Your Getaway is about finding time to disconnect in order to reconnect – whether with family, friends, or nature. After or en route from Los Angeles to a restful break at one of our cabins, there’s plenty to explore in the Big Bear Lake area, whatever may pique your interest.
Here’s our Outpost guide to nearby attractions and things to do along the way:
Getting There
Nestled in the woods of Running Springs, your secluded escape is easily accessible from Los Angeles. Driving is the quickest way to travel to your Getaway—parking is easy, just pull up right beside your tiny cabin. If you don’t have any wheels, you can take a Greyhound bus to San Bernardino Depot, then hop in an Uber or Lyft for the remainder of the journey. In the winter, you may see snowfall at Getaway Big Bear; be sure to check local weather conditions and plan your safe journey to the Outpost accordingly.
Walks in the Mountains near Getaway Big Bear
Lake Gregory Trail
Distance: 2.3 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Dogs allowed on-leash
This shady loop around Lake Gregory is a favorite fishing spot and features gorgeous wild flowers and lovely scenery. There’s a small park and drinking fountain bowl for dogs.
Heaps Peak Arboretum
Distance: 0.8 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Dogs allowed on-leash
An easy walk for everyone, grab a map from the kiosk before starting the trail to read up on the types of local trees and wildlife that surround the area.
Keller Peak
Distance: 12.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Dogs allowed on-leash + horse-friendly
Along the way to Keller Peak are a children’s garden and a Ranger Fire outlook at the peak for stunning views. For a shorter hike, you can drive part of the way and walk to the summit.
Arrowhead Pinacles Trail
Distance: 4.6 miles
Difficulty: Hard
Dogs allowed on-leash
Arrowhead Pinacles Trail is a steep, difficult trail that will keep you puffing. Enjoy the boulders and panoramic views throughout, especially the 360-degree lookout from the top. There’s not much shade, so get hiking later in the afternoon or in the early morning to avoid the heat.
Sustenance and Snacks near Getaway Big Bear
Jensen’s Food, 31987 Hilltop Blvd, Running Springs, CA 92382
~ 5 min from Outpost
A friendly local market near the Outpost where you can stock up on fresh veggies, baked goods (try the donuts), sandwiches, and drinks. Visit on the weekend for a BBQ.
LuluBelle’s Coffee House and Bakery, 31621 Pleasant Drive, Running Springs CA 92382
~ 5 min from Outpost
LuluBelle’s Coffee House and Bakery is a café and bakery using local organic foods with some of the best pastries in Running Springs. If you’re heading to Getaway to celebrate a special occasion, this is a great place to stop to grab some treats to bring into nature with you.
Stater Bros. Market, 28100 CA-189, Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352
~ 15 min from Outpost
Stater Bros. Market is a full supermarket along Lake Arrowhead with everything you’ll need for your stay.
On the Local Menu
Hortencia’s at the Cliffhanger, 25187 CA-18, Crestline, CA 92325
~ 15 min from Outpost
Munch on Hortencia’s Mexican cuisine and ogle at the panoramic view of the San Bernadino Valley. Stay for the sunset or visit on a weekend for live music.
Belgian Waffle Works
~ 15 min from Outpost
Family owned and operated along the docks of Lake Arrowhead, this waffle house is open for breakfast and lunch, serving huge portions and unique waffle combinations, such as Mud-Pie, S’more, and Peanutty.
Lou Eddies Pizza
~ 10 min from Outpost
Lou Eddies offers gourmet pizzas or create-your-owns inside a 100+ year-old building. The beer served at its quaint bar is home-brewed, and seating spills onto outside patios where you can eat a pie and enjoy live music.
Old Country Coffee Shop and Diner
~ 5 min from Outpost
Breakfast at this cute little diner is split between American and Mexican plates, and both options are delicious. The quick, friendly service and cozy interior have made this eatery a favorite for locals and visitors alike.
For a round-up of organizations and Black-owned businesses to support in Los Angeles, see our list.