
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. 🚗

Quick Facts
Rating
4.8 · 12 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
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.
I fish otay all the time. Caught a 2 lb bass
🎣 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. 🚗
Do you need a Lake permit to fish in Otay Lakes Reservoir or does a CA fish license suffice?
Im here just visiting and I want to check out the lakes and every nice fishing spot in SD. I have a CA fishing license. Will I need to pay for a separate lake permit or is my fishing license okay? thank you 🙏
Where do people go mountain biking around San Diego?
Looking for some nice flowy trails, I’m located in clairemont. Down to drive a little bit if it’s worth it!
🐾 Leashed Dogs Welcome
Bring your furry friends along for the hike, but ensure they are kept on a leash at all times. 🐕
✍️ 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. 🚗
🐾 Leashed Dogs Welcome
Bring your furry friends along for the hike, but ensure they are kept on a leash at all times. 🐕
✍️ 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.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit