Santa Cruz Day Trip: Loch Lomond Recreation Area

Those familiar with Santa Cruz County know that the area is much-beloved for a number of reasons—one of them being its scenic beauty! From surfing at the beautiful beaches to hiking in the old-growth forests, there’s so much to see and do outdoors.

Situated near of the communities of Lompico, Felton, and Ben Lomond, tucked into the Santa Cruz Mountains, is Loch Lomond Recreation Area. At 175 acres in size, this natural area encircles a large reservoir, and makes for the perfect day trip for hikers, boaters, and nature lovers alike. Read on to learn more about why Loch Lomond Reservoir is one of Santa Cruz County’s hidden gems!

Dive Into Loch Lomond History

The region surrounding Loch Lomond Recreation Area has a rich history. The first inhabitants of the area were the Ohlone, a Native American group that consisted of several subsections, who had lived here for thousands of years. However, the 18th century saw European exploration, and the Spanish began colonizing the area as early as 1769.

In 1963, after the purchase of land by the City of Santa Cruz, Loch Lomond Recreation Area opened its doors to the public. It is known for its redwood forests, its abundance of wildlife, and its natural beauty. 

Loch Lomond Recreation Area is located at 100 Loch Lomond Way. It is a 15 to 20-minute drive from Felton, and a 30-minute drive from downtown Santa Cruz—traffic permitting.

Activities & Facilities

Loch Lomond Recreation Area offers a number of facilities and activities for visitors. This includes the following:

• Barbeque and picnic areas (with group reservations at Vista Point and Upper Loch)

• Fishing 

• Hiking 

• Boat rentals 

• Programs and events

• A park store

• Washrooms and parking

Vehicle parking is $8, but a Loch Lomond Recreation Area Season Pass can be purchased for $80. The park season begins at the start of March and ends in October, although after labor day, park hours are limited to weekends only. The park is also closed every Wednesday for scheduled maintenance.

Things To See & Do

Loch Lomond Recreation Area is perhaps most well-known for its hiking trails. Offering a number of different routes, from short and sweet (MacBain Trail) to quite lengthy (Loch Trail/Highland Loop), these trails cater to both families and the more adventurous hikers.

Boating on the reservoir is another popular activity. Private boats must be stored with Loch Lomond Recreation Area—they cannot be brought onto the water otherwise. The park also has a rental program. While limited, they offer both motor boats and paddle/row boats, with different fees for each. The boat launch is located near the park store, the latter of which offers snacks and refreshments, fishing licenses, and bait and tackle.

Fishing is permitted in the park, however all rules and regulations must be followed.

Other popular park activities include picnicking (at the many designated areas) and wildlife watching on the park trails. Some of the wildlife that can be spotted in the park include deer, raccoons, foxes, lizards, frogs, ospreys, herons, and many other species.

Remember The Rules!

In order to keep the park clean, beautiful, and safe, there are a few rules that must be followed when visiting the park.

Although the water looks like a great place to take a quick dip, no swimming is allowed in the reservoir. Likewise, floatation devices (such as water inflatables and float tubes) are also not permitted. Bicycles are allowed, but only on the designated paths, and pets must be leashed at all times. 

Wildlife enthusiasts and bird-watchers flock to the park every single year, but visitors must know that they are not permitted to feed any of the animals. Park visitors are also encouraged to use the trash cans around the area and pick up any of the litter that they leave behind—for the safety of all people and animals in the park. 

More information about park hours, additional rules, and park activities can be found on the City of Santa Cruz website here. 

Get up, get out, and enjoy nature! If you’re interested in making the move to Santa Cruz, Felton, or the Santa Cruz County area, contact Lauren Spencer today.