Lake Arrowhead is surrounded by several small communities, each with its own unique characteristics. Lake Arrowhead, and Arrowhead Woods defines the area of land surrounding the lake shores.
Homeowners who live in Arrowhead Woods enjoy lake rights. First tier lakefront homes surround the lake and vary from cabins and cottages to lodges and estates. The earliest of these are Old Hamiltar, Shelter Cove and Point Hamiltar, followed by Meadow Bay, Totem Pole Point. All are well known for their lovely homes. A distinguished and distinctive community also surrounding the Lake Arrowhead Country Club overlooking Grass Valley Lake and the High Desert cities of Hesperia and Victorville. Views of the Inland Empire valley can be enjoyed from the ridge towns of Arrowhead Highlands, Rimforest, Crest Park, Skyforest and Running Springs. There are areas that are remote and secluded and areas that are commuter friendly.
Hiking Guide
Parking at most trails requires an Adventure Pass. They are available in the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center.
Nature Loop in Lake Gregory Regional Park (No Marked Number)
Distance & Level: 2.5 mile loop, easy walk
Description: This lakeside trail begins from the back of the South Beach Parking area in Lake Gregory Regional Park.
Directions: From Highway 18, take Lake Gregory Drive to San Moritz Drive. Turn Right on San Moritz and look for the Parking area on your left.
Bonus: This is a great hike for dogs.
Seeley Creek Trail – 4W07 (Heart Rock) #4
Distance & Level: 1 mile each way, easy walk in Crestline
Description: This easy hike follows Seeley Creek to an overlook called “Heart Rock” which marks the trail’s end.
Directions: To reach this short trail turn left on FS Road 2N03 at the entrance to Camp Seeley on Highway 138. Proceed ¼ mile to the trailhead, marked “Heart Rock 4W07”.
Bonus: The gentle grade of this trail makes it an excellent walk for all ages. The Adventure Pass is not required at this trailhead.
Deep Creek/Splinters Cabin – Pacific Crest Trail Access Point #6
Distance & Level: Moderately difficult Hikes in Cedar Glen
Description: The Pacific Crest Trail stretches from the Mexican border to the Canadian border so you can choose your own distance on this one.
Directions: Located on Hook Creek Rd. in Cedar Glen (off Hwy. 173) Drive to end of Hook Creek Rd. The road becomes a forest service dirt road. Stay left when the road forks. Soon you will see an open gate on the right leading to a ½ mile drive to the picnic & restroom area. An Adventure Pass is required to park at the trailhead. Follow the signs to Deep Creek and the Pacific Crest Trail.
NORTH SHORE NATIONAL RECREATIONAL TRAIL – 3W12 & 2N25 #by No. 6
Distance & Level: 1.7 miles each way, moderately difficult
Description: Begins near site #11 at the North Shore Campground in Lake Arrowhead
(2 ways to reach the hiking trail)
Directions: To Reach trail #2N25:
Take Hospital Rd. (off Hwy. 173) When you drive up Hospital Rd. you will see a road on your left & a North Shore Campground sign. Park along the road outside the campground. Proceed to site #11 where you will see the North Shore Recreation Trail sign
To Reach Trail #3W12:
Turn east on Torrey Road opposite the Lake Arrowhead Marina (on Hwy. 173). Turn at first left and follow the dirt road 1/2 mile to where you reach the trail head on the east (right) side of 2N25.
HEAPS PEAK ARBORETUM TRAIL #8
Distance & Level: 1 mile loop, easy walk in Sky Forest
Description: The trail is an easy walk for all ages that takes you through a self-guided tour with 25 points of interest about native plants and wildlife.
Directions: This interpretive trail is located 2 miles east of Sky Forest on Highway 18.
CHILDREN’S FOREST EXPLORATION TRAIL #9
Distance & Level: 4.5 miles each way, moderately difficult in Running Springs (12% grade)
Description: This trail will take you into some of the San Bernardino Mountains’ most beautiful country. This non-motorized trail crossing the 3,400 acre National Children’s Forest is open for use year round & is family-friendly.
Directions: The trail starts on Keller Peak Road (first right after Deer Lick Fire Station, traveling toward Big Bear) in Running Springs on Hwy. 18. The trailhead is on the right a little way inside the gate. (The gate is locked from the first snowfall until the road is completely thawed and cleared of obstructions in the spring.)
TRAIL OF THE PHOENIX at the CHILDREN’S FOREST #9
Distance & Level: 0.5 mile loop, easy walk
Directions: This paved nature trail begins near the top of Keller peak Road in Running Springs.
THE PINNACLES 5745 #Just Past No. 10
Distance & Level: 3.5 mile each way, this is a moderate to difficult hike
Description: There is limited parking. The views from this hike can be quite spectacular so bring a camera plus we recommend plenty of water.
Directions: To get to this trail head take HWY 173 down to the shooting range.
When you see the shooting range sign on your left , turn left on the left hand side of the shooting range (on the same side of the street) you should see the trail head post.
Get a printable copy of the Lake Arrowhead trails hiking guide from the Lake Arrowhead Chamber of Commerce
Camping Guide
There are two campgrounds in the Lake Arrowhead Communities for those wishing to camp in the surrounding National Forest. We are located over 1 mile high in altitude, the air is thinner (and cleaner) up here. Please prepare yourself accordingly for a wonderful time.
Dogwood Campground
This campground is located 20 miles Northeast of San Bernardino, CA in the San Bernardino National Forest. The campground was completely remodeled in 2004, complete with modern restrooms, showers and several electric hook-ups for RV’s. Activities include interpretive programs on Friday and Saturday nights, hiking trails, 15 minutes away from Lake Gregory, with boating, fishing and a water slide park. Lake Arrowhead village, with it’s fine dinning and quaint shops is only 5 minutes away.
*Please note this campground does not allow for access to Lake Arrowhead.
North Shore Campground
This campground is located 23 miles Northeast of San Bernardino in the San Bernardino National Forest, 3 miles from Lake Arrowhead Village, and 20 minutes to Lake Gregory with fishing, boat rentals and a water slide park. Campground has modern restrooms and running water. Located in the San Bernardino Mountains. Group camping is not available. *Please note this campground does not allow for access to Lake Arrowhead.
Large Group Camping Facilities
For groups of thirty to ninety people, group campgrounds provide another option. Picnic tables, fire rings, and bathrooms — and a certain distance from other campers — make the group campgrounds a popular option for church group and scout campouts. There are three group camps located within close proximity of the Lake Arrowhead Communities; Shady Cove, Tent Peg, and Fisherman’s Camp. Reservations are required. For camping reservations, please call the National Reservation Service at: (877) 444-6777 or visit their website at www.recreation.gov
Yellow Post Camp Sites
These camp sites offer a more primitive camping experience with considerable distance from other campsites and few amenities while being conveniently accessed from a paved road. Fire rings are provided but may be used only when the fire danger level permits – call the Ranger Station at (909) 382-2782 for information. Yellow post sites are available on a first-come-first-served basis, free of charge. For the adventurous, remote camping is allowed throughout the National Forest. Specific guidelines apply when camping outside of developed sites so call the Ranger Station before you embark on your trip.
Winter Activities
Sledding/Tubing
Lake Arrowhead has an active Chamber of Commerce and numerous cultural organizations that present pop, jazz & classical concerts, and showcase some of Southern California’s finest artists in their annual Art and Wine Festivals. Other special attractions include the International Ice Skating Training Center which offers ice shows and public skating, the Mountain Skies Astronomical Society, a science education center boasting a premier astronomical telescope, and Wildhaven, an animal sanctuary center with public visiting hours.
Lake Arrowhead Village sponsors a full seasonal calendar of events & concerts and has restaurants, shops & discount outlet stores. Outdoor activities include lake fishing, water skiing, wakeboarding, motor boating, and sailing. There are two marinas, a private Yacht Club and two beach clubs. Since Lake Arrowhead is private, visitors who are not guests of property owners have limited use of the Lake. Lake Arrowhead Country Club features an 18 hole golf-course, driving range & tennis courts. Opportunities in the nearby National Forest include hiking, stream fishing, off road and equestrian trails plus several campgrounds for tent and RV camping. Seasonal downhill snow skiing resorts & mountain biking trails are nearby.