Clearly Castaic

Escaping Summer Heat at Castaic Lake

08.17.2017

Dip out of the heat and into the water at Castaic Lake, aquatic heart of the Santa Clarita Valley. It’s hard to beat it for a cool day trip or a getaway weekend campout—a reservoir tucked into the Sierra Pelona, surrounded by trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

Of course, the water itself is the big lure as we continue into the hottest weeks of summer. The quickest way to get wet is to park in Lot 13 at the Lower Lagoon and mosey on down to North Beach, which is flooded with children wading in the pools. Take off your shoes, squish your toes in the warm sand, and splash some water on your face to cool off. Then wander down past South Beach and Hobie Beach to rent a kayak at Paradise Cove. Gleefully hop into your ’yak and crack jokes to see which of your friends will be the first to capsize. Darn! We’re all wet now!

While on the water you’ll spot sailboats and hydrobikes and folks fishing across the bay, silhouetted in front of the mesa. As the glistening sun sets over the lower lagoon—and your muscles ache from a day of paddling—return to Paradise Cove and then check in to your campsite on the opposite side of the bay. After pitching your tent, head over to the giant fire pit and crack open a cold beverage to let your muscles relax and enjoy a night filled with beautiful stars and even better company.

TIP: Looking for a bit more speed (and noise)? Head to the Upper Lake, where Jet Skis and speedboats abound.

To get to Castaic Lake from the south, take the I-5 to Exit 176A and turn right on Ridge Route Rd. Proceed 0.8 mile, turn right on the lake access road, and continue to Lot 13. Parking is $11. Campsites are $20 a night and can be reserved if you’re staying more than one night. Kayaks, paddleboards, and hydrobikes are available for rent at Paradise Cove. All trails can be accessed beside Lot 13. If you plan to hike or ride, print a map of the trails ahead of time, as they are not available at the lake. Get an early start to beat the heat, and bring plenty of water and sunscreen. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields.

    View
  2. Surfboards and tents for shade are set up on the beach at Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area in the Swim Lagoon Area

    Switchbacks and Swimming Holes

    Hike hard, play hard! This 7-mile out-and-back in Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area is a great workout with payoff vistas and a relaxing post-hike picnic and dip in the water.

    View

  3. Hike the Rainbow

    Catch all the colors of a rainbow at Calero County Park on this 10-mile hike currently showcasing the season’s best blooms.

    View
  4. Hike Purisima Creek Open Space Preserve

    Purisima Charisma

    Hundred-foot redwoods, a shaded canyon, and views overlooking Half Moon Bay. This 10-mile loop hike in Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve is a roller-coaster of uphill and downhill along with easygoing stretches through some of the Bay Area’s most beautiful landscape.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. People on a guided horseback tour with Central Coast Trailrides at Santa Margarita Ranch near Paso Robles

    Saddle Up with Central Coast Trailrides

    Untouched and sweeping, the mountainous scenery and deep valleys of Santa Margarita near Paso Robles are just begging to be explored. So saddle up for a scenic adventure with Central Coast Trailrides (CCT) at the 14,000-acre Santa Margarita Ranch.

    View
  2. A woman on a hiking trail with huge open space and yellow flowers around her at Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks

    Going Wildwood

    Consider this your invitation to get a little untamed. In just one walk through Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks, you can chase the sound of a cascading waterfall, duck into a shadowy cave, and soak in big hillside vistas. The mostly flat 4.25-mile loop makes wild feel wonderfully accessible.

    View
  3. Two people fly fishing on the Truckee River with guides from Reno Fly Shop

    Zen and the Art of Fly Fishing

    Learning to fly fish is one of the most fun and beautiful ways to connect with nature, family, friends, and yourself. It’s also a great way to truly experience the magic of a place. Make that place Reno Tahoe, where a fly fishing adventure with Reno Fly Shop is like being planted in a plein air painting of dreamy outdoors.

    View
  4. A woman on the overlook deck overlooking the Truckee River at Oxbow Nature Study Area in Reno

    This Way to Oxbow and Dickerson Road

    Just west of downtown Reno—tucked right alongside the Truckee River—is a nature haven for wildlife spotting and waterside relaxing. The 22-acre Oxbow Nature Study Area is ideal for those seeking solitude and a short hike. Afterwards, explore the creative hub of Dickerson Road.

    View