Welcome to Lopez Lake

This park and lake features a network of equestrian, bike and hiking trails criss-cross the park which is primarily oak woodland and coastal sage scrub. The area is frequented by black bears, mountain lions, mule deer and a number of other small mammals.

With extreme single track trails, steep climbs, and switchbacks, the hills surrounding Lake Lopez area has brought in Multi-Sport competitors. Several special events are held at the park yearly such as the Lopez Lake Trout Derby held in May, the California Polytechnic University Triathlon and the Scott Tinley Dirty Adventures Triathlon.

Lopez Lake Recreation Area
San Luis County Parks; 6800 Lopez Drive, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420; 805-788-2381; Park Website;
Location : Exit from US-101 in Arroyo Grande on Grand Avenue and turn right (east) on Lopez Drive for 13 miles.
4200 acre recreation area surrounds this reservoir built on the Arroyo Grande Creek in 1969. Sailing, water skiing, swimming, fishing and camping are popular activities. There is also a waterslide next to the lake. The recreation area consists of 4,200 acres (1,700 ha) of open space, trails and camping areas.

Lopez Lake Trout Derby
First weekend in May; 805-788-2381;
Features derby cash prize for both youth and adult fishing categories.
[ California Fishing /

Cal Poly March Triathlon [APR]
First Weekend in April Race Website;
Spring Course: 750 yd swim / 12 mi bike / 5K run
Olympic Course: 1500 yd swim/ 24.8 m bike / 10K run
This popular Central Coast race begins with one loop swim in Lopez Lake (temp 50-60 degrees), a challenging bike ride followed by a run up scenic Upper Lopez Canyon Road.
[ California Triathlons / California Bike Races ]

Scott Tinley Dirty Adventures
Scott Tinley Triathlon [OCT]
First Weekend in October;
Scott Tinley's Adventures is a fun filled weekend with races to meet every multi-sport athlete's interests including, open water lake swimming, single track and fire road mountain bike trails, road bike course through golden camp grounds, wild life, the open fields of Arroyo Grande and both on and off road running trails through the hills.

Scott Tinley Events include : King of the Hill"- Sprint & Extreme Mountain Bike Hill Climb On-Road Triathlons - International Distance or Sprint Distance Off-Road Triathlons - Sprint Distance Tri-Cal Kids Triathlons- Ages 7-14
[ California Triathlons / California Bike Races ]

Arroyo Grande Harvest Festival [SEP]
This special event featuring a hometown parade, live entertainment, arts & crafts, farmers market and contests has been a popular tradition for over 70 years.