cove Trail near Calero Reservoir is also accessible for beginners and families, with a mix of flat sections and gentle hills.
What kind of wildlife can be spotted near the lakes?
The area around the lakes is home to abundant wildlife. Near Los Cerritos Pond, you can often observe turtles and dragonflies. Generally, throughout Calero County Park, visitors might see various bird species, deer, foxes, and rabbits.
Are there hiking trails around the lakes in Calero County Park?
Yes, there are numerous hiking opportunities. The Oak Cove Trail provides scenic views of Calero Reservoir and is suitable for hiking. Around Los Cerritos Pond, you'll find a network of looping walking trails. For more options, you can explore easy hikes like the Los Cerritos Trail or Lisa's Lookout via Lisa Killough Trail, detailed in the Easy Hikes in Calero County Park guide.
What is the best time to visit the lakes for wildflowers?
The best time to visit for spectacular wildflower displays, particularly around Los Cerritos Pond, is during spring, specifically from March through May.
Can I go mountain biking near the lakes?
Absolutely. The Oak Cove Trail, which offers scenic views of Calero Reservoir, is open for mountain biking. It features a mix of flat sections and gentle hills, connecting with other trails for extended rides within the park.
Are dogs allowed on trails around the lakes?
Calero County Park is generally dog-friendly. Many trails, including those around the lakes, welcome dogs. Always ensure your dog is on a leash and follow park regulations.
What are some popular routes for cycling near the lakes?
For road cycling, routes like the Calero County Park to Uvas Canyon County Park loop or the Calero Reservoir to Uvas Reservoir loop are popular. You can find more detailed routes in the Road Cycling Routes in Calero County Park guide.
What natural features define the landscape around Calero Reservoir?
Calero Reservoir is surrounded by a 4,471-acre park featuring California Oak woodland, chaparral, and riparian plant communities. The landscape offers expansive views of southern Santa Clara County and the Santa Cruz Mountain Range.
Is swimming allowed in Calero Reservoir?
No, swimming is prohibited in Calero Reservoir. While boating and other water activities are permitted, consuming caught fish is also prohibited due to mercury levels.
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