See all Things to do in Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake and Lake Arrowhead: L.A.'s Alpine Playground
630 Bartlett RoadBig Bear Lake, CA 92315 Phone: (909) 866-7000About
When it comes to outdoor adventure and alpine beauty, resorts in the Bernardino Range offer year-round escape from the urban bustle. Ponderosa pines rather than palms, snow rather than sand, and scattered mountain villages instead of a the densely packed towns and freeways to the west—the resort regions of Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear , tucked into the San Bernardino Mountains east of Los Angeles, are a far cry from the stereotypical Southern California play land. But follow the spectacular Rim of the World Highway to climb out to the town of Lake Arrowhead and its inviting take on the good life, with old-world estates and log homes peeking between the ponderosas. Be pampered at Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa , with luxury accommodations along the shore. In nearby Twin Peaks, The Grill at Antlers Inn wins raves for its rustic 1920s lodge atmosphere and sophisticated New American cuisine. But for all its refinement, Lake Arrowhead is also a gateway to the wild. Trails near town, including the Pacific Crest Trail, lead to the canyons, mountain streams, and rocky peaks of the San Bernardino National Forest . Wildflowers brighten meadows in spring, and russet leaves splash the woods with fall color. Come winter, Green Valley Lake offers an idyllic spot to snowshoe through tranquil forests. Farther up the highway, Big Bear Lake is skiing and snowboarding heaven. Snow Summit and Bear Mountain resorts, where runs top out at nearly 9,000 feet, offer SoCal’s best downhill action. Less adrenaline-addicted visitors can scan the lake for wintering bald eagles (Big Bear Discovery Center offers tours) or trek the short but steep 2.4-mile roundtrip to the granite outcrops and lake views at Castle Rock. In summer, a lift carries bikers and hikers to trails with panoramas of the lake and 11,499-foot San Gorgonio Mountain. And whether you stop at one of the many local breakfast joints or dine on Himalayan Restaurant’s top-of-the-world cuisine from Nepal and India, Big Bear Lake isn’t a town where anyone is likely to go hungry. Lake Arrowhead 909/337-3715; lakearrowhead.net Big Bear Lake 909/866-7000; bigbear.com More Inland Empire discoverie.com
