Also known as “The Jewel of Southern California,” Lake Arrowhead is a scenic mountain community surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest. Lake Arrowhead is a fantastic Southern California day trip or weekend escape that offers a wide variety of outdoor adventures during all four seasons. These activities provide guests with the best Mother Nature has to offer. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie seeking adventure or a family looking for a fun weekend getaway, Lake Arrowhead has something for everyone. Regardless of the season, there are endless outdoor adventures in Lake Arrowhead for you to enjoy.
The Best Outdoor Adventures Lake Arrowhead Has To Offer:
1) ATVing or Off-Roading
What better way to enjoy the mountains and explore the beauty that Lake Arrowhead has to offer than with an off-roading or ATVing experience? ATV and side-by-side off-road rentals provide one of the best outdoor adventures you can find in Lake Arrowhead. M.C. Adventure Rentals, a proud member of the Lake Arrowhead Chamber of Commerce, even has a pick up service for those who would like their quads or RZRs towed for a long distance trip. However, if you are looking to go somewhere local, they also provide a delivery service to Lake Arrowhead, Silverwood Lake, and surrounding trails. Pinnacles OHV Trail, Pilot Rock OHV Trail, and Cleghorn Ridge OHV Trail are three of the most popular trails near Lake Arrowhead and Silverwood Lake that provide amazing views and an exciting off-road experience. Not to mention, M.C. Adventure Rentals also has 2-hour guided tours, both private tours and group tours, through the amazing Lake Arrowhead mountain terrain. To find out more information M.C. Adventure Rentals, check out their website or call 900-736-1519.
M.C. Adventures Rentals 22421 Barton Rd #409, Grand Terrace, CA.
2) Waterskiing and Wakeboarding
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a first timer, McKenzie Water Ski School caters to all your water skiing and wakeboarding desires. They have everything you need to enjoy a great day on the lake. McKenzie Water Ski School makes this a fun outdoor adventure for people of all ages. With instructors that ski with you on the water, everyone is welcome, even your little ones. For those who already know how to waterski or wakeboard, the staff at McKenzie Water Ski School can help advance your skills and teach you new tricks. Whether it’s Slalom, Trick, Hotdor, or Barefoot, the skilled instructors have extensive training both on and off the water to help you achieve your goals while staying safe. Not to mention, McKenzie Water Ski School also offers birthday parties, large group, and corporate outings for group excursions. These outdoor adventures on the lake are sure to bring a great day of laughter and fun on the water. To view rates and make a reservation, visit the McKenzie Water Ski School website or call 909-337-3814. For all other requests, email [email protected].
McKenzie Water Ski School 28200 State Highway 189 Lake Arrowhead Village, Lake Arrowhead, CA.
3) Ride on the Arrowhead Queen
Lake Arrowhead Village is home to many attractions, like the Arrowhead Queen Boat Tour. Experience the beauty and excitement of a 1-hour narrated boat tour of Lake Arrowhead. Appreciate the magnificence and serenity of Lake Arrowhead’s lush forests, glistening water, and blue skies as you sit back and enjoy up close views of lakeside homes and learn about the history and folklore of the lake. The Lake Arrowhead Queen sails daily every hour on the hour, all year round. You can buy your tickets for the Lake Arrowhead Queen at Leroy’s Board Shop in the Lake Arrowhead Village. The Lake Arrowhead Queen is available for private hire by calling 1-909-336-6992. This is a peaceful outdoor adventure you won’t want to miss.
Lake Arrowhead Queen 28200 CA-189 Suite C100, Lake Arrowhead, CA.
4) Skiing and Snowshoeing
Looking for outdoor adventures in the winter months? As long as snow permits it, guests can enjoy a day of cross country skiing and snowshoeing in Lake Arrowhead. Rim Nordic offers a groomed trail system with tracks set for classic skiing as well as skating lanes on all trails except the snowshoe trails. With 10 miles of groomed trails, there is something for everyone of all levels, including beginners, intermediate, and expert skiers. Rentals for both cross country skiing and snowshoeing are available on site at Rim Nordic. In addition, guests can book lessons with trained professionals. To learn more about Rim Nordic’s skiing and snowshoeing experiences, visit their website or call 909-867-2600.
Rim Nordic Ski Area, Inc. P.O. Box 2990 Running Springs, CA.
5) Swimming and Beach Time
Swimming is another favorite activity both in Lake Arrowhead and Lake Gregory. Lake Arrowhead is a private lake which limits access to the public. Beach clubs in Lake Arrowhead provide access to private beaches for guests. Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa is a luxurious hotel that serves as a great home base for swimming. To make a reservation, visit their website or call 800-800-6792. Lake Gregory is great place to swim providing public and private access for visitors. Surrounded by the pine-forested mountains Lake Gregory provides a full day of fun. With water slides, water play structures, paddle boats, cool lake water, and sandy beaches, Lake Gregory has it all. Moreover, Lake Gregory is one of the cleanest lakes in the San Bernardino Mountains. Water tests are done weekly during active swimming months and monthly during the off-season.
Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa 27984 Hwy 198, Lake Arrowhead, CA.
6) Mountain Biking
Seeing that Lake Arrowhead is a scenic mountain community, it should come as no surprise that outdoor adventures like mountain biking are plentiful. SkyPark at Santa’s Village is a one-of-a-kind outdoor adventure park located between Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear. Whether you’re an experienced rider or a new beginner, the trails at SkyPark are a fun place to mountain bike with your friends and family. The trail network winds through a thick canopy of pine trees. There are well-marked, directional bike trails for beginner to advanced riders, as well as two skills areas and a large and small pump track for younger riders. To learn more about the Bike Park at Santa’s Village, visit their website or call 1-900-744-9373.
SkyPark at Santa’s Village 28950 California 18, Skyforest, CA.
The Rim Nordic Bike Park is another trail system in Lake Arrowhead, available for mountain bike riding during the weekends in the summer. There are approximately 15 miles of single track and fire road with varying degrees of difficulty, ranging from beginner to advanced. Elevation at the base is 6875’ with elevation gain up to 700’ plus minimum. To learn more about Rim Nordic’s mountain biking outdoor adventures, visit their website or call 909-867-2600.
Rim Nordic P.O. Box 2990 Running Springs, CA.
7) Ice Skating and Roller Skating
Get in the holiday spirit at the Silver Bells Arena in the SkyPark at Santa’s Village. In the winter, the Silver Bells Arena skating rink offers ice skating for people of all ages. This rink provides hours of fun for everyone at all skill levels. In the summer months, this rink transforms into a roller skating rink. Skates are free to rent, but guests are welcome to bring their own. To learn more about the Silver Bells Arena at Santa’s Village, visit their website or call 1-900-744-9373.
SkyPark at Santa’s Village 28950 California 18, Skyforest, CA.
8) Hiking
Ready for one of the best outdoor adventures of your life? Looking for a great trail near Lake Arrowhead? Wanting to surround yourself in mother nature? Look no further. Lake Arrowhead has plenty of hiking trails, views trails, forest trails, and more that make for a memorable hiking experience. Lake Arrowhead provides hiking trails for people of all ages and skill sets. Trails range from easy to moderate to hard. There are several easy trails, that are great for families, beginners, and those wanting a more leisurely hike. Some of these easy trails include: Will Abell Memorial Trail, Heart Rock Trail, Lake Gregory Trail, Little Bear Creek Trail, Dogwood Campground Loop, and more.
There are various moderate trails in Lake Arrowhead, ranging from 2 to 141 miles and from 4,350 to 5,505 feet above sea level. Some of these include: Mojave River via the PCT, Willow Creek OHV Trail, Aztec Falls, Sawmill Road Loop Trail, Devil’s Hole OHV Trail, Bradford Trail and PCT- Deep Creek Hot Springs Loop, Sugarpine Mountain OHV Trail, Bluejay Canyon Trail, and more. And for those more experienced hikers, Lake Arrowhead and the surrounding areas offer various hikes that are considered to be hard. Some of these hikes include: Arrowhead Pinnacles Trail, Miller Canyon Trail, Dishpan Springs OHV Trail, and more. View all hiking trails in Lake Arrowhead here.
9) Ziplining
Ever wondered what it would feel like to fly? Well, at SkyPark at Santa’s Village, you can make that dream come to life with the Adventure Zipline. Speed through the trees as you zipline an exhilarating 30 feet above the forest floor. A thrilling 600’ outdoor adventure that takes you to a zip jump exit where you’ll want to run back and fly again! With crisp, clean mountain air in your face and gorgeous views of the Northwoods below, you’ll never want to stop soaring over SkyPark. Harnesses are available for full safety of all age groups, so every member of your family can fly through the sky! The Adventure Zipline is one of the greatest outdoor adventures at the Park for true thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies.
10) Fishing
Lake Arrowhead is home to Large Mouth and Small Mouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, German Brown Trout, Catfish, Crappie, and Bluegill. State fishing regulations apply and state fishing licenses are required, as well as private access to the lake. This is a fun family activity that you can enjoy with everyone. Lake Gregory is another great place to go fishing. Lake Gregory is stocked with Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout, making it one of the best places to fish in the San Bernardino Mountains.
What are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Lake Arrowhead and enjoy a variety of outdoor adventures and attractions. To learn more about where to stay and where to eat, visit our website today!
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