Lucerne Valley, California

Lucerne Valley in California offers some of the best trails and outdoor activities for those seeking adventure. One must-visit is the Cougar Buttes trail, a top-rated hiking path that promises scenic views of unique rock formations. The trail is moderately difficult, making it suitable for most hikers. Another notable attraction is the Big Bear Lake, a short drive from Lucerne Valley. It's ideal for fishing, boating, and swimming. For those who prefer a more relaxed outdoor adventure, the Lucerne Valley Market & Hardware is a great spot for picnics and offers an impressive view of the surrounding mountains. For a truly unique experience, the nearby King Clone Ecological Reserve offers a glimpse of some of the oldest known creosote bush ring in the Mojave Desert. These attractions make Lucerne Valley a top destination for outdoor adventures.

Top Spots in and near Lucerne Valley

Big Bear, California
Camp at Holcomb Valley Campground

This campground is awesome! With great views, plenty of space and clean bathrooms it'll have you in for a treat! Whether it be a multiple day trip or just one night this campground is awesome. Read below for information if you are looking for a trip in the mountains! Cost: This campground is a bi...
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Big Bear, California
Rock Climb Holcomb Valley

5.0

Most of the drive to Holcomb Valley is done on regular paved roads until about the last hour when you get above Big Bear Lake and you start your journey on dirt roads. The road is extremely bumpy and has lots of pot holes but there are generally quite a few cars up there that don't have 4 wheel d...
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Big Bear, California
Explore Van Dusen Cabin

4.0

This is a great day trip to spend in the mountains. from Highway 18 at the Big Bear Dam you turn left onto highway 38 around the north shore of Big Bear. Continue till you see the sign Van Dusen Rd and turn left. The paved road takes you through residential neighborhoods where the dirt road begin...
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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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Fawnskin, California
Grays Peak Trail

1.0

6.95 mi / 1293 ft gain

This is a fairly easy mountain peak to climb. The trailhead is easily accessible right off of Hwy 38 by the town of Fawnskin. There is a large National Forest sign noting the parking area to Grays Peak Trail. Note that parking in this lot requires either a day pass or a California Adventure pa...
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Apple Valley, California
Deep Creek Hot Springs

4.2

3.64 mi / 948 ft gain

Deep Creek Hot Springs is nestled along the Mojave River at an elevation of 3,000 feet in the San Bernardino Mountains. This year-round mineral water retreat consists of three pools the size of large hot tubs, that range in temperature from around 96 degrees in the first pool to 102 in the third....
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Big Bear, California
Hike the Cougar Crest Trail

5.0

6.7 mi / 938 ft gain

On the north side of Big Bear Lake, just off the 38, you will find a turn off for the Cougar Crest Trail. The parking lot is well marked, and signs for the trailhead are easy to spot. Parking is not an issue if you come in later in the afternoon, but the hike can get crowded during peak hours. Fo...
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Big Bear, California
Alpine Pedal Path

5.0

5.08 mi / 292 ft gain

Alpine Pedal Path is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Big Bear Lake, California.
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Fawnskin, California
Castle Rock Trail at Big Bear Lake

4.5

2.7 mi / 719 ft gain

Follow the directions to the trail head, and park on the side of the road. You will see a sign that says Castle Rock Trail, and the path is directly behind that sign. The hike up to the peak is steep, sandy, and very rocky, so shoes with good traction is recommended. There are also lots of oak a...
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Big Bear Lake, California
Mountain Bike Pine Knot Trail in Big Bear

5.0

6 mi / 1413 ft gain

Park at the free parking lot behind the village off of Knickerbocker Rd between Village Drive and Pedder Road. Ride up Knickerbocker Rd towards the mountain. Look out for the fire service road 2N08 that veers left and uphill. The first 2 miles is challenging steep uphill, but beautiful nonetheles...
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Big Bear Lake, California
Snowshoe to Grand View Point

6.1 mi / 1200 ft gain

Grand View Point is accessed via Pine Knot Trail, a 6.5 mile out and back hiking trail located at the Aspen Glen Picnic Area, 1 mile from Big Bear Village. With its close proximity to town, Pine Knot Trail is popular in the summer with mountain bikers and the trailhead is often crowded in the win...
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San Bernardino County, California
Aztec Falls

3.3

1.23 mi / 16 ft gain

From Lake Arrowhead, take the 173 to Hook Creek Road until you dead end onto Squint Ranch Road. Take a right at the first fork in the road, and park in the lot for Splinters Cabin. The dirt road can be a bit rocky and might not be the best for small cars. Once you're there, be sure to display you...
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San Bernardino County, California
Deep Creek Hot Springs via Bradford Ridge

4.0

4.75 mi / 1335 ft gain

Located in the San Bernardino National Forest and part of the Pacific Crest Trail, the Deep Creek Hot Springs are a relaxing site for those of us without access to a Jacuzzi. There are at least 4 pools of hot (not just warm) water that you can soak in with your fellow neighbor (who may or may not...
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Angelus Oaks, California
Winter Hike Around 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 / 449 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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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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