Lake Cahuilla Recreation Area
Rate this placeNearby: Yucatan Park Fritz Burns Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Lake Cahuilla Recreation Area is located in the state of California and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The area boasts a beautiful lake that is perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing. There are also several hiking trails in the surrounding hills that offer stunning views of the area.
One of the main reasons to visit Lake Cahuilla Recreation Area is its natural beauty. The lake is surrounded by lush greenery and the hills provide a picturesque backdrop. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of water activities, such as paddle boating, kayaking, and fishing. The lake is stocked with trout, catfish, and other fish species, making it a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts.
For those interested in exploring the area on foot, there are several hiking trails to choose from. The Lake Trail is a popular option, as it offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding hills. The Vista Trail is another great option, as it provides panoramic views of the Coachella Valley.
Interesting facts about the area include that the lake was created in the 1930s as a result of the Hoover Dam project. The area was also once home to the Cahuilla Native American tribe, and visitors can learn more about their history and culture at the nearby Coachella Valley History Museum.
The best time of year to visit Lake Cahuilla Recreation Area is between October and April, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. During the summer months, the area can get quite hot, so visitors should be prepared for high temperatures.
Overall, Lake Cahuilla Recreation Area is a beautiful and exciting destination for those looking to explore the great outdoors in California. With its stunning lake, hiking trails, and rich history, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Lake Cahuilla County Park
|
||
Thousand Trails
|
||
Pinyon Flat
|
||
Ribbonwood Equestrian
|
||
Ribbonwood Equestrian Campground
|
||
Pinyon Flat Campground
|
Yucatan Park
Fritz Burns Park
Frances Hack Park
La Quinta Sports Complex
The Living Desert Nature Presv