Show All Answers

1. What is the general layout of the watershed?

The watershed has two entrances. There is a north entrance on Walnut Boulevard near Brentwood and a south entrance off of Vasco Road near Livermore.  Here's a Google Map that can help you make your way to Los Vaqueros.

2. When is Los Vaqueros open?

We are open 7 days a week, including holidays.

September 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
October 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Nov. - Feb. 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
March 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
April-August 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

3. What are the hours for the John Muir Interpretive Center at Los Vaqueros?

The John Muir Interpretive Center at Los Vaqueros is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

4. Are there any parking fees?

Parking fees are $6 for the general public, $5 for seniors, and $4 for residents of the Contra Costa Water District. The CCWD Service Area covers Clayton, Clyde, Concord, Pacheco, Port Costa, Pleasant Hill, part of Martinez, part of Walnut Creek, Antioch, Pittsburg, Bay Point, Oakley and Brentwood. All costs are detailed on the Fees page.

5. How much does it cost to fish?

There is a $6 per person daily permit fee for fishing. Entry booths to the watershed are staffed daily.In the event the booths are not staffed, visitors entitled to a discounted parking fee will need to pay at the Watershed Office in the North End near Brentwood, or the Marina.

6. Can I bring my dog?

No. Dogs and other pets are not allowed in the Los Vaqueros Watershed. This protects the multitude of small animals, some of which are endangered, that live in this protected watershed environment. Many of these endangered animals are easily disrupted by both the presence and scent of dogs. This rule also protects public safety and water quality. The Round Valley Regional Preserve, which borders Los Vaqueros, is also under this rule. At Morgan Territory, which is located above the Marina,  dogs are allowed.

7. What is the weather like?

The weather is often very different from the surrounding areas, very hot and windy in the summer and very cold in the winter. Here is the current weather at LV and the forecast from nearby Livermore Airport, which is very close to LV's weather. 

8. Can I get hot food and snacks at Los Vaqueros?

Yes, there are sodas, snacks and some limited hot microwave food like burritos and hot pockets available only at the Marina.

9. What can I do in the watershed?

There are a number of activities at nearly 20,000 acre Los Vaqueros Watershed.  

Of course, there's fishing on the shore or from one of our electric boats. There is fishing access on both sides of the reservoir, though the Marina and boat rentals are on the south side near Livermore. 

There are more than 55 miles of challenging -- that is hilly -- trails within the watershed.  Here's a trail map.  We've outlined  five loop trails in our LV Trail Guides.

The John Muir Interpretive Center has exhibits on the history and culture of the watershed.  It's open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  on weekends. 

We have regular activities at the watershed in the fall, winter and spring months ranging from hikes to "star" nights to see planets and stars. 

Every October we have the Los Vaquero Tarantula Run, a challenging 5K. 10K and half-marathon. 

You can bring your horse or mountain bike out to Los Vaqueros, there are 12 miles of mutli-use trails.  The trail heads for these trails are all on the north side of the watershed, near Brentwood.

Watershed Activities page.

10. Is swimming allowed in the reservoir?

No. Body contact is not allowed in Los Vaqueros Reservoir or in any of the streams or ponds in the watershed. The Los Vaqueros Reservoir stores drinking water for 500,000 people in central and east Contra Costa, therefore every effort is made to prevent microbial contamination of the water in order to protect public health.

11. Can I barbeque in the watershed?

Barbecues are provided in the picnic areas, but no other barbecues are allowed. In summer months, be sure to check the fire warning levels.  Very High, Extreme and Red Flag alert levels all prohibit barbecues.  

12. Will I be able to launch my boat in the reservoir?

No, there are no outside boats allowed on the reservoir. There are 16-foot and patio electric boat rentals available.

13. How can I get more information?

You can call the Marina at 925-371-2628.