
Upper Otay Lake
A serene San Diego gem with scenic trails for walking, biking, and fishing, offering peaceful nature escapes and beautiful dam views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Gorgeous weather, quiet nature

Upper Otay Lake
Best Time
Gorgeous weather, quiet nature
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene San Diego gem with scenic trails for walking, biking, and fishing, offering peaceful nature escapes and beautiful dam views.
"This place was so beautiful and serene. Went about 2hrs before sunset and had the place to ourselves."

🎣 Get Your Lake Permit
Beyond a CA fishing license, a separate lake permit is needed. Check the City of San Diego's lakes schedule. :admission_tickets:
🚫 Avoid Toll Roads
Disable toll road settings on GPS to save money. Free routes are readily available to reach the lake. :car:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Scenic Trails
Surrounding hills and dam
Explore vibrant trails for jogging, running, walking, or biking amidst serene hills. Find your balance in nature.

Tranquil Sunset Views
Lakeside
Experience a beautiful and serene atmosphere, especially around sunset. Enjoy the quiet nature with few crowds.

Potential for Big Bass
Lake waters
Anglers report the possibility of catching large bass in the lake, making it a tempting spot for fishing enthusiasts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Fishing Permits & Access
Navigating to the Lake
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Lower Otay Lakes.
🎣 Get Your Lake Permit
Beyond a CA fishing license, a separate lake permit is needed. Check the City of San Diego's lakes schedule. :admission_tickets:
🚫 Avoid Toll Roads
Disable toll road settings on GPS to save money. Free routes are readily available to reach the lake. :car:
Do you need a Lake permit to fish in Otay Lakes Reservoir or does a CA fish license suffice?
Where do people go mountain biking around San Diego?
🐾 Leashed Dogs Welcome
Bring your furry friends along for the hike, but ensure they are kept on a leash at all times. :dog:
✍️ Add to the Dam's Beauty
Bring a thick marker to add your mark to the dam's beauty, a unique interactive element. :marker:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎣 Get Your Lake Permit
Beyond a CA fishing license, a separate lake permit is needed. Check the City of San Diego's lakes schedule. :admission_tickets:
🚫 Avoid Toll Roads
Disable toll road settings on GPS to save money. Free routes are readily available to reach the lake. :car:
🐾 Leashed Dogs Welcome
Bring your furry friends along for the hike, but ensure they are kept on a leash at all times. :dog:
✍️ Add to the Dam's Beauty
Bring a thick marker to add your mark to the dam's beauty, a unique interactive element. :marker:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Upper Otay Lake for its beautiful, serene atmosphere and vibrant trails perfect for walking, jogging, and biking. It's highlighted as a hidden gem for finding balance in nature, especially during quiet afternoons and sunsets. Some note the potential for large bass catches, though fishing permits are required.
"Its a nice and vibrant lake sorrounded by trails and hills that you can jogg, run, walk or ride a bike. I started my jogg in by the Rolling Hills Trails and continued on to the lake and it was a actually a very fun experinece. I would recommend everyone to try all trails its a nice place to find your balance. I be back soon."
Descendencia De Rancho
"This place was so beautiful and serene. Went about 2hrs before sunset and had the place to ourselves. The spring weather was gorgeous. I recommend this to anyone wanting to take a nice walk in quiet nature."
Stephanie (Rinoa)
"heard there some big bass in here"
Jnk
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
To reach Upper Otay Lake, it's recommended to disable toll road options in your GPS settings to avoid extra charges. Several free routes are available. Parking is conveniently located at the base of the trail.
Information regarding public transport accessibility to Upper Otay Lake is limited. Driving is the most common and recommended method of access.
Parking is available right at the trail base, making it easy to start your exploration of the lake and surrounding areas.
Yes, some routes might direct you to toll roads. It's crucial to turn off the toll road option in your GPS settings to avoid paying $5.00 each way.
The initial walk from the parking area to the lake is described as being all uphill, but it transitions to a downhill path afterward.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, in addition to a California fishing license, you will need a separate lake permit to fish at Otay Lakes Reservoir. It's advised to check the City of San Diego lakes schedule for details.
Operating hours can vary. It's best to consult the City of San Diego lakes schedule for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times.
While specific entrance fees for general access aren't always detailed, a separate lake permit is required for fishing. Check with the City of San Diego for current fee structures.
Information on purchasing permits directly on-site is not widely available. It's recommended to check the City of San Diego's official channels for permit acquisition procedures.
General entry is usually permitted for recreational activities like hiking and walking. Specific restrictions might apply to fishing or other activities, so checking the official schedule is advised.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Upper Otay Lake is ideal for jogging, running, walking, and biking on its surrounding trails. Anglers can also try their luck fishing for bass.
Yes, dogs are welcome at Upper Otay Lake, but they must be kept on a leash at all times.
The area features hills with trails. The initial walk from the parking area is uphill, followed by downhill sections, offering varied terrain for exploration.
Absolutely. Visitors describe it as a beautiful and serene place, perfect for quiet nature walks, especially in the late afternoon before sunset.
Yes, visitors are encouraged to bring a thick marker and add to the beauty of the dam, making for a unique interactive experience.
🎫 🎣 Fishing at Upper Otay Lake
There are reports of big bass being present in Upper Otay Lake, making it a potential spot for bass fishing enthusiasts.
You'll need both a California fishing license and a separate lake permit for Otay Lakes Reservoir. Always check local regulations for any specific rules.
While not as widely publicized as some other spots, the mention of big bass suggests it's a worthwhile destination for local anglers seeking a good catch.
Specific best times for fishing aren't detailed, but generally, early mornings and late afternoons can be productive for bass fishing. Always check current conditions.
Details on specific fishing amenities like piers or boat rentals are scarce. It's primarily known for shore fishing and the potential for a good catch.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack some snacks and water, as amenities might be limited. The serene atmosphere makes it a great place for kids to enjoy nature without overwhelming crowds, especially during off-peak hours. The unique opportunity to add to the dam's beauty with a marker can also be an engaging activity for children.
🎣 Anglers Seeking Bass
It's advisable to check the City of San Diego's lakes schedule for the latest on fishing regulations and permit requirements. While specific fishing amenities aren't widely advertised, the natural environment provides a peaceful setting for casting a line. Early mornings or late afternoons are often prime times for bass fishing.
🚶♀️ Nature Walkers & Hikers
Visiting a couple of hours before sunset is particularly recommended for a serene experience with fewer people. The trails are also dog-friendly (on leash), making it ideal for solo walkers or those with pets. Don't forget to wear comfortable shoes and bring water for your excursion.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails of Upper Otay Lake
The trails are also dog-friendly, provided your canine companions are kept on a leash. This makes it a perfect spot for those who want to include their pets in their outdoor adventures. The surrounding hills provide a beautiful backdrop, making every step a visually pleasing experience. Remember to check the weather and wear appropriate footwear for the varied terrain.
One unique aspect mentioned is the opportunity to 'add to the beauty of the Dam' by using a thick marker. This interactive element offers a personal touch to the visit and is a quirky detail that sets Upper Otay Lake apart. It’s a reminder that even seemingly natural landscapes can have elements of human interaction and creativity.
Fishing Prospects at Upper Otay Lake
It's important to note that fishing at Otay Lakes Reservoir, which includes Upper Otay Lake, requires more than just a standard California fishing license. Visitors must also obtain a separate lake permit. It is highly recommended to consult the City of San Diego's lakes schedule for the most current information regarding permits, regulations, and any specific fishing seasons or restrictions that may be in place.
While detailed information on fishing amenities like piers or boat rentals is not readily available, the lake's reputation for potentially large bass suggests that shore fishing can be quite rewarding. Planning your visit with the necessary permits and understanding the local fishing conditions will enhance your experience.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit