Are there ticks in the area?

Yes! Pulled a black-legged (deer) tick off me after hiking the Rim Trail. These can carry various diseases including Lyme Disease. USE REPELLANT!

I can't confirm 100% but I would expect there to be ticks there

Absolutely everywhere in the surrounding area has ticks, comes with the flora/fauna, and resident wildlife. To the others point above, as long as you're staying on the designated paths, you should be good, but the upper rim and its overgrowth spells tick magnet for any roving pet.

If you stay on paved trail around reservoir which is about 3 miles you are ok. The longer rim trail has ticks we pulled multiple of our dog couple of years ago.