Calaveras Reservoir

Calaveras Reservoir is situated in the Calaveras Valley next to the Sunol Regional Wilderness region, about north of San Jose. The lake was formerly an agricultural area, but it was converted into a reservoir as the need for drinking water in the region grew. Specifically, Arroyo Hondo and Calaveras Creek supply the reservoir with water. The Calaveras Fault runs parallel to and to the west of the dam site in this geologically active area of the Calaveras Valley. The original dam had to be replaced due to the seismic risk. Construction on the replacement dam started in 2011, and it was finished in 2019.

Today, ranchers utilize the lake's water to put out fires rather than for drinking. The wildlife, though, is what draws most tourists to the lake and its environs. Here, among others, it's common to see coyotes, deer, turkey vultures, red-tailed hawks, red-winged blackbirds, and purple martins. The pair of bald eagles that have made the lake and the valley their home since 2008 can also be seen.

Location: Calaveras Road, Milpitas, San Jose