Lake Anza

Lake Anza is truly a hidden gem! The location is stunningly beautiful and impeccably clean. The way the sun filters through the giant trees creates the most breathtaking ambiance, perfect for a relaxing day out. We had a lovely picnic on the open green grass, and the weather couldn't have been better--mid 70's, just right for snuggling up with a loved one or enjoying time with family.

Despite visiting on a Sunday afternoon, the area wasn't crowded at all, which made the experience even more enjoyable. A major plus is the free parking, which is always a bonus! One tip: If you want to park close to the lake, make sure to search for "Lake Anza Parking Lot" in your GPS. Otherwise, you might end up walking a few miles if you're not familiar with the area.

The bathrooms are located close to the parking lot and is easily accessible. Also very clean! There is also options to bbq but from the area we were sitting in, we couldn't see where those were placed on the property.

Highly recommend for anyone looking to enjoy a peaceful and picturesque day outdoors!

Crowded. Water kinda yucky. Not my favorite place to hangout. Parking is inconvenient.

It seems like for the past several years, the lake has been closed due to an algae bloom or the winter cold season. I think for a few months during the summer is when it reopens as long as the algae issue doesn't persist.

The lake is kind of big and has quite a view. You can actually walk around the outer edge of the lake but you need to be careful as there are loose rocks, uneven dirt trail, tree roots sticking out from the ground and among other things. Just watch your step or it's better to turn around and not walk the trail and be safe.

I've seen people fishing at the lake but have never seen anyone catch anything. I think you need to be over 16 and have a license to fish here. Common fishes in the lake are bass, bluegill and sunfish.

There's a rare payphone sighting near the entrance. It actually has a dial tone when you pick it up. It might be something to show your kids what life was like before smartphones.

Second time here, it's the same lake but every time you will meet something different which the beauty of exploring.

Lake Anza is one of those great Bay Area places no one talks about!!

It's a man made lake with a man made beach, with mountains of sand. It's sectioned off for the swimmers near the beach. In the summer, I've seen it pretty crowded here. This place is probably best described as a swimming hole!!

When I came here the beach was closed. The walk around is just under 1.5 miles. Just make sure you wear shoes you don't mind getting a little muddy, and also be prepared to use your hands to get up and over a few big rocks in some places if you stay right next to the lake. But I think their are alternate trails in some places.

This place is located in Tilden Regional Park. People also come here to hang out, picnic, and kick back, because it definitely has a far away feel here!!

I definitely would suggest the walk around the lake, it's well worth it!!!

Such a fun spot! The algae is going crazy right now on the lake so no one is swimming or jumping in. The perimeter is nice to hike around and you have to climb around a little bit just to circle the perimeter of the lake. It's definitely not easy to walk around if you aren't wearing the right shoes because you can trip very easily here. Other than that, it's beautiful, the nature is lovely, and it's shady and never too hot. Highly recommend Lake Anza!

Beautiful lake and park in the Tilden Regional park. Lots of big trees, good parking off Wildcat Canyon road. You will find picnic tables under the trees and decent restrooms at the Island picnic ground area. The hiking trail begins right there too.
The hike difficulty is varied. Mostly level but with lots of uneven and in many places narrow paths along the perimeterof the lake. Not a hike for unstable walkers.

SO BEAUTIFUL. Had such a nice afternoon walking along the trail around the lake. Unfortunately, as of today, the lake is unsafe to swim in (algae) but it was still nice to walk around, hang out on the rocks or sit at the benches along the way.

For the most part the path is pretty flat. It's all dirt. Some areas have lots of rocks and tree roots but it's not bad. Some parts get narrow though. I'm not sure if it even was a mile around the whole lake. The sandy beach/ picnic table area was closed off still too.

Parking was free and not a problem at all today. By the parking lot right above the lake/path entrance is a pretty good sized grassy area that people were having picnics on or playing with dogs. Saw some people fishing today too.

Wonderful environment, give water quality, no litter /trash on trails , and most people were very courteous

Lake Anza inside Tilden Park offers a place to relax, picnic, fish, and hike. If you pay the fee ($3.50/pp adult), you can access the beach and swimming area which has lifeguards. Otherwise, if you hang around the perimeter of the lake or go on a hiking trail, its all free!

We just came here to check out the lake and chose to do the shortest hike - the Lake Anza Trail which goes around the lake. Its just 0.7 miles but the trails are not smooth at all - you'll have to navigate through rocks, hardened tree roots, a few stairs, and even through a super-narrow path which requires you to hang into the rock wall to avoid getting your feet wet. For a longer hike, its better to branch off to the Wildcat Gorge Trail or Selby Loop Trail.

PROS
* One of the few swimmable lakes in the Bay Area, with lifeguards and changing rooms
* The lake offers fishing and relaxation - folks can fish, set up a hammock and snuggle, read a book, etc.
* Huge and free parking lot.

CONS
* Would be nice if they had better signage showing distances of various hiking trails.
* No cell service
* Restrooms seemed really smelly - did not use.