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Fed only by snow melt, Big Bear Lake is an all-season destination—incredible for winter sports and summer swims. A small beach sits on the north shore, and Garstin Island is another popular swimming area. The area’s large granite boulders are distinct and often used for short jumps into the cool water below.
Southwest of Lake Arrowhead in Running Springs, Snow Valley is a small but popular winter resort for skiing and snowboarding. Recognized as having ample beginner terrain, Snow Valley attracts sledders who seek big hill thrills from the only Southern Californian chair lift for sledding. In summer, mountain bikers access the Scenic View Chair Lift to access countless trails for downhill rides. Look out for cabin camping spots nearby.
Within the Sand to Snow National Monument lies the San Gorgonio Wilderness, an alpine landscape home to bears, mountain lions, and bighorn sheep. A small section of the Pacific Coast Trail runs through the wilderness area, and numerous hikes, many accessible via Highway 38, pass through groves of aspen and oak. The wilderness is home to 24 backcountry campsites accessible with a free permit.