Best lakes around Covina are primarily man-made reservoirs and collecting ponds, offering diverse recreational opportunities in the Southern California landscape. The area provides access to various water bodies known for activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. These locations are situated within regional parks and wilderness areas, featuring a mix of natural scenery and developed facilities. The surrounding terrain includes rolling hills and canyons, characteristic of the San Gabriel Valley.
Last updated: June 27, 2026
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Great view of the Puddingstone Reservoir, a 250-acre man-made body of water. There is a road that runs along the perimeter of the reservoir and there is a spot to pull off the road to get a close up view of the water.
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The Mt. San Antonio College Wildlife Sanctuary is a 10-acre protected haven that proudly preserves the natural beauty of the trees, shrubs, and flowers that once thrived in the area. With a mission to provide a safe migratory refuge and breeding ground for birds and other animals, it boasts a natural stream and a pond that are home and visitation spots for many bird species. The Sanctuary is also home to a 25-seat amphitheater on the southern tip, offering a perfect setting for Biology classes and lectures for visiting groups.
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Little Dalton Debris Basin is a small, man-made collecting pond in Big Dalton Canyon Wilderness Park. It is just off Big Dalton Canyon Road and Glendora Mountain road, which are both popular, challenging roads for biking.
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The San Gabriel Canyon or otherwise known as Azusa Canyon road is a smooth paved road that winds its way through this historical canyon offering picturesque scenery of both the Morris and San Gabriel Reservoirs. The views are great as you pedal up the road with its mixture of rolling hills intermingled with the tranquil waters of the reservoirs.
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The San Gabriel Canyon or otherwise known as Azusa Canyon road is a smooth paved road that winds through this historical canyon offering picturesque scenery of both the Morris and San Gabriel Reservoir. The views are great as you pedal up the road with rolling hills and peaks peaking intermingled with the rather large bodies of water.
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For a wide range of recreational opportunities, Puddingstone Reservoir in Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park is an excellent choice. It offers fishing, boating, swimming, sandy beaches, and picnic facilities, along with trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. You can find a great overview from the View of Puddingstone Reservoir.
Puddingstone Reservoir and Santa Fe Reservoir are both popular for swimming and fishing. Santa Fe Reservoir, located within the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area, allows swimming on its southeast shore and is known for fishing species like Largemouth bass and Rainbow trout. You can also rent pedal boats and kayaks there.
Yes, Puddingstone Reservoir is highly recommended for families due to its diverse activities including swimming, boating, and picnicking. The Mt. San Antonio Wildlife Sanctuary, which features a pond and natural stream, is also a family-friendly spot for observing local wildlife.
The San Gabriel Canyon Road Scenic View offers picturesque scenery of both the Morris and San Gabriel Reservoirs, with views of rolling hills and large bodies of water. Additionally, the View of Puddingstone Reservoir provides a great perspective of the 250-acre man-made lake.
Beyond water sports, the areas around Covina's lakes offer various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, mountain biking trails, and cycling routes. For example, Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park, home to Puddingstone Reservoir, has trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
Yes, Legg Lake, part of the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area, offers a more peaceful environment. It's a popular fishing spot for Largemouth bass and Rainbow trout, and also suitable for paddle boating and picnicking.
Puddingstone Reservoir is the lake itself, while Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park is the larger recreational area that encompasses the reservoir. The park offers a wide array of land-based activities like hiking, biking, horseback riding, and golf, in addition to all the water activities available on Puddingstone Reservoir.
While a bit further north, Castaic Lake is a significant reservoir known for its size and diverse activities, making it a prime destination for a day trip. It offers excellent opportunities for boating, fishing, paddleboarding, and hiking, though it can get crowded on weekends.
The lakes around Covina are primarily man-made reservoirs set within the Southern California landscape. You'll find rolling hills and canyons, characteristic of the San Gabriel Valley. The Mt. San Antonio Wildlife Sanctuary specifically preserves natural trees, shrubs, and flowers, and features a natural stream and pond that attract various bird species.
The lakes around Covina are generally enjoyable year-round, but spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling. Summer is ideal for water-based activities such as swimming and boating, though it can get quite warm and crowded, especially on weekends.
Yes, the areas around the reservoirs offer great cycling opportunities. Roads near Little Dalton Debris Basin and the San Gabriel Canyon Road Scenic View are popular for biking. You can find various cycling routes that pass by or around these water bodies.
The Mt. San Antonio Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected haven specifically designed to provide a safe migratory refuge and breeding ground for birds and other animals. Its natural stream and pond are home to many bird species, making it an excellent spot for wildlife observation.


Still not found your perfect lake around Covina? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.