UPDATE March 22, 2024: New "Loch Walk" info below!

Loch Lomond Recreation Area (LLRA) is owned and operated by the City of Santa Cruz Water Department.  Loch Lomond Reservoir's primary function is water storage for Santa Cruz residents.  The Recreation work group that operates LLRA is part of the City of Santa Cruz Water Department's Watershed Section along with the Water Resources Management work group. A range of activities can be found at LLRA including boat rentals, picnicking, fishing, hiking and natural resources interpretive programming. LLRA staff also provide surveillance and security on surrounding City watershed lands and riparian conservation areas.

A map of Loch Lomond and surrounding trails and other facilities can be found here.

HOURS OF OPERATION*

Season opening day:  March1st

March:  7 AM – 7 PM

April:  7 AM – 7:30 PM

May:  7 AM – 8 PM

June:  7 AM – 8:30 PM

July:  7 AM – 8:30 PM

August – Labor Day:  7 AM – 8:00 PM

Labor Day – Second weekend of October:  7 AM – 6 PM (WEEKENDS ONLY)

*Please note that Loch Lomond Recreation Area will be closed routinely every Wednesday during the open season to meet maintenance and other water system operational and organizational needs. 

New Fee Schedule effective November 1, 2023

VEHICLE ENTRANCE FEE

Vehicle Day Use Fee - $10

Vehicle Season Pass - $100

BOAT RENTAL OPERATIONS

Electric Motor Boat (aluminum):

2 hr minimum M-F, $60 first 2 hours, $30 each hour thereafter, $180 all day

3 hr minimum on weekends and holidays before noon, $90 first 3 hours, $30 each hour thereafter, $180 all day

Row Boats (aluminum), Paddle Boats and Nucanoes*: 

2 hr minimum, $30 first 2 hours, $15 each hour thereafter, $90 all day

*No reservations available for Nucanoes

Boats are Rented on a First Come, First Served Basis

• All boats must be off the lake 1 hour prior to park closing time
• No outside boats/paddleboards allowed with the exception of boats in the private boat storage program (details below).
• A limited number of boats (excluding Nucanoes) may be reserved for the maximum daily rate by calling (831) 335-7424 at least one day prior. No refunds.
• You may bring your own electric motor/marine battery for use on our row boats

  (subject to mandatory inspection for clean, dry prop prior to use)

ALCOHOL PERMITS (Over 21 years of age, ID required)

1-5 adults: $5

5+ adults: $50

GROUP RESERVATION PICNIC AREAS

Vista Point group area $70.00

Upper Loch group area $70.00

Wedding venue $250.00

Reservations may be made by calling (831) 335-7424

ACTIVITIES

SWIMMING IS PROHIBITED

• Hiking
• Boat Rentals
• Fishing (DFW licenses sold here)
• Picnicking (charcoal BBQ pits available)
• Group picnics (oversized BBQ pits available)
• Weddings
• Park store with limited selection of snacks and drinks, tackle, bait
• School environmental education events
• Free public natural history education events ("Loch Walks")
• Free on-the-water interpretive tours

Loch Lomond is a pet friendly recreation area!

Pets on leash are welcome on ALL trails and picnic areas. However, they are not permitted on our rental boats or in the reservoir.

For the latest information on fish stocking at Loch Lomond please go to this California Department of Fish and Wildlife website. 

PRIVATE BOAT STORAGE PROGRAM

Due to the concern regarding contamination of the reservoir with aquatic invasive species (AIS) such as Eurasian mussels, private boat launching will be restricted to allow only boats that are stored at the Loch Lomond Recreation Area. Annual storage fee for trailered boats is $425 and $325 for non-trailered boats. This includes inspection/decontamination and launch fees. New in 2018 we started a half-season storage program available as well.  The fee for half-season storage of trailered boats is $275 and the half-season storage fee for non-trailered boats is $175 The half season rate begins after June 15th.  Entrance fees still apply. Boats may be removed but must be decontaminated ($30 fee) prior to re-entry into Loch Lomond Reservoir. Annual passes are also available for sale. Space is limited to about 100 boats. Limited boat trailer space is also available.  A substantial rental fleet is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Staff can be contacted at 831-335-7424 for more information.

For more information regarding aquatic invasive species (AIS) please go to this California Department of Fish and Wildlife website.

FREE BOAT TOURS!

Beginning in April, interpretive tours on the "Newell Jewell" pontoon boat will be offered the second weekend of the month on both Saturday and Sunday from 11:00am - noon. Tours can accommodate up to 25 people, with sign-ups in the park store. First come, first served. Tours are offered free of charge. 

2024 LOCH WALKS*

*All events are free however attendance will be limited. Please contact us directly for more event details. 

Water Recreation Contact:

Loch Lomond Recreation Area
100 Loch Lomond Way
Felton, California 95018
(831) 335-7424; Fax (831) 335-1178

Ryan Wall - Chief Ranger

Chris Berry - Watershed Manager