Top 12 Lakes around Morgan Hill

The lakes around Morgan Hill offer a wide range of activities. You can enjoy motorized boating, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, waterskiing, jet-skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing at lakes like Anderson Lake and Coyote Lake. Fishing is also popular, with species like bass, catfish, and crappie found in many reservoirs. Beyond water activities, the surrounding parks provide extensive hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, as well as picnic areas for family outings.

Yes, there are numerous hiking opportunities. For example, Anderson Lake County Park features extensive hiking and biking trails, including the Coyote Creek Parkway. Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park offers over 30 miles of trails through oak-studded canyons. You can find various hiking routes, from easy to difficult, such as the easy Uvas Reservoir trail or more challenging loops in Harvey Bear Ranch.

Anderson Lake is excellent for motorized boating, sailing, kayaking, and fishing, known for catfish and bass. Coyote Lake also permits various boating activities and is renowned for its 'world-class' black bass population. Calero Reservoir is another great option for boating and offers scenic views.

Absolutely. Many lakes and their surrounding parks are very family-friendly. Anderson Lake County Park has picnic areas with barbecue grills. Calero Reservoir and Uvas Reservoir are highlighted as family-friendly spots. Los Cerritos Pond also offers a network of looping walking trails suitable for families.

While specific dog policies can vary by park and trail, many county parks in the Morgan Hill area generally allow dogs on trails, often requiring them to be on a leash. It's always best to check the specific park regulations for each lake you plan to visit, such as Anderson Lake County Park or Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park, to confirm their current pet policies.

For scenic views, View of Chesbro Reservoir offers pretty vistas of the reservoir. Coyote Lake Overlook provides spectacular views of the south Santa Clara Valley. Calero Reservoir also offers great views of its large expanse.

The lakes are generally accessible year-round, with parks typically open from 8 a.m. until sunset. Spring (March through May) is particularly beautiful, especially around Los Cerritos Pond where wildflowers are spectacular. For hiking, cooler months are often preferred, but summer is ideal for water activities. Always check specific lake regulations, as some, like Coyote Lake, close to boating from mid-October to mid-April.

Yes, there are several easy trails. Los Cerritos Pond features a great network of looping walking trails. The Uvas Reservoir area offers shoreline fishing and wildlife viewing in a tranquil environment, and there's an easy Uvas Reservoir trail available. The Coyote Creek Parkway near Anderson Lake also provides accessible paths.

You can expect to see diverse landscapes including rolling hills, woodlands, and grasslands. The lakes themselves are reservoirs, offering expansive water views. Wildlife viewing is common, with opportunities to spot various birds and local fauna. Uvas Canyon County Park, near Uvas Reservoir, is known for its forested trails and year-round waterfall views.

Yes, parking is generally available at the county parks surrounding the lakes. Anderson Lake County Park has vehicle entry fees. Uvas Reservoir County Park does not require fees at its entrances. Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park also provides parking for visitors. Specific parking details and potential fees can vary, so it's advisable to check the respective park websites before your visit.

Swimming is generally prohibited in many of the reservoirs around Morgan Hill, such as Anderson Lake and Coyote Lake, by order of the Santa Clara Valley Water District. These lakes primarily serve as water supply sources. Always check specific regulations for each body of water, as wild swimming is typically not permitted for safety and water quality reasons.

The region offers several popular cycling routes. You can find routes like the Ogier Ponds Bike Path – Coyote Creek Trail loop, or longer rides such as the Uvas Reservoir – Calero Reservoir loop. These routes often provide scenic views of the lakes and surrounding landscapes.