Lake Arrowhead is the perfect place to go hiking if you live in the Los Angeles or the surrounding area. Close to Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead hiking trails offer something for everyone in the San Bernardino National Forest.
Lake Arrowhead Hiking Trails
Lake Arrowhead is sometimes called the Alps of Southern California, although I personally think that naming is a bit generous 🙂 It is, however, a pretty well-kept secret for Southern California locals. Many visitors will think of bigger names like Big Bear and Mammoth, but Lake Arrowhead offers a perfect trip into nature.
Lake Arrowhead hiking trails offer a quiet escape from city life. The lake of course is the center of all the outdoor activity here. From hikes to fishing, there are a ton of outdoor activities available at Lake Arrowhead.
Keep reading for my personal 7 favorite Lake Arrowhead hiking trails!
When to Visit Lake Arrowhead
Lake Arrowhead is a great place year-round, but late Spring and early Fall will be the best time for hiking because of the more temperate weather. Lake Arrowhead sits at 5,000 ft elevation, so it is a bit chillier than when you’re at sea level.
In the winter, temperatures will drop to around 40 degrees and it may be a bit chilly if you are trying to go hiking.
The weather turns around starting in May when it averages 68 degrees and only 2 days of rain. The weather stays hot in the 70s and 80s through the summer, up until the end of September. By October, it will be back in the mid 60s.
How to Get to Lake Arrowhead
You will absolutely need a car to get to Lake Arrowhead. The closest airport is Ontario International Airport, but Burbank and LAX are not terrible options either.
From there, you will need to drive to Lake Arrowhead. The drive can take anywhere from 1 hour to 3 hours. Remember to factor in the LA traffic when you are driving!
Once you are in the area, you will also need a car to get around to the Lake Arrowhead hiking trails. There is a nice Village area that is more walkable, but everything else requires a car.
Looking for more California hikes?
Hiking Gear Suggestions
Hiking Boots / Shoes
Hiking boots are the most important gear to have when you are hiking. If you wear your normal running shoes or sandals, you can easily get blisters or accidentally trip because you don’t have enough traction on your shoes.
Hiking boots are a great option if you are a beginner hiker. It will help your feet and ankles be more stable on any rock scrambles. My favorite hiking boots are from Salomon. If you are a more advanced hiker, you might consider dropping hiking boots for something lighter like a trail runner. I like wearing Hoka’s or adidas.
Sun Protection
Always remember to have sun protection, even if you are hiking in the winter! I always bring a hat and layer on SPF.
Water Storage
The Lake Arrowhead hiking trails can be deceptively hot and dry, especially in the summer. Always pack more water and be thankful that you have enough leftover at the end of your hike. My general rule of thumb is 1L of water per hour of hiking.
Summer Hiking Clothing
Lastly, summer hiking clothing will keep you cool. If I’m going on a real hike, I will never wear cotton because it’s just a horribly inefficient material. For more details on why that is, check my post on Essential Hiking Clothes!
7 Best Lake Arrowhead Hiking Trails
Without further ado, here are my 7 favorite Lake Arrowhead hiking trails.
Please note that you will need an Adventure Pass to hike any of the trails below.
1. Will Abell Memorial Trail
1.9 miles | 419 ft | Dog Friendly
Will Abell Memorial Trail is on the southwest side of Lake Arrowhead. At less than 2 miles, this is an easy family-friendly trail that would be good for any younger kids or a short hike.
There is some elevation to this hike so don’t wear flip flops and casual clothes. Hiking gear is still recommended, especially nice shoes to help with traction on the trail.
For only a 2 mile hike, you will get a nice escape into the trees and get some good views of the surrounding area. You can however sometimes hear the road from the hike. This would be my top recommendation of all the Lake Arrowhead hiking trails for families.
2. Arrowhead Pinnacles Trail
4.6 miles | 1000 ft | Dog Friendly
Arrowhead Pinnacles Trail is a classic Southern California trail. It’s a bit dustier and out above treeline. The views will be mostly shorter shrubbery and large boulders. But of course, you will get beautiful views once you are up at the ridge.
This is the perfect Lake Arrowhead hiking trail if you are looking for something a little more strenuous. At 2.5 hours, this hike will get your heart pumping for sure!
Be warned that there is zero shade on this trail. If you are hiking in the summer, make sure to bring at least 3L of water for the hike.
3. Children’s Forest Exploration Trail
9 miles | 1400 ft | Dog Friendly
The Children’s Forest Exploration Trail has a funny but accurate name. According to the US Forest Service, this hiking trail was designed by children along with the U.S. Forest Service personnel and other professionals.
It’s a fairly gentle trail that is 4.5 miles one way. Although the total length is 9 miles, you can absolutely cut the trail to make it more manageable. Just turn around whenever you are done!
This trail is more about the journey than the destination, so you won’t need to worry about missing anything.
4. Nature Loop in Lake Gregory Regional Park
2.3 miles | Flat | Dog Friendly
The Nature Loop is an easy, flat walk that starts from the South Beach Parking area in Lake Gregory Regional Park. Going around the lake, it is a very peaceful and family-friendly walk.
The hike itself is completely flat and definitely one of the best easy options for hiking Lake Arrowhead. Although there are nice views of the lake the entire day, I would recommend going around sunset to get a nice reflection of the colors off the lake.
5. Heart Rock Trail
1.3 miles | 200 ft| Dog Friendly
Heart Rock Trail is about a 30-minute drive west of Lake Arrowhead. It is a great hike to combine with the Nature Loop at Lake Gregory given its approximate closeness.
The viewpoint of this trail is not surprisingly a rock in the shape of a heart! It’s a really nice and gentle hike to get here, and a cool sight at the end of your hike.
Be warned that some hikers have reported bear sightings. Although likely not dangerous, make sure to stay bear aware while you are out hiking near Lake Arrowhead.
6. Dogwood Campground Loop
3.8 miles | 450 ft| Dog Friendly
Dogwood Campground Loop is a good family friendly trail. At only 450 ft elevation gain and close to 4 miles, you can say this loop is pretty much flat. Both kids and dogs will love this gentle hike.
You will be under the cover of the trees for most of the hike, so you won’t get any stunning views. However, I think this is a great option if you are looking to just get out in nature and get some exercise.
7. Crafts Peak Trail
7.2 miles | 1500 ft| Dog Friendly
Crafts Peak is a classic hike in the Lake Arrowhead area. It’s the hardest trail on this list but you will get great views of the surrounding area.
It’s an extremely scenic hike with views of the surrounding area. You can even see Mount Baldy and Lake Arrowhead from the top!
If you go too early in spring, you may need to use microspikes. Check the internet for the latest conditions.
Note: you may have heard of Splinters Cabin Trailhead or the Deep Creek area, which cuts part of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). This trail was closed in 2021 due to overcrowding. Please make sure you do not trespass. It’s a horrible thing to do, plus you will be hit with a hefty fine.
Summary of Lake Arrowhead Hikes
Overall, Lake Arrowhead is a really fun weekend or even weeklong escape if you are in the Southern California area. The hikes in the San Bernandino Forest are absolutely beautiful and they are all dog friendly as well!
I really love hiking in the Lake Arrowhead area and always come back to it.
Have you been to Lake Arrowhead before? Where did you hike?
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2 Comments
So much great information! Looks like such a peaceful place to visit.