Nestled between the Centerville and Niles districts of Fremont along the sleepy Alameda Creek lies one of the hidden gems of the city– the Quarry Lakes Recreational Park. If you are seeking some outdoor fun amidst solitude, then exploring Quarry Lakes is something that you might want to consider if you happen to be in one of San Francisco Bay Area’s largest cities – Fremont.
This East Bay city located in the county of Alameda covers an area of 92 square miles and happens to be the second-largest amongst all the cities that are considered to be part of the Bay Area. Teeming with excellent eateries and shopping places, Fremont is a peaceful, diverse residential city that also happens to be a hub for tech-manufacturing in Silicon Valley. As a local resident of the Tri-City area (Fremont- Newark- Union City), what I particularly love is the fact that Fremont offers Bay Area residents plenty of options for enjoying the outdoors. To name a few, these options include visiting the popular Lake Elizabeth in the heart of the city as well as heading off for hiking adventures along its abundant hiking trails including those leading to the summit of Mission Peak.
While often missed by visitors to the city, one of the most loved activities for locals of Fremont is exploring the Quarry Lakes Recreational Park. This regional recreational park offers the perfect mix of outdoor activities such as walking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, picnicking, nature viewing, and indulging in some sand volleyball in a family-friendly, pet-friendly, budget-friendly outdoor setting. So, this travel guide is an ode to one of our favorite places to visit in Fremont and highlights why visiting Quarry Lakes Recreational Park in Fremont should be on the list of many considering an off-the-beaten-path excursion in the San Francisco Bay Area.
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How was the Quarry Lakes Recreational Park formed – a brief history
Quarry Lakes Recreational Park was established in 1997 but the Quarry Lakes region has an interesting history that dates to the mid-19th century. During that time, the first transcontinental train route through America was being carved out. This route included a section passing through the Alameda Creek Canyon in California’s Bay Area region. To provide gravel and sand that could be processed later into concrete for the construction of the railroad and some of the public buildings located in the Niles district of Fremont, gravel beds near the Alameda Creek were quarried for nearly a century.
Today, the Quarry Lakes that we see at the site of these same quarries are used as a source of groundwater supply to the Tri-City. Rainwater collected in the Alameda Creek watershed flows through the Alameda Creek Flood Control channel and gets diverted to the Quarry Lakes. From these lakes, the water collected seeps underground into the water table that is part of the Niles groundwater basin. The water collected in this natural reservoir is treated and becomes the source of water supply for the Tri-City area that encompasses Fremont, Union City, and Newark.
Visiting Quarry Lakes Recreational Park in Fremont – Location and Parking access
Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area is located along Isherwood Way, just off from Paseo Padre Parkway in Fremont. This quieter cluster of lakes along with its trails is set against the backdrop of Fremont hills in the distance that includes the view of Mission Peak. The park offers a perfect mix of outdoor activities making it a fantastic alternative to the larger and more popular Lake Elizabeth in the city.
Parking access at Quarry Lakes
As a frequent visitor to the Quarry Lakes, I find that finding a spot to park your car in at this recreational park is never problematic as there are ample, well-marked parking spots available near the entrance along Isherwood Way. While entrance for visitors to the park is free, there is a parking fee of $5 per vehicle, $4 per trailered vehicle, and $25 per bus. There is also a visitor drop-off area located near the main entrance of the park on Isherwood Way.
Best time for visiting Quarry Lakes Recreational Park:
Quarry Lakes is a joy to explore all year round and a visit to this recreational park makes for a relaxing day trip from San Francisco and the other Bay Area cities. There is not much shade along the trails though so if you plan to visit this corner of Fremont during the warm summer months, the ideal time to visit would be during the early morning or evening hours to get some respite from the heat. Regardless of when you are visiting the park, be sure to carry plenty of water with you to avoid dehydration along the trails.
Timings: The timings for the opening of the park gates varies depending on the month. During the winter months of November – January, the park is open from 7 am-5 pm while in the summer months it is open from 6 am-8 pm. Access to this regional park is prohibited from 10pm-5 am. For more details on the timings and possible closures to the beach, boat ramp, and swim area of the park, refer to the official website of the East Bay Regional Parks District– Quarry Lakes.
The various lakes that make up the Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area
As you wander around the park exploring its peaceful trails and vista points, you’ll notice that the Quarry Lakes Recreational Park is built around a group of lakes – namely Horseshoe Lake, Rainbow Lake, Lago Los Osos, and Willow Slough. Together these lakes make up about 350 acres of the park’s designated 471 acres space.
Activities such as fishing or boating and levels of access to the water vary for each of the four lakes. So be aware of these access rules when visiting this regional park in Fremont. These four lakes are seamlessly connected throughout the park by well-maintained walking trails.
1. Horseshoe Lake
Horseshoe Lake is the largest lake in the Quarry Lakes Recreational Park around which most of the activities of the park are likely to be centered. The fishing pier, the boat launch area, the Niles Beach, Pellarin’s rare fruit tree grove, the swimming area as well as the volleyball courts are built around Horseshoe Lake. As you park your car near the main entrance of the Quarry Lakes, this is the first lake that you will see stretching across right in front of you against the backdrop of Fremont Hills.
Fishing and boat launch piers are located along this Lake which is the focal point for people interested in such activities. When this lake’s water is deemed clean enough, the access to Niles Beach and its swimming area also makes for a fun activity at the park. Besides these activities, the rare citrus fruit tree grove is also located on a small peninsula jutting into this lake towards its western side. Trails around Horseshoe Lake include the Old Creek Trail and the Western Pacific Trail.
2. Rainbow Lake
Rainbow Lake is located just across the Old Creek Trail from Horseshoe Lake. While not quite as large as Horseshoe Lake, this lake is still quite popular with those interested in some leisurely lakeside fishing activities. The Californio Trail (located parallel to the Alameda Creek Trail) and the Old Creek Trail run along the shores of this lake. Like Horseshoe Lake, fishing is permissible in the waters of the Rainbow Lake.
3. Willow Slough
The smallest of the four water bodies in the Quarry Lakes Recreational Park is Willow Slough. It happens to be located just ahead of the Volunteer Recognition Redwood Grove along the Californio Trail. No fishing or water contact is allowed in this lake. However, as you walk along the trails near this lake, don’t forget to look out for some of the migratory birds that make this recreational park their home, especially during the spring and fall seasons. You are most likely to spot several of these birds congregating along this slough during the migratory season.
4. Lago Los Osos
This peaceful, large lake in the Quarry Lakes Recreational Park is part of the natural unit of the park which includes Willow Slough as well (Rainbow and Horseshoe Lakes are listed under the Recreational Unit of the park).
Like Willow Slough, lake water activities such as fishing and swimming are not allowed in the waters of this lake. However, the trails around this lake which are frequented by walkers, joggers and bikers offer the chance to take in the views of the park, the native wildflowers, and the natural surroundings.
Highlights of the lakeside trails in Quarry Lakes Recreational Area:
One of our favorite activities when visiting Quarry Lakes Recreational Park in Fremont is to take a leisurely walk along the trails of the park. The trails are well-maintained with some sections that are paved while others are mostly loose gravel trails. These easy to walk, flat trails are frequented by people enjoying leisurely walks, often with their dogs as well as bikers. There are also plenty of picnic tables and benches along these trails giving you plenty of options for where to stop by for a quick snack or picnic along the route.
The trails running along the lake end up crisscrossing each other at some point or the other. Maps of the various trails in the park are posted at the information boards at the start of these trails. However, you can always refer to the trail map available online on the official site of the recreational park on your phone or print a copy prior to your visit.
1. Western Pacific Trail
Quite possibly the most frequented, year-round accessible trail of the park is the Western Pacific Trail. This trail runs along the edge of Horseshoe Lake and further onwards along Lago Los Osos. The trail is approximately 3.0-miles long trail – that’s 3.0 miles total – to and fro, excluding the 0.72 miles long Isla Tres Rancheros loop. To find the starting point of this trail, head over to the left side edge of the main parking lot, past the gated entrance of Niles Beach. If you’d like to delve into the history of the region, don’t forget to stop by the bulletin board near the start of this trail that gives details of the history of the Niles District in Fremont.
As you start your walk along this trail, you will notice the gated Niles beach area to your right with its swimming area and sand volleyball courts. This is one of the busiest corners of the recreational park during the summers. Towards your left side, you might notice the frequently running BART trains zipping along the tracks from Fremont to nearby Bay Area cities.
If you are walking along this route, I highly recommend that you explore the 0.72-mile Isla Tres Rancheros loop that branches off from this trail and brings visitors to the rare fruit tree grove. One of the most picturesque spots along the Quarry Lakes is located near this grove. As you continue your walk along the Western Pacific Trail, you will get to witness several species of wildflowers blooming in abundance making it a perfect nature walk.
2. Old Creek Trail
If you happen to head off along this route, consider starting your trail from the main entrance to the park and start walking along the trail in the right direction from the fishing pier and boat launch. This trail, just like the Western Pacific Trail is perfect for visitors of all age groups and offers some of the best views of the Horseshoe Lake with the Fremont Hills in the background.
This trail runs between both the Horseshoe Lake and the Rainbow Lake and once you walk past the Bald Cyprus Grove, you are able to see the Willow Slough lake in the distance and the Lago Los Ocos to your right side as well.
3. Californio Trail
The Californio Trail runs parallel to the Alameda Creek and its adjoining Alameda Creek Trail. While less busy than the Western Pacific and Old Creek Trails, this trail brings visitors to the Volunteer Recognition Redwood Grove where it also meets with the Old Creek Trail. From this point, the trail continues towards Willow Slough where it is intersected by the Wood Duck Trail. This trail is also located close to the Isherwood Staging Area where you can also find limited parking space.
4. Alameda Creek Trail
The Alameda Creek Trail lies just outside the Recreational Park’s fence along the Alameda Creek and runs parallel to Californio Trail. This 22-mile-long trail that runs along Alameda Creek starts from the Niles Canyon near the Fremont Hills and winds its way up to the Coyote Hills Regional Park near the San Francisco Bay.
The portion of the Alameda Creek Trail that runs near Quarry Lakes Recreational Park goes on from the Isherwood Lane all the way to the Niles Gate. From Isherwood till Sequoia Bridge the trail is paved while from Sequoia Bridge till the Niles Gate, the trail is unpaved. Equestrians are permitted to bring their horses on only the unpaved portion of this trail.
Which trail loop should you explore when visiting Quarry Lakes Recreational Park for the first time?
If you are visiting Quarry Lakes in Fremont for the first time and might only have enough time to explore one trail on foot, then consider starting along the Old Creek Trail from the Fishing Pier. Continue along this trail as it winds you along all the four lakes in this Regional Park. The trail eventually then meets the Western Pacific Trail. Turn left onto Western Pacific Trail from this intersection, heading back towards the main parking area on Isherwood Way. Do take the time to explore Isla Tres Rancheros loop as a detour from the Western Trail during your walk along this trail. The total distance you will end up covering along this route would be about 2.2 – 3 miles, depending on whether you decide to take the loop to visit the rare fruit tree grove.
This route takes you along some of the best highlights of the park while bringing you to interesting stops such as the redwood grove, citrus grove and is ideal to head along if you plan on enjoying the scavenger hunt in the park. The scavenger hunt maps are available along the information board located on Isla Tres Rancheros loop. For example, enjoy heading off for an Oak Tree Scavenger hunt by picking up the Oak Tree brochures. The brochure has details of the basic description of the oak trees along with their IDs and GPS co-ordinates. Such scavenger hunts end up being fun, educational family experiences while visiting Quarry Lakes Recreational Park.
Which trail loop should you choose to explore the full loop around the entire Recreational Park?
When visiting Quarry Lakes in Fremont, if you would like to explore the entire loop that runs along the Quarry Lakes Recreational Park on foot or by bike, then you will most likely find yourself heading along the 4 miles long route from Old Creek Trail – Californio Trail – Niles Gate – Western Pacific Trail and the Isla Tres Rancheros Loop. This route is probably best explored on a bike so that you don’t end up tiring yourself out too much, especially during the warmer months as there is little-to-no-shade along these.
Dog walking and pet-friendly trails at Quarry Lakes Recreational Park
Your furry friends will surely enjoy being out and about exploring the trails at this regional park. Dogs are allowed on the trails but are required to be always kept on a leash during the visit. Keep in mind, that as posted at the main entrance to the park, you will have to pay an additional cost of $2 per dog when visiting Quarry Lakes (service dogs can enter free of charge). Information along the trails is posted that advises people to not allow their pets to go into the water or drink from the water. In case you are visiting Quarry Lakes to enjoy some time on the beach area and swimming in the designated zone, note that pets are not allowed in this section of the Recreational Park.
Swimming facilities and Niles Beach at Quarry Lakes Recreational Park
Access to the Niles Beach swim complex requires an additional fee that includes access to the volleyball courts, its family-friendly beach, and a section of the Horseshoe Lake near this beach demarcated by rope as the swimming zone. During conditions such as the algal blooms or increased number of wild ducks and geese in the park, the water may be deemed unfit for entering. In such an instance, there are signs that are posted around the park informing visitors to not enter the water. Be sure to check the water quality conditions before you consider swimming in the designated section of the lake.
Indulge in some fun in the sand by playing volleyball
Fees paid to enter the Niles Beach complex covers the access to the volleyball courts located inside this gated complex. There are two well-maintained, sand volleyball courts adjacent to each other in this gated section of the park which are frequented by volleyball players of all age groups and experience levels.
Learn about the native and exotic rare fruit trees in Pellarin’s Grove
Located right along the end of the Isla Tres Rancheros loop is one of the most interesting points of interest in Quarry Lakes Recreational Park – Pellarin’s Grove. Founded by one of the rangers of Quarry Lakes, this grove is home to rare and exotic trees. The trail runs in a circle around this grove and as you will explore the grove, you will notice that each tree there is numbered, and the name is of the tree is listed as well.
Be sure to pick up the free, informative brochure from the bulletin board near Pellarin’s Grove. This brochure lists the IDs of each of the trees planted in the grove along with their names, a brief description, origin, uses, and harvest times. Visitors are welcome to sample the fruits from these trees although they are advised not to collect the fruit in bags to take away. Trees planted here include the Southmoon Blueberry tree, Variegated Pink Lemon, Buddha’s Hand, Spicy Zee Necta-Plum, and Indiomandarinquat to name a few.
There are picnic tables along this section of this park too. Close to the left side loop of the rare fruit tree grove, you will notice a small trail sloping downwards towards the lake. This trail is a must-see as it brings you to one of the most scenic vista points along the lake where you will be able to spot a single tree submerged partially in the lake water against the serene backdrop of the surrounding lake and hills in the distance.
Admire the vibrant wildflowers of Quarry Lakes Recreational Park
One of the joys of visiting Quarry Lakes includes heading along its trails in search of the beautiful, vibrant wildflowers that grow in abundance in the park. Spring season is naturally the perfect time to view these blooming wildflowers at their best. You will find vibrant flowers in shades of orange, purple, pink, yellow, and white, nodding along in the cool breeze blowing through the park as you stroll along its various trails.
So if you would like to spot the California Poppy, Scarlet Pimpernel, Chicory, Milk Thistle, Red-stem Filaree, or Dandelion to name a few, download and refer to the free wildflower guide provided by the park website as you enjoy your walk around Quarry Lakes.
Boating and Fishing activities around Quarry Lakes
Boating and fishing are also popular with those visiting Quarry Lakes Recreational Park. Boating is permitted in Horseshoe Lake with its designated boat inspection and launch area near the main parking lot. Fishing is permissible in both the Horseshoe and the Rainbow Lakes.
Fishing in Quarry Lakes Recreational Park
The waters of Horseshoe and Rainbow Lakes are home to trout and catfish. Keep in mind that California Fishing License and a Daily Fishing Access Permit (costs $5 per day) are required by anglers fishing in the designated fishing zones of the park and casting of lead fishing weights is prohibited.
As you enter the park from the main parking area, you will be able to easily notice the fishing pier located on Horseshoe Lake. This is one of the most popular spots for anglers to cast their fishing line and is also wheelchair accessible. Another popular spot for fishing for trout is located south of the boat launch area close to the Old Creek Trail. These two locations are the most popular ones for fishing so if you plan on casting your fishing line from here, be sure to arrive at the park early in the day.
Based on what I have heard from experienced anglers visiting Quarry Lakes, there is another excellent fishing spot located north of the fruit tree grove area on Horseshoe Lake. Since this spot is located further along the Western Pacific Trail route, it tends to be less crowded so it could end up being a good option for those finding other spots for fishing crowded.
Enjoy Boating in Horseshoe Lake
Kayaks, sailboards, paddleboards, float tubes, and electric-powered motorboats are allowed in the waters of Horseshoe Lake. They can be launched from the Boat Launch area after they pass the boat inspection first to ensure that the boats are dry and will not end up introducing the invasive Quagga and Zebra mussels into the waters of the lakes. Fees is required to be paid for boat inspection and boat launch at Quarry Lakes Recreational Park. While there is no boat launch area in the Rainbow Lake, float tubes are permitted in this lake as well as in Horseshoe Lake.
Indulge in a leisurely lakeside picnic when visiting Quarry Lakes in Fremont
There are abundant picnic tables and benches located at frequent locations along the trails of the park. Most of these picnic tables are not shaded and are free to use and non-reservable. If you prefer to have a shaded area for a picnic or would like to reserve a picnic area for a larger group, consider calling the park authorities in advance to reserve the shaded Ensenada Pavillion. Keep in mind that in order to maintain the recreation area, party decorations are not allowed in any of the picnic areas of the park.
Some final thoughts on visiting Quarry Lakes Recreational Park in Fremont
Being a local resident of the San Francisco Bay Area, one of the things that I love most about this beautiful region is the wide variety of hiking and outdoor experiences one can indulge in. When you are planning off-the-beaten-path day trips from San Francisco, you might want to consider stopping by Fremont – one of the largest cities located in the East Bay.
If you are seeking a recreation park that offers you the chance to indulge in outdoor activities like biking, fishing, swimming, jogging, and casual walking in a setting that makes you forget the hustle-bustle of a busy city like Fremont, then visiting Quarry Lakes Park should be on your list. The park offers a range of family-friendly, and budget-friendly activities along with educational experiences that allow you to make the most of the outdoors. No matter how busy the day has been, a walk along Quarry Lakes never fails to leave me refreshed and wanting to return to explore some more.
I’m sure we will keep returning to this picturesque park in Fremont for casual strolls, biking fun, and other family-friendly recreational activities. Until then,….. see you soon, dear Quarry Lakes Recreational Park!
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Hello ! I’m Aditi …..
Welcome to Land Of Travels – a travel blog that my husband Manish and I started to share our travel stories and travel tips. We are full-time professionals, dedicated parents, foodies, and it is our shared passion for traveling that lead us to become part-time bloggers.
I was born and brought up in Northern India, lived in Bay Area, California for nearly two decades and currently reside in Ontario, Canada. Since childhood, I’ve always had a passion to travel far & wide and experience different cultures. I am passionate about planning our trips and exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations.
My sincere hope is that the travel tips offered on this blog will help you plan your next memorable adventure.
Happy travels!
~ Aditi Sharma ~
Brilliant post. And the photographs are amazing. So lively…
Thank you for the information!!! I loved the photos – Keep up the great work!
I used to go to Fremont a lot for work but never knew these beautiful lakes and trails were there. It looks like such a great place for a walk and getting out into nature! I look forward to visiting one day.
Gorgeous post Aditi! You found so many gorgeous trails, lakes and beautiful flowers!! I am so used to seeing you in far off lands – it’s nice to see where you explore when you are closer to home.
Fremont is my hometown!! I definitely know of Quarry Lakes but haven’t been back there in probably around…1.5 decades (…). So clearly that needs to change. I’m definitely gonna have to check it out again soon. Your photos are beautiful!
I live on the Peninsula and sometimes work in Fremont and I’d never even heard of Quarry Lakes Recreational Park before! I’m going to need to visit on a weekend one day. Your photos are gorgeous!
Great find! I love the pictures of the trees in the water. Definitely will have to check this place out now that I know about it!
I can easily see myself with a good book enjoying the peace that this place brought to me through your photos. Seems like a great setting to disconnect. And even more so with all the hiking trails. The possibilities are there to keep you entertained for days and days. Love it!
These photos look so beautiful and peaceful! I will definitely keep this area in mind when I travel to California next.
This looks incredible! I am hoping to come over to America within the next couple of years so I’ve saved this blog to come back too in a couple of years!
These photos are absolutely gorgeous! Looks like a great place to visit with all the hiking options. Would love to hang my hammock up on one of those trails.
I’ve lived in Fremont for most of my life and only visited Quarry Lakes once to do a half marathon. I need to go back to explore the hiking trails and to see the wildflowers. Thanks for the inspiration!
Quarry Lakes Recreational Area is just incredible, fantastic with exciting trails, wild flowers & exotic fruits. Appreciate your efforts & your description is very interesting & informative. Have been to Fremont a number of times but missed out on Quarry Lakes but it’s on my bucket list now.
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Quarry Lakes Recreational Area is just incredible, fantastic with all those exciting trails ,wild flowers & exotic fruits.Really appreciate your sincere efforts to highlight in detail about everything out there & your information is very interesting & informative .. Have been to Fremont so many times but missed out on Quarry Lakes somehow & it will surely be on my list. Enjoyed a lot & my compliments on this effort of yours.
What a graphic description.lovely clicks
This place sounds like a heavenly place to visit for a stroll. Wish to visit it at the earliest.