shadow cliffs regional recreation area

Don't go here expecting clean waters and a private beach. It will be covered in people, cooking and drinking, and we saw rats running along the fence in the water. Kinda gross. But the beach has sand and there is sun above ya, so if you are looking to just lay out and relax...not a terrible idea to do it here.

This is a lovely park with options for pretty much all tastes. Came here this past Fall with a friend. Really nice trails for hiking. Lots of dogs and friendly people.

Met up with a cherished friend for lunch in Livermore, and my bro told me of this place, so we decided to go take a walk along the lake. Nice surroundings, natural shore and easy path. There was also convenient seating along the trail. There were many species of indigenous birds, and I swear, a minor bird. I think people skinny dipped here as few as 35 year ago, but it is not remote as it once was. Nice place. And, it's not overdeveloped

We were at Shadow Cliffs for the See Jane Run Sprint Triathlon. While we waited on the different legs we walked most of the park. It is a great mixed use facility. Good for walking, biking, jet-skis, picnics, etc. Pretty spacious with lots of parking.

Shadow Cliffs is a neighborhood favorite for a good 2 mile loop hike. Dogs love to swim in the back lake on a hot day, actually almost any day! Perfect off-leash walking for well socialized dogs. Swimming lake and picnic park also on site though the water can be iffy depending on the migrating geese using it as their pit stop. If you park on the backside you can enter and not have to pay the fee.

This is a nice East Bay Regional Park with a swimming beach; although with the drought the water level is a bit low, people were wading and swimming in late August. There are delightful picnic tables that are throughout the park; some of these tables are lakeside. These are our favorite, but one must come early to get those on the week-ends. There are also barbecues.There are non motorized boating opportunities such as kayaking and paddle boats. Fishing is also possible here with rainbow trout, bluegill, cat fish, and large mouthed bass. Dogs are welcome in the park.The cost for the park is $6 parking fee for the car.

Perfect for little ones to enjoy a "safe" beach, fun for teens to go fishing, easy little boat rental, and the kids like the snack bar. We go to the back entrance off Vineyard to let the dogs run free and swim in the back lakes.

Nice area for boating & fishing & picnicking & hiking. Wish there were more picnic shelters, and tough to invite a crowd with $6 parking fee.

With the different paths leading around the quarry lakes, you can choose a more flat or a more hilly terrain, and if you bring your dog on a hot day and they enjoy swimming, there is a great little dog beach area for them to run in and out.

I like this little escape which is close to home. Good spot for a long walk, a nice swim, boating, and i can walk my dog in the little hills. But, I did like it years ago when the water slides were operative. They look like something out of a horror movie right now - good photo op.

I'm sure when this place had water slides and other things it was worth the money. However $6 is too much to wander around an empty parking lot and some small trails.

Yes, the water slides are gone for good. Yes, the place still offers boat rentals and there is a swimming area for the hot season. However, there is one literally hidden side of the area which is rarely mentioned. If you look south (the other way from Stanley boulevard), there is a road going on top of a ridge blocking the view. If you climb over on the other side (it's a probably about a hundred feet tall, so a few minute walk), there is an amazing area with a natural creek and a few small lakes surrounded by dense trees. In dry season, you might be able to see a lot of deers or wild turkeys attracted to the water. It looks more like a wild creak in some far away park and it's hard to believe that it's so close to the town. The main beach area tends to get crowded and noisy during summer and this part stays quite and serene. Highly recommended.

The water slides have been closed. This park still offers paddle boat rentals and stocks the lake with fish (check at the ranger kiosk). You can walk/bike in for free, but the only parking is paid parking (and no street parking around it). It has a busy summer season with group picnics and events. Hopefully in the future there will be new water slides and I will happily update my review.

Great place for families and kids of all ages and pets. Parking fee of $6. Picnic/bbq area, hiking, very busy in summers. The slides are great but need lot of maintenance and have a separate fee.

If you are looking for the waterslides at Shadow Cliffs, good luck. They are closed indefinitely. Although there are plenty of hiking trails, picnic tables, and a very nice lake to spend the day at. The lake is definitley the place to be when the temperatures reach over 100F degreees. You can fish, cayak, and use small boats on the lake.