Santa Fe Dam Recreational Opportunities
Further information regarding recreational facility information is available on the Los Angeles County Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area webpage.
Santa Fe Lake is a 70-acre man-made lake that is the focal point of recreation features in the southern portion of the Basin. The lake is stocked with bass, trout, and catfish. Rowboats, and paddle boats are available for rent at the lake. The recreation area includes a fishing pier, two fish cleaning stations with counters and running water, restrooms, a parking area. In addition, there is concessionaire that makes boats, kayaks, fishing gear, and multi-bike “surreys” available for rent. The swimming area has a chlorinated sand swim beach along and nearby facilities include showers, volleyball posts, and a children’s sand play area.
Picnic Areas include tables, barbecue grills, and drinking fountains. Picnic ramadas for 50 and 100-person picnics can be reserved through the county.
Little Squirt Water Play on the southwestern portion of the lake is a fenced water play area. Shallow pools with play equipment such as water slides are available for younger children.
Parks and Recreation Administration Center houses offices for park staff. The building has restrooms and includes a display area, information booth, and a desk for the park users to reserve the various park facilities.
Fitness Zone consists of an outdoor area that has exercise stations that provide various types of exercise equipment. The area has signage that describes how to use the equipment.
Tent Camping Areas located adjacent to the Nature Center consist of two sites totaling approximately 5 acres and are provided for organized youth groups.
Lario Park contains an Equestrian Staging Area, restroom, parking, an entry road, and access to the Lario Trail.
Group Camping Area is used exclusively by local youth organizations such as the Boy Scouts. Amenities consist of fire-rings, barbecues, drinking fountains and faucets, and parking.
Outdoor Performing Arts Center is located at the group picnic area and is used for impromptu musical events as well as concerts. The existing turf provides seating, and a portable stage is brought in on an as-needed basis.
Santa Fe Dam Nature Center and Nature Trail System is located on the north side of the lake and adjacent to the group camping area. It contains displays and information regarding Native Americans that once occupied the area and natural resources present in the Reservoir. In addition, there is a native plant garden located outside of the Nature Center.
Bicycle and Equestrian Trails are present throughout the reservoir including along the maintenance road on the San Gabriel River levee. These trails are operated and maintained by the County.
Model Airplane Field is located in the approach area to the spillway crest and features a long paved runway and a paved pit area. The area is used by model airplane and helicopter enthusiasts. The area is operated by the Santa Fe Dam Radio Control Modelers.
Existing Recreation Map
Santa Fe Dam Reservoir Existing Recreation
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