Skinner Reservoir, reservoir in Riverside County, California, United States
Skinner Reservoir, also called Lake Skinner, is a large water body in Riverside County located about 10 miles northeast of Temecula at the base of Bachelor Mountain. It receives water from the Colorado River Aqueduct and State Water Project through distant pipeline systems and supplies a treatment plant serving millions of people in Riverside and San Diego Counties.
The reservoir was created in 1973 when the Skinner Clearwell Dam was built on Tucalota Creek, then expanded in 1991 to increase storage capacity. The high-elevation location was chosen specifically to make water delivery to nearby communities and agricultural areas more efficient.
The reservoir is named after Robert A. Skinner, a water management leader who helped organize regional water supply systems. Today it serves as a gathering place for families from nearby towns who come to spend weekends outdoors and enjoy quiet time near the water.
The park opens early in the morning and stays open into the evening, providing ample time for outdoor activities. Paved roads and parking at most facilities make navigation easy, and clear signage directs visitors to boat ramps, camping areas, and picnic spots. Arriving early on weekends and holidays helps secure parking in busier times.
The site hosts the annual Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival, where hot air balloons float above the water while visitors sample local wines from nearby vineyards. The area also features the Solar Cup competition where student teams build and race solar-powered boats, turning the water into a learning ground for renewable energy and engineering.
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