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

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