Clearly Castaic

Escaping Summer Heat at Castaic Lake

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. Bikers and walkers on the Bay Area Ridge Trail with the Golden Gate Bridge behind them

    National Park City Walk

    See San Francisco the way locals do by hiking the Presidio, a national park right in the city! Wooded trails, secluded beaches, and epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge feature on this 5.5-mile out-and-back on the Bay Area Ridge Trail. It’s a lovely slice of the City by the Bay.

    View
  3. Bucks Up!

    Come on in, the water is beautiful. Whether you like swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddling, or heading out on a bigger boat, Bucks Lake is a high mountain haven that’s easy to access, blissfully uncrowded, and surrounded by sandy beaches, picnic areas, pines, and aspens.

    View
  4. 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

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Bear Hug

    This 5.5-mile loop through Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park explores one of the newest segments of the acclaimed Bay Area Ridge Trail, one redolent with trees ranging from madrone and manzanita to buckeye and blue elderberry (with a bubbly post-hike bonus).

    View
  2. Two kayakers on Upper Klamath Basin on tour with Sky Lakes Wilderness Adventures

    Zen & the Art of Kayaking

    It’s the most meditative and relaxing experience you’ll ever have on a kayak. Yes, you read that right, a Zen experience on a kayak. It all happens in beautiful Klamath County when you head out on a guided tour with Sky Lakes Wilderness Adventures.

    View
  3. A Rose in the Pines

    A crackling fire, a bottle of wine, a bubbling Jacuzzi tub with a waterfall … now the big question: Marvin Gaye tunes or not? In the morning (ahem) it's breakfast in bed and a leis

    View
  4. Alex Villicana, Villicana Winery and Re:Find Distillery

    Locals' Feature: Alex Villicana

    Tech booms, AI revolutions, okay that’s all fine, but you wanna know what else is really cool? Being a pioneer in a world-famous industry that—in Paso Robles—remains solidly down to earth. When Alex Villicana established Villicana Winery in 1993, he clearly had grape expectations...

    View