Shadow Cliffs Park Company

Chilly mornings when I’m up before the sun are those perfect moments when I head down the freeway and wedge my way through knee high weeds and roadless hills to get a piece of mind and to run away from society as I know it. Fishing seems to be the only scapegoat for my daily customer issues and those angry faces and numbers that never seem to grow in the right proportion. The quietness in the early mornings when I’m freezing from my head to my tippy toes watching the morning dawn break with my other half, sipping our cold coffees and half eaten McDoanlds breakfast sandwiches. The waters are calm and the fish begin to surface up and tease the fisherman for the day.
I love coming to Shadow Cliffs– year round. The mornings are the best and on hotter days, I use the beach as my tanning salon. It’s perfect for families and gatherings, to learn to swim and everything possible about a park and spending time together are bundled here at Shadow Cliffs. On those hot summer days, there’s a giant water slide that sits on the other side of the parking lot, waiting for those wet bottoms to take a ride to the bottom. The beach is clean and the waters are surrounded for those who need supervision with lifeguards. There’s snacks and stands for those who forget to bring food. There’s tables and grills for the events. The hilly roads are perfect for fundraising, running, hikes and training. The parking lot are many and the spaces are plentiful.
There’s a fee for parking and a fee to fish, but when are the best things in life really free? The fish do bite here, but take in mind the regulations and make sure to have your permit. The roads are slippery and not really roads, but grabbing tree roots and wearing shoes with traction will help steady those arms. The air is crisp and you’re out with nature, losing yourself in the outside and not letting your life get the best of you.

I like running and am constantly looking for a park with a good amount of trails varying in length, descents and ascents. Shadow cliffs offers a nice leisure walking paths without much length to them or ascents. I did however enjoy a few parts of the trails that run under and through trees overhanging the path. One trail runs along a small pond and it was quite peaceful. Another downside is the park charges $ 6 just to park no matter what time of season it is with no alternative parking anywhere. There are some great parks with some great views in the East Bay, check out some others before settling for Shadow Cliffs.

Attended a 5K this past weekend, this park is the perfect place. The run went well, the organizers were a bit flustered directing the runners on the 5K and the 10K… the park itself was lovely.
Went paddle boating: $ 8 an hour and can accommodate up to 4 people. I was sunburned like a mad woman but had a great time. Offer a lot of boats and the pricing is more than fair. (they do charge you a capsizing fee, and a $ 6 charge for soaking the life jackets– stay upright and it’s all good)
$ 6 for parking
Have food on-​site, can BBQ or whatevs… fun environment.

Shadow cliffs is a fun regional park for families looking for a nice place to let the kids play in the water and sand and spend some time having a picnic or BBQ. My family always comes here for Easter Sunday because the park is so big that it can easily accommodate us. Parking is really inexpensive and there is plenty to do while waiting for the food. You have a choice of walking on one of the many trails, going to the water slides, the lake, renting one of the many boats or just chillin’ with the family on the grass. There so much to do here it can be a tad bit overwhelming when kids are present. There are always plenty of life guards on there towers making sure everyone follows the rules of the water. There is even a snack stand loaded with goodies and floaties for the kids if you don’t come prepared. The only downside to this park is they do not allow alcohol. Whack! But overall this is place for large family gatherings or just some fun in the sun.