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Lake Arrowhead
A Year-round Mountain Paradise in California
By Sharon Waldrop
Lake Arrowhead is a beautiful mountain resort community 90 minutes east of Los Angeles. It's a place with no streetlights, a small population and an abundance of small-town charm.
Located at an elevation of 5,100 feet above sea level, Lake Arrowhead has something that most Southern California cities lack – four seasons. Colorful leaves fall in autumn and white snowflakes falls in winter. Spring and summer visitors are treated to crystal blue skies with an air temperature approximately 15 to 20 degrees cooler than the cities at the base of the mountain.
The lake is private for the use of homeowners in the area. For a nominal fee, visitors can enjoy a narrated tour of the lake aboard the Arrowhead Queen. The tour includes information about the history of the lake and the surrounding community, which hosts the most exquisite homes in San Bernardino County.
"I've been on the tour at least 15 times and each time I learn something new," says Tricia Djanbatian, a resident of Lake Arrowhead.
Whether you have a 4x4, off-road motorcycle, ATV, mountain bike or are a hiker, Lake Arrowhead has an extensive trail system designed for you. There are trails for both street-legal and green stickered.
"When I had my quad and my 4x4, I would venture these trails quite often," says Karen Dohman, a mom a frequent visitor to Lake Arrowhead. "On these trails you get to enjoy spectacular vistas, lush mountain streams, wildflowers and the general beauty of the San Bernardino Mountains."
Odyssey Wofford and her husband enjoy hiking at the Pinnacles. "The rock formations are just beautiful and the views are enjoyable," she says. "My husband loves rock climbing and the Pinnacles couldn't be better."
The Pinnacles are located north on Highway 173 to the left of Deer Lodge Park.
Do you have a tent or RV in tow? Campsites are available but fill up quickly.