//
Census-designated place in California, United States
Photo: shadowhound, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Lake Arrowhead is an unincorporated community in San Bernardino County, California. As a scenic mountain resort in the San Bernardino Mountains, Lake Arrowhead's economy is almost completely supported by tourism, both by casual vacationers and part-time residents.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
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.
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.
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.
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.
There are several private water ski schools in Arrowhead village.
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.
Papagayo's opened in 1982 as El Cantina del Papagayos in Agua Fria, California. Shortly after that, Papagayos moved to the Lake Arrowhead Village and has become a landmark of the village. It can get very busy, especially during the summer months, so it's a good idea to show up early.
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.
Take Highway 18 up from the city of San Bernardino. Lake Arrowhead is about 35-45 min away from the bottom of the mountain.
Read in the guideChoose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
San Bernardino · International · SBD
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Lake Arrowhead and United States.
Travel tipsFind the cheapest countries to fly to from the US and UK in 2026. Compare realistic round-trip flight deals, budget airlines, and prime booking windows.
8 min read
Travel tipsFind the best time to visit Hawaii in 2026. Compare whale seasons, big-wave surf, dry shoulder months, hotel rates, and island microclimates.
8 min read
InspirationDiscover the best places to visit in April. Compare Dutch tulip fields, Thailand's Songkran water festival, Roman spring gardens, and cherry blossoms.
6 min read
Travel tipsA practical guide to travelling with medication and refrigerated drugs like insulin and GLP-1s. Learn airline rules, customs papers, and cooling tips.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.