Switchbacks and Swimming Holes

Hike, Picnic, and Swim at Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area

05.07.2025
Surfboards and tents for shade are set up on the beach at Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area in the Swim Lagoon Area

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.

A person and their dog walking the Chabot to Garin Trail in the East Bay at Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area

A horse stands atop a high hill and stares ahead at Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area in the East Bay

From the parking lot, follow signs for the Chabot To Garin Trail as they head north and cross Columbia Drive. This section of trail is a hilly jaunt through the forest, lined with dainty three-cornered leek flowers. As the trail crisscrosses over Cull Creek, rock-hop across the water and keep an eye out for banana slugs enjoying the damp soil.

Steep switchbacks lead into the hills, where exotic red columbine mingle with vivid lupine flowers. Small breaks in the trees gift hikers with their first views of the surrounding hills.

At the intersection with the horse farm, bear right to pass through the farm gate and stay on the Chabot To Garin Trail. A gentle slope brings hikers to the high point: a grassy meadow at 1,000 feet elevation. Enjoy views of the Diablo Mountains and Lake Chabot far in the distance. Then retrace the route back down to the parking lot.

Just south of the parking lot is the entrance to the Swim Lagoon, a family-friendly watering hole for a post-hike cooldown and picnic. Fees apply (check the East Bay Parks website for updated prices) and include swim access and use of the sandy beach and picnic areas.

The Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area is located at 18825 Cull Canyon Road in Castro Valley.

The parking lot is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Map. Dogs welcome on trails, but not at the swim lagoon.

Story and photos by Heather Werner, @heath.er.wer.ner

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Napa Valley Paddle kayaker and paddle boarder on the Napa Valley river

    Napa's Wild Side

    It’s wine country’s Amazon. The gentle Napa River is an ecological—and recreational—delight. And Napa Valley Paddle sets you up for maximum enjoyment of this experience.

    View

  2. Inn-spiration Point!

    For more than a century, people have been hiking or mountain biking to West Point Inn for good reason. Perched at 1,785 feet on the southern slope of Mount Tamalpais, the historic inn has sweeping views from the Marin Headlands to the San Francisco skyline.

    View

  3. A Thousand Steps to Paradise

    A picture is worth a thousand words, but is a gorgeous beach in Laguna worth a thousand steps? The answer is yes, though the question is moot, because it’s only 223 steep steps down to the 400-yard stretch of sand known as 1000 Steps Beach.

    View
  4. Hike Mount Tamalpais into Muir Woods

    Muir Woods Through the Backdoor

    A backdoor entrance into Muir Woods? Hike a tranquil trail that starts in Mount Tamalpais State Park and quietly leads into Muir Woods, letting you avoid the busyness of the main parking area.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. There's Always To Moro!

    Looking for a rock-solid itinerary in Sequoia National Park? Pair the park's most famous viewpoint with one that's often overlooked.

    View

  2. Rancho Style

    Vicente Bluffs Reserve dazzles anytime, but during the golden hour it’s an absolute knockout. Majestic rocky bluffs, dreamy ocean views, and a picturesque lighthouse are just a few of the reasons.

    View
  3. Sponsored

    Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula

    The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.

    View
  4. Hike to the Sierra Buttes Fire Lookout in the Lakes Basin

    Lookout for This View!

    Sierra Buttes Lookout, at a lofty 8,591 feet, is a memory maker for its pucker-worthy stairway to the tower’s balcony. It's a 5-mile (round-trip) hike to reach it. And the reward? Epic!

    View