Best Places to Hike in Lake Arrowhead
You’ll find the beautiful Lake Arrowhead, California community nestled about 5,000 feet up in the lovely San Bernadino mountains. And while you may know it’s better known neighbor, Big Bear, I hope you’ll soon realize what a wonderful outdoor adventures Lake Arrowhead and the surrounding areas have to offer too. This blog is all about great places in and around Lake Arrowhead that you can go hiking on trails, from child-friendly trails to adventures and difficult hikes, this will help give you an idea of not only what to expect, but how to prepare in advance.
As a side safety note, on some of these more difficult hikes, I suggest you do your research and download or print the hike trail map before you adventure out. Know what kind of terrain you’ll encounter and pack / dress accordingly. I’ve linked some good sites I’ve found with information on some of the hikes, so visiting those may be very helpful when planning your next Lake Arrowhead hiking trails adventure!
And lastly… if you adventure out into our beautiful woods or hiking trails – PICK UP YOUR TRASH and always clean up after yourself. In fact… leave it better than you found it. Let’s work to keep our mountain (and world) a more beautiful trash-free place!
So, wondering about what outdoor activities does Lake Arrowhead have?
Hiking Trails in Lake Arrowhead, CA
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Heaps Peak Arboretum : Sequoia Trail
Majestic trees at Heaps Peak Arboretum
This family and kid friendly hike is on the easier side and can be completed by children and dogs are allowed. It is a 30-acre arboretum with easy to read signposts along the trail to help point out the garden’s many flowers, shrubs and other plants. And there’s an Information Booth with guides and aids to help you identify things as you walk the trail.
Distance : 1 mile loop
COST: You WILL need an Adventure Pass (or an America the Beautiful pass) to be able to park in the parking lot. Entrance to the Heaps Peak Arboretum park itself is free.
Hours: Open dawn to dusk.
Address: 29358 Rim of the World Hwy #18, Skyforest, CA 92385
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Seeley Creek Trail : Heart Rock Hike
The ‘heart’ of Heart Rock in Lake Arrowhead
A hike of easy / medium difficulty, it is a beautiful path of trees, lookouts, small rivers and waterfalls. But at the culmination is a natural wonder of a heart shaped hole in the rock next to a 20’ waterfall. Our children LOVE this hike (agest 5 & 9). It is visually beautiful and such an adventure for them. It is more shaded, which helps with heat, but be sure to bring water / snacks. And my suggestion is to stand and just listen to Mother Nature at some point with your eyes closed. I believe heart rock is one of the best family friendly hikes around Lake Arrowhead. Note : We took this hike for the first time when my youngest was 2 and we kept her in a carrier the whole time.
Distance: 2 Miles total
Cost : An Adventure Pass is not required.
Directions: This short trail begins on Forest Service Road 2N03 - 1/4 mile south of the entrance to Camp Seeley on Highway 138. You must cross the creek.
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Deep Creek Hot Springs via Bradford Ridge Path
Enjoy the Deep Creek Hot Springs in Lake Arrowhead. Photo Courtesy of The Secret Spots
This moderately difficult hike of 5.6 miles will lead you to an amazingly beautiful hot spring! It is considered a high-desert hike and joins up later with the Pacific Crest Trail. Do note, it can get HOT in the summer and COLD in the winter, so be sure to dress and pack (water, snacks, hat, sunscreen) accordingly. The route is totally exposed and bikes are not allowed. Oh, and be sure to wear your swimsuit underneath!
Note : Do NOT drink the water or submerge your head – there is bacteria in the water! Also, it has been known to be a party spot where swimsuits are optional.
Distance: 5.6 Miles total
Cost: You do NOT need an Adventure Pass. Limited road-side parking.
Directions: Use this trailhead address: Bradford Ridge Path
I found the linked guide (below) very helpful when planning our hike out there (we didn’t take the kids).
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Strawberry Peak Fire Lookout
The view from the Strawberry Peak Fire Lookout in Lake Arrowhead. Photo Courtesy of California Through My Lens.
This moderately challenging 2.5 mile hike offers a few steep climbing sections but then you’ll find amazing views of the San Bernadino Valley and the high desert from a historic fire lookout. This lookout (open Memorial Day to Labor Day till 5pm) was built in 1933 and is manned by volunteers who still are on the lookout for forest fires in our beautiful mountains today!
NOTE : You can drive to the Lookout Tower if hiking is not an option for you.
Distance: (if Hiking) 2.5 Miles Total
Cost: An Adventure Pass IS required to park.
HIKING Directions: The trailhead is located across the street from the Pinecrest Conference Center, in the San Bernardino Mountains Land Trust gate. Street parking is available but no passes are needed.
DRIVING Address: Strawberry Lookout Rd, Twin Peaks, CA 92391
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Pinnacles Trail
A view looking at the Pinnacles as you’re about to make the climb. Photo courtesy of Hiking Guy.
This moderately hard hike in Lake Arrowhead is a bit more adventurous as you climb over boulder after boulder, but in the end it provides beautiful 360 degree views when you reach the top! Note that you will want to bring plenty of water, and may want to wear long pants because of scratchy brush along the path.
Distance: 4.5 Miles total
Cost: An Adventure Pass IS required.
Directions: Use this address for trailhead : Pinnacles Trail 3W16, CA-173, Hesperia, CA 92345
The trailhead is by the Arrowhead Fish & game Conservations Club, but the parking for the trail is on the left about a minute or two before you reach the true trailhead.
