Apple Valley, California

Apple Valley, California, is a prime location for the best trails and outdoor activities. One of the top trails is the Mojave Riverwalk, which offers scenic views of the Mojave River and its surrounding landscapes. This trail is moderately difficult, making it suitable for most hikers. Another must-visit trail is the Victor Valley Museum trail, where you can spot various unique rock formations and native plants. If you're into water activities, the Jess Ranch Lakes are perfect for fishing. For those who prefer bird watching or wildlife photography, the Apple Valley Bird Sanctuary is a great spot. Near Apple Valley, you'll find the Deep Creek Hot Springs, a natural hot spring that's a popular attraction. For a mix of history and outdoor adventures, the Calico Ghost Town and its surrounding trails are worth exploring.

Top Spots in and near Apple Valley

  • San Bernardino County, California

    Off-Road Jacoby Canyon

    2.9 mi
    This is now my favorite trail in the San Bernardino National Forest. Ranging from desert scenes at the bottom and pine trees at the top, you experience such high levels of outdoors feel you can't resist. This trail has so many awesome spots for camping and off-roading that it has a great mix for ...
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  • Lytle Creek, California

    Old CC Spur Trail via Big Tree Cucamonga Rd

    5.11 mi / 1138 ft gain
    Old CC Spur Trail via Big Tree Cucamonga Rd is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Fontana, California.
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  • Forest Falls, California

    Summit Mt. San Bernardino from Angelus Oaks

    16 mi / 4775 ft gain
    The trailhead is somewhat 'interesting' to get to given the dirt roads are in questionable shape and some of the roads in Angelus Oaks are not easily identifiable but I didn't have any problems finding it by closely following Google Maps.    Trailhead parking requires an Adventure Pass parking pe...
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  • Angelus Oaks, California

    San Bernardino Peak

    3.0
    15.82 mi / 4911 ft gain
    The San Bernadino Peak Trail out of Angelus Oaks is a very challenging hike, which can either be done as a day hike or an overnight trip. Free permits are required for day hiking and overnights in the San Gorgonio Wilderness. These permits can be accessed via Sgwa.org/permits.  If you choose to ...
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  • Angelus Oaks, California

    Jenks Lake

    4.0
    0.77 mi / 49 ft gain
    If you want to experience beauty and solitude in SoCal look no further than Jenks Lake. Not too far from Big Bear Lake, but secluded enough to keep most away in the winter, Jenks Lake is a small but lovely alpine lake near HWY 38 in Angelus Oaks. Driving to the lake is beautiful in itself as HWY...
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  • Angelus Oaks, California

    South Fork to Dollar Lake Trail

    11.3 mi / 2999 ft gain
    South Fork to Dollar Lake Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Banning, California.
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  • Llano, California

    Table Mountain Campground

    Table Mountain Campground is a hilly campground that offers ADA-accessible sites, pit toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, BB! grill, water, and parking spaces for a two-car limit. Rules are strictly enforced, which is great, so we can enjoy nature and not someone’s party/music. Book your campgro...
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  • Mount Baldy, California

    Mt. San Antonio (Mt. Baldy) via the Ski Hut Trail

    5.0
    9.7 mi / 3990 ft gain
    Mt. San Antonio, or Mt. Baldy as it is known locally, is one of the cans of the challenging "six-pack of peaks" in Southern California. For this one, start before the Manker campground and head up the fire road. This is known as the "Baldy Bowl or Ski-Hut Trail". You'll see some cabins on your l...
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  • Wrightwood, California

    Snow Hike Lightning Ridge

    5.1 mi / 900 ft gain
    When you hear the report about snow in the San Gabriels, it's time to plan this hike!Only a short 90 minute drive is all that separates nearly a third of California's population from high-altitude snowy adventures. This isn't about Yosemite, but Southern California's very own San Gabriel Mountain...
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  • Mount Baldy, California

    Cucamonga Peak via Icehouse Canyon

    4.6
    11.13 mi / 4157 ft gain
    Start hiking early, before the sun rises so you can maximize the day out of the heat and to give yourself plenty of time for the hike. As you get to higher elevations, it will be a little cooler and there might be snow on the ground, so be sure to pack layers. This hike requires a permit. If yo...
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  • Mount Baldy, California

    Icehouse Saddle via Icehouse Canyon Trail

    3.8
    6.62 mi / 2562 ft gain
    The hike is accessible in all seasons, but in winter there can be snow and ice so special equipment may be useful, but not required. In mid-January there were patches of ice on the trail but were easily crossed in boots and trainers. You can take the trail and end at Ice house Saddle or continue ...
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  • Mount Baldy, California

    Ontario Peak and Cucamonga Peak via Icehouse Canyon Trailhead

    16.22 mi / 5610 ft gain
    We started out at 8am on a Sunday, usually parking at Ice House Saddle can be tricky, I would advise going earlier. We headed out on our journey hiking up to the saddle, when you reach the switchbacks there is a fresh water spring, it's the last place you can get water...so stock up! We pressed o...
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  • Mount Baldy, California

    Cedar Glen Camp

    4.88 mi / 1650 ft gain
    Cedar Glen Camp is a great beginner backpacking trip just outside of Los Angeles, California. Starting from the Icehouse Trailhead (also used for Cucamonga Peak), head out on the Icehouse Canyon Trail from the parking area. The trail will intersect with the Chapman Trail, at which point, you'll t...
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  • Valyermo, California

    Blue Ridge Trail via Inspiration Point

    4.97 mi / 692 ft gain
    There are two trail heads for the Blue Ridge Trail, one via the Grassy Hollow Visitor Center, and the other across from Inspiration Point. When parking gets crowded over at Grassy Hollow Visitor Center, than parking at Inspiration Point is the better option. To access the Blue Ridge Trail from In...
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  • Redlands, California

    Run the Carriage Trail

    3.5
    2.5 mi / 300 ft gain
    There is room to park just off San Timoteo Road. On the other side of the trail is more parking off Alessandro. You can park your car on either side and start your run/walk/bike ride. This is a nice little "get away" trail to take a break from suburbia. 
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  • Mount Baldy, California

    Summit Mt. Baldy

    4.8
    12.12 mi / 5958 ft gain
    Located only an hour’s drive from Los Angeles is the top of highest mountain in LA County—at 10,064 feet. Bear Flat Trail (also called the Old Mt. Baldy Trail) offers some of the finest scenery and most rewarding views in the San Gabriel Mountains high country. With nearly 6000 ft of elevation g...
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