Loch Lomond

Starting in April, on both Saturday and Sunday of the second weekend of each month, the City of Santa Cruz staff will lead tours of Loch Lomond Reservoir on the Newell Jewell (pontoon boat). Attendance is limited to 25 people and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Although the boat tour is free, there is a $10 parking fee. The Loch Lomond Recreation Area is a 180-acre reservoir and part of the 2,800-acre watershed land holdings that the City of Santa Cruz Water Department manages in the Newell Creek watershed. It is open Thursday through Tuesday from late March through mid-October when the park closes for the season.

Bay Area ornithologist Jeff Smith will lead a short interpretive hike around Loch Lomond with a focus on bird identification by sight and sound. This free event is a great opportunity to learn from an experienced ornithologist! See the many perching birds, raptors, and waterfowl that frequent Loch Lomond. Layered clothing, snacks, water, bird guidebooks and binoculars are recommended.  The monthly “Loch Walks” are included in the entry fee for the Recreation Area. There is a $10.00 charge per vehicle for entrance to the park. Walk participants are encouraged to dress for variable weather conditions and to wear proper footwear for hiking on dirt trails and for changes in elevation.   The Loch Lomond Recreation Area is a 180-acre reservoir and part of the 2,800-acre watershed land holdings that the City of Santa Cruz Water Department manages in the Newell Creek watershed. Loch Lomond serves as Santa Cruz City’s only drinking water reservoir.   Loch walks are free and do not require a reservation, but the size of the group is limited to 25, and there is a sign-up sheet for first come, first served.   Arrive early to sign up and remember the $10 parking fee to get into the area.  Call (831) 335-7424 for any questions.