Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area

Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area is a 266-acre park featuring an 80-acre lake, offering a variety of recreational activities including swimming, fishing, boating, picnicking, and hiking. Located just a mile from downtown Pleasanton, it's a popular destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts. The park is managed by the East Bay Regional Park District.

🕒 Hours of Operation

• November – February: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

• March – April: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM

• May – Labor Day: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM

• After Labor Day – October: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM

• Park Curfew: 10:00 PM – 5:00 AM
  

🚤 Activities & Amenities

Swimming

• Swim Beach: Available year-round; lifeguards on duty during summer months (June 17 – September 17).

• Hours: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM on weekends and holidays; Fridays in June; daily from July 3 – August 18.

• Fees: $5 per vehicle; $5 per trailered vehicle; $25 per bus.

• Note: Swimming is allowed at your own risk outside of lifeguard hours.

Fishing

• Fishing Access Permit: Required for anglers aged 16 and older.

• Species: Trout (planted weekly), catfish, black bass, and bluegill.

• Limits: 5 per day for trout, catfish, and black bass; no limit for bluegill.

• Catch and Release: Required in the arroyo areas.

Boating

• Permitted Vessels: Non-motorized boats, kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and electric motor boats (17 ft. max size).

• Launch Fees: $7 per trailered boat; $4 for car-top or inflatable boats; $2 for windsurf boards.

• Boat Rentals: Available seasonally (Memorial Day Weekend – Mid-September) for aluminum/electric boats, kayaks, pedal boats, and paddle boards.

• Inspection: All boats must pass a quagga mussel inspection before launch.

Picnicking

• Reservable Picnic Areas: Fiesta (100 capacity), Lago Del Sol (100 capacity), and Lakeside (200 capacity).

• Amenities: Picnic tables, BBQ pits, and ADA-accessible facilities.

• Alcohol: Prohibited in the entire park.

Hiking

• Trails: Levee and North Arroyo Trails offer scenic views and wildlife observation opportunities.

• Trail Closure: Lake Trail is currently closed due to terrain damage; other trails remain open.

🐾 Additional Information

• Dog Fee: $2 per dog; guide/service dogs are free.

• Restrooms: Available on-site.

• Wi-Fi: Limited; check AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon coverage maps for details.

• Accessibility: Beach wheelchairs are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.