How far is Lake Arrowhead from Los Angeles?

About 90 miles and roughly 90 minutes by car, depending on traffic. It sits at 5,100 feet elevation in the San Bernardino Mountains, accessed via Highway 18 or Highway 138.

What outdoor activities are available?

Hiking trails on the Rim of the World Scenic Byway, mountain biking, and fishing are popular year-round. Snow Valley Mountain Resort is nearby for skiing and snowboarding in winter. The village has kayak and paddleboard rentals seasonally.

What's the best time to visit?

Summer is the most popular season, with mild temperatures in the 70s while the LA basin swelters. Winter brings snow and a quieter, cozy atmosphere. Spring and fall are less crowded and often the most pleasant for hiking.

Do I need chains to drive up in winter?

Caltrans posts chain controls on Highways 18 and 138 after storms. Carry a set that fits your tires and check conditions before you leave. The private driveway at your cabin is often the trickier part of the journey.

Lake Arrowhead Vacation Rentals

Q: Does lake access come with vacation rentals?

Lake Arrowhead is a private lake. Access to the lake and its beaches is controlled by the Lake Arrowhead Community Services District and is not automatically included with a rental. Check each property's listing for specific access details before booking.

A pine-forested mountain village at 5,100 feet, about 90 minutes from Los Angeles. Hiking, skiing at nearby Snow Valley, and the village shops are all close by.

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Aerial view of Lake Arrowhead with a boat wake cutting across deep blue water toward tree-lined shores

The Lake

Lake Arrowhead is a private lake, which surprises a lot of first-time visitors. Access is controlled by the Lake Arrowhead Community Services District and is not automatically included with a vacation rental. Check each property's listing carefully before booking if lake access matters to you. The village waterfront has shops, restaurants, and a small beach area that LACSD members and their guests can use. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available seasonally.

Rolling pine-covered hills under sweeping cirrus clouds at Lake Arrowhead

Hiking the Rim

The Rim of the World Scenic Byway runs along the mountain crest and connects to trails with long views over the San Bernardino Valley. The Pacific Crest Trail passes through the area. Heaps Peak Arboretum, just west of the village, has a short interpretive loop through old-growth forest that's good for families. Deep Creek Hot Springs is a longer hike — about 3 miles each way on a rough trail — but the natural hot springs at the end are worth the effort. Go on a weekday if you can.

Ski lift carrying riders through snow-covered pine trees at a California mountain resort

Winter at the Mountain

Snow Valley Mountain Resort is about 10 miles east on Highway 18, with runs for all levels, a terrain park, and tubing lanes. The first clear weekend after a storm brings a surge of day-trippers from the LA basin, so the roads and the resort both get busy. Come midweek or arrive early. The village is worth a walk after a snowfall — the shops and restaurants stay open, and the lake looks different with snow on the pines around it.

Aerial view of Lake Arrowhead Village and waterfront framed by pine-covered mountains

The Village & Dining

Lake Arrowhead Village sits on the lake's south shore with restaurants, boutiques, and a lakeside promenade. The food scene is casual — burgers, pizza, pub food, and a few spots doing more ambitious weekend dinners. Big Bear Lake is about 30 miles east along the Rim of the World Drive, and the drive itself is worth doing. Running Bear Pancake House is the local breakfast institution; arrive before 9 on weekends or expect a wait.

Two people paddleboarding on a clear blue mountain lake surrounded by pine forest

On the Water in Summer

Summer is the most popular season, with mild temperatures in the 70s while the LA basin swelters. If your rental includes lake access, kayak and paddleboard rentals are available through the village seasonally. Fishing is popular year-round — the lake holds bass, trout, and catfish. The village beach area is the social hub on summer weekends. Book well in advance; the mountain fills fast once school lets out.

Know Before You Go

A Few Things Worth Knowing Before You Arrive

Lake Access Isn't Automatic
Lake Arrowhead is a private lake. Access is controlled by the LACSD and is not included with every rental. Check your property's listing before booking if lake access is a priority.
The Drive Takes Focus
Highways 18 and 138 are winding mountain roads. They're not difficult at a reasonable speed, but make the first trip in daylight and watch for cyclists and wildlife.
Winter Roads Can Close
Caltrans posts chain controls after storms. Carry chains that fit your tires and check conditions before you leave. The private driveway at your cabin is often the trickier part.
Book Summer Early
The mountain fills fast once school lets out. The best properties book months in advance for July and August weekends. Fall and spring are less crowded and often the most pleasant for hiking.
Cell Coverage Varies
Coverage can be patchy in the canyons around the lake. Download maps and directions before you leave the valley.
Stock Up Before You Climb
Grocery options on the mountain are limited. Stock up in San Bernardino or Redlands on the way in rather than making a second trip down.
Wildlife Is Active
Bears, deer, and other wildlife are common around the lake. Keep food secured and trash in bear-proof containers, especially overnight.
Altitude Adjustment
At 5,100 feet, some guests feel the elevation on the first day. Drink extra water and take it easy on arrival, especially if you're coming from sea level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Attractions

Snow Valley Mountain Resort

About 10 miles east on Highway 18, with runs for all levels, a terrain park, and tubing lanes. A reliable snow season given the elevation.

Deep Creek Hot Springs

A 3-mile hike each way on a rough trail, with natural hot springs at the end. Worth the effort. Go on a weekday if you can.

Heaps Peak Arboretum

A short interpretive loop through old-growth forest just west of the village. Good for families and a pleasant walk in any season.

Lake Arrowhead Village

Shops, restaurants, and a lakeside promenade on the south shore. The social center of the mountain and the easiest place to park once.

Local Favorites

Running Bear Pancake House

The local breakfast institution. Arrive before 9 on weekends or expect a wait. Cash-friendly, generous portions, and a reliable crowd of regulars.

Rim of the World Drive

The scenic byway that runs along the mountain crest, connecting Lake Arrowhead to Big Bear Lake with long views over the San Bernardino Valley.

Lake Arrowhead Fishing

The lake holds bass, trout, and catfish. Fishing is popular year-round, and the village can point you toward guides and gear rentals.

Big Bear Lake Day Trip

About 30 miles east along the Rim of the World Drive. A bigger resort town with more dining options and its own ski mountain.

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