Loch Lomond Reservoir

Loch Lomond Reservoir is a 175-acre body of water in the Santa Cruz Mountains, created in 1963 by damming Newell Creek, a tributary of the San Lorenzo River. The reservoir serves as part of Santa Cruz's water supply, but the surrounding Loch Lomond Recreation Area is open seasonally (April through September) for day use.

The area is popular for trout fishing, rowing, and kayaking on the reservoir — private powerboats are not permitted. Hiking trails ring the shoreline and climb into the surrounding redwood and mixed forest, offering quiet walks away from the summer crowds at better-known Santa Cruz County parks. The boat rental and snack shop operates on summer weekends.

Coordinates are approximate; access is via East Zayante Road from Ben Lomond.

things to do sight
A story
Loch Lomond shares its name with the famous Scottish lake — and with the town of Ben Lomond below it — all because a homesick Scottish settler named John Burns arrived in the valley in 1851 and started naming things after home. The reservoir was created much later, in 1963, by damming Newell Creek, but the name stuck.