Lake Arrowhead

Lake Arrowhead is an unincorporated community in San Bernardino County, California. Its population was 12,400 in 2010.

Get in

Take Highway 18 up from the city of San Bernardino. Lake Arrowhead is about 35-45 min away from the bottom of the mountain.

Get around

• By public transportation - The Mountain Transit is the only public transportation service provided to the mountain communities.
• By taxi - There is no regular taxi service in Lake Arrowhead, however taxi service can be arranged to and from the mountain communities.
• By car - Many of the roads in Lake Arrowhead may seem very confusing to someone who is not familiar with the area. As with many small mountain communities, there are many unmarked access roads as well roads that meander for seemingly endless distances. However, all major routes are clearly posted throughout the community.
• Hitch-hike- People use this as a form of transportation from time to time in Lake Arrowhead and surrounding communities, but its reliability can be less than desirable. It is a perfectly legal form of transportation on all surface streets in the Mountain Communities. However, it is illegal to hitchhike from freeways (which Lake Arrowhead lacks), and it is also illegal to stand in the road to solicit a ride, so make sure you are on the sidewalk or far shoulder!

See

• The Pinnacles. The Pinnacles are a group of small, granite peaks Northwest of Lake Arrowhead. They are visible from Hwy. 173, past the Shooting Range. There are many excellent climbing opportunities with hundreds of bolted climbs scattered throughout the hills. A trail leads to a beautiful meadow just South of the Ugly Wall, supposedly this awesome little spot is referred to by local climbers as "The Center of the Universe". All other trails must be followed carefully as many small use-trails lead of into other areas, the main summit, and multiple bushwacks. The Pinnacles' main summit is an HPS peak and can easily be climbed in a day with the nearby HPS peak Mt. Marie Louise. 
• Strawberry Peak Fire Lookout Tower. Majestic views, solitude, quiet, and heroic vigilance, this fire lookout tower is located off Highway 18 in the San Bernardino Mountains near the communities of Twin Peaks and Rim Forest. From Highway 18 take Bear Springs Road which is just east of the Rim Forest. Follow the signs about two miles to the tower. The tower is staffed by volunteers and is open between the hours of 9AM and 5PM. Visitors are welcome to come up to the top and view the mountains and learn about the San Bernardino National Forest. 

Do

The Lake

The lake is private property. Visitors may not use the lake except as guests of property owners who must assume full responsibility for them. Failure to obtain permission prior to using the lake may result in arrest for criminal trespass.

• Boat Tours. There are Lake Arrowhead boat tours available on the Arrowhead Queen. Tickets can be purchased at Leroy's Board Shop in the Lake Arrowhead Village. 
• Boat Rentals. Private boat rentals are not available to non-property owners; so if you're renting a place be sure to check if it includes lake access and a boat, especially if you'd like to go water skiing. 
• McKenzie Water Ski School, ☎ [phone]. There are several private water ski schools in Arrowhead village. 
• Swim. If you do not have property rights within the Lake Arrowhead community, you are not allowed to use the lake for recreational purposes. The Arrowhead Lake Association has attempted to make a system of trails that goes around the whole lake, due to private property all trails end somewhere instead of continuing around the lake. To find a good swimming spot, the use of these trails is strongly advised; to get to them, find a staircase going down to the lake and you will cross it. 

Golfing

• The Lake Arrowhead Country Club, 250 Golf Course Rd. 

Buy

Lake Arrowhead features a shopping complex named the Lake Arrowhead Village. The Lake Arrowhead Village offers a variety of outlet stores along with independent boutique stores. There is also a range of dining options in the complex.

Eat

• Texifornia Tamale Co, 27226 Hwy 189, Blue Jay, ☎ [phone]. Tiny place with a set of traditional Mexican items with sophisticated twists to them. Warm and welcoming owner and staff. 
• Papagayo's. Lake Arrowhead Village, Papagayo's is always crowded and you might want to arrive before dinner hours. 
• Jensen's Finest Foods, 27264 Highway 189, Blue Jay, [phone], and 211 N State Highway, Cedar Glen, [phone]. They make pretty filling, very good sandwiches in the back and a variety of BBQ meats and plates for a decent price too.
• Woody's Boat House, ☎ [phone]. Lake Arrowhead Village Woody's Boat House is a nice place that has a great selection of food. It is beautiful to watch the lake and just enjoy a good meal with family and friends. 

Drink

Understand, though a popular resort Lake Arrowhead pretty much shuts down come the evening hours and as such nightlife is non-existent.

• Belgian Waffle Works, Dockside in Lake Arrowhead (dockside in the Lake Arrowhead Village), ☎ [phone]. 8-5 Daily. Belgian Waffle Works is one of the most popular restaurants in the Lake Arrowhead area. Featuring 17 specialty waffles, homemade soups, sandwiches and salads, lots of healthy choices and homemade biscuits and cinnamon loaves. 

Sleep

There are numerous rentals and bed and breakfasts throughout Lake Arrowhead's upscale area. In addition there is the Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa, a full service resort featuring a spa and a private beach on the lake.

Go next

Routes through Lake Arrowhead

Ends at ← San Bernardino ←

W  E

→ Big Bear Lake → Victorville