The San Bernardino Mountains are a rewarding destination, whether for day trips or for spending a week exploring the hiking trails. People of all ages and activity levels can find stimulating things to do in the area. Children will enjoy educational visits to the Children's Museum in Lake Arrowhead Village. Adults will appreciate scenic hiking trails, enjoyable lakeside dining and many of the open-air music festivals in Lake Arrowhead.
Instructions
Visiting the San Bernardino Mountains
1. Ride MARTA transit to the San Bernardino Mountains, but check weather conditions, as MARTA often does not run during snow storms. Drivers coming to the San Bernardino Mountains during winter weather should carry chains, which, unless you are driving a four-by-four, are required because of windy roads and extreme inclines.
2. Purchase adventure passes at the ranger's station in Sky Forest, California. The adventure passes are required for parking on national forest lands, and you can be fined for parking without one. For convenience the adventure passes can also be purchased on mountaininfo.com.
3. Camping enthusiasts can stay at campgrounds such as Hanna Flats in Big Bear, or Dog Wood Camp in Lake Arrowhead. Camping outside of camp grounds in areas such as the Pinnacles requires an overnight camping permit. Adventurous hikers and rock climbers will enjoy camping at the Pinnacles because of the views to be seen at the top of this range.
4. Camping is not for everyone, so there are other forms of entertainment to be found in Lake Arrowhead Village and Big Bear. The Children's Museum in Lake Arrowhead Village is an educational experience for preschool and elementary-school children. There is a variety of outdoor events for adults, such as the Lake Arrowhead Jazz Festival, the Lake Arrowhead Film Festival, and the Lake Arrowhead Wine Festival. The Bear County Fair at the Moonridge Park in Big Bear is an annual event. Events at the Bear County Fair include activities such as jewelry making and art projects for people of all ages
5. Enjoy swimming and other water activities at Lake Gregory Regional Water Park in Crestline. This park is only open during the summer season.
6. Eat at the local restaurants. If you love Mexican cuisine check out Papagayos in Lake Arrowhead Village, or for a Chinese meal try Mandarin Gardens in Agua Fria. Also, Stater Brothers Market and Jensen's Market are local grocery stores for purchasing supplies if you are planning a hiking trip into isolated regions without restaurants and food stands.
Tags: Lake Arrowhead, Bernardino Mountains, Arrowhead Village, Lake Arrowhead Village, adventure passes, Bear County