Skip to content
Loveland Reservoir
Photo via Wikimedia (Loveland Dam)
FreeParks & Hiking

Loveland Reservoir

Alpine, CA

★★★★4.4(36 Google reviews)

A quiet shoreline-fishing reservoir with a marked trail down to the water and good birdwatching on the way. The walk back up is entirely uphill in full sun, so carry water — and note there's no swimming, no boats and no dogs.

Happening near here

Everything on this weekend →

Loveland Reservoir, California, USA

Free; fishing licence required 16+

San Diego CountyAlpineLake

Map

What visitors say

  • Jesse Vicente Nunez★★★★★

    Fishing access trail was a little overgrown and only led to a small opening near the water. Was hoping there would be more fishing spots and a better trail. Also, lots of mosquitos. Overall beautiful view and a relatively short hike down. Would definitely return, but would also bring bug repellant.

    4 years ago

  • Dan C.★★★★★

    Beautiful reservoir in East County San Diego. Make sure to park off of Japatul Valley Road. The parking is free and there is a nice size lot. Then you hike down into the lake. Most people are there for the fishing, but I enjoy the hike and also did some rock scrambling.

    2 years ago

  • Brian Gois★★★★★

    Loveland reservoir is an awesome place to fish in southern California I've caught more fish here in one season than most people catch in a lifetime. largemouth bass can be extremely aggressive in this lake. I I've had 20 to 30 fish days frequently. It is free to fish with a California fishing license and there is ample parking but the hike out is steep. Not recommended for people with heart conditions!!There are no services at Loveland packing what you need for the day water food licenses tackle and try not to forget anything in the truck.

    7 years ago

  • Gary Lee johnson★★★★

    When the weather is not too hot or cold this place is a nice area to take a quick break. Currently open 6am to 6pm. There seems to be ample parking and there are a host of trails, the main one starting just beyond the parking area. There are rules and regulations posted at the main entrance as well as a host of other information pertaining to that environment. I suggest that you review the Info. at the gate before you enter as that area is a habitat for a number of different creatures; some that can harm you. I usually go riding thru that area on the weekend with my motorcycle. Remember in between tavern road and the lake there is another road called Sycuan Truck trail that has spectacular views of the lake and surrounding hills. Another thing to consider when in Japatul Rd. area is to be alert for bicyclist and motorcyclist as this road is often frequented by the likes of same on weekends. Unfortunately this time I don't have photos at this time,perhaps later. I visited on March 17,2019.

    7 years ago

  • Mark Philipps★★★★

    Good spot, medium hike to get to where fishing is accessable. Plenty parking. Carry water and supplies. limited cell service.

    5 years ago

Reviews from Google · See more on Google Maps

Nearby places

📬 Free weekly email

Love finding spots like this?

Get our best family things to do near you in one weekly email — free outings, weekend picks and local tips. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.