About

Running Springs, CA

Running Springs is a mountain community in the San Bernardino Mountains, and is a major gateway to the mountain communities of Lake Arrowhead, Arrowbear, Green Valley Lake, and Big Bear, and is the closest community to Snow Valley Mountain Resort. Running Springs has an elevation of 6,030 feet and is a highly popular year-round tourist destination with activities such as skiing, snowboarding, hiking, fishing, boating, off-roading, and biking. Additionally, Running Springs is a member community of the Rim of the World, an inhabited stretch of the San Bernardino National Forest. The Rim (as it is locally known) extends from Crestline to Big Bear, a distance of some 30 miles. Below are a few suggested activities and adventures to check out while you're here...

Rim of the World Scenic Byway
Mountain Biking

Apart from the winter adventures Snow Valley offers, summer fun can also be had! Snow Valley is offering an all-new Mountain Bike Park. The park boasts a 1.71-mile intermediate downhill trail in addition to a .75-mile expert trail. Snow Valley has also opened a quarter mile dual slalom track with a jump line. A Snow Valley ticket gives you access to Rim Nordic’s 15 miles of trails! This summer ride the Snow Valley Express, California’s first high speed detachable 6 seat lift, soar downhill on a mountain bike ride.

Holcomb Creek OHV Trail
Try this 8.6-mile point-to-point trail near Running Springs, California. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 45 min to complete. This is a popular trail for off-road driving, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
Skiing & Snowboarding
Running Springs and Arrowbear Lake are the closest mountain communities to Snow Valley. The oldest continually operating ski resort in Southern California, Snow Valley is the perfect place for skiing, snowboarding, and snow play during the winter months.
Snowdrift Snow Tubing Park

VVisit Southern California's largest & oldest snow tubing park for a fun family day of tubing and snow play! Website: www.snowdrift.net

Sky Park at Santa's Village
For a family fun day of adventure, Sky Park at Santa's Village will not disappoint with their bike park, zip line, rock climbing, train rides and much more!
Santa's Village
Santa was so enchanted by the Northwoods and its inhabitants that he decided to establish a permanent residence there called Santa’s Village. Now, visitors come from all over the world to visit Santa, Arrow, and all the creatures who call the Northwoods home. Santa’s Village is a magical place year-round, but something extra special happens when we get close to the holiday season: the entire village transforms into a dazzling Christmas Wonderland! A must-see during November 16, 2023 – January 7th 2024.
Lake Arrowhead Village

Shopping, Dining, Entertainment...

Lake Arrowhead Village originated in the 1920s, and this historical locale has served as a communal hub for local residents and travelers alike. The Lake Arrowhead Village offers a mix of over 50 waterfront shops, outlet stores, specialty shops, and restaurants.

The Village at Big Bear Lake
At the heart of of Big Bear Lake you’ll find a charming district known as The Village that serves as a hub for shopping, sightseeing, dining and nightlife. It's also the site of annual city-wide holiday events like Halloween and Christmas in The Village. A beautiful sight in any season, The Village features colorful blooms in the spring, bright green trees in the summer, vibrant crimson, orange, and yellow foliage in the fall, and glittering snow in winter that creates a wonderland with twinkling lights. You'll want to add this spot to your getaway bucket list.
Green Valley Lake
Often referred to as the “best kept secret on the mountain”, Green Valley is four miles off of Highway 18 and is completely surrounded by forest. At the heart of the town, you will find a privately owned lake that is open for public use. You can swim, fish, kayak, or rent a pedal boat! Fees are subject to change, so make sure you plan ahead.

Explore

Hiking

KELLER PEAK: This is a moderate 12.5-mile hike located near Running Springs. This hike features gorgeous wild flowers and is best utilized from April until October. This is a dog friendly trail, and horses are welcomed as well!

EXPLORATION TRAIL: Exploration Trail, best used from March to October, is a 4.5-mile trail located near Running Springs. Exploration Trail features a lake and boasts several activity options. It is a family friendly trail that was designed by children and U.S Forester Service personnel. This is a horse friendly trail, but dogs are not allowed. Take State Highway 18 or 330 to Running Springs. Go past the village and immediately after the Deerlick Fire Station turn right on Keller Peak Road (1N96).

LITTLE GREEN VALLEY TRAIL: This looped trail is 2.4 hike that is used for walking, nature trips, and birding. This trail is best used from March to October and is dog friendly. Little Green Valley has stunning views of both Snow Valley and Slide peak. This trail begins on the north side of Highway 18 between the two entrances to Snow Valley Ski area.

NATIONAL CHILDREN’S FOREST TO SLIDE PEAK (Private Property): National Children’s Forest is a loop trail located near Running Springs. This is a moderate trail that is best hiked from June to October. This is a hike from the Children’s Forest to the top of Slide Peak. Since slide peak is on Snow Valley Ski Resort property it can only be transverse during their off season with permission. This hike is rated moderate and features a small lake.

Little Green Valley Trail
San Bernardino National Forest