Angelus Oaks, California

Angelus Oaks, California is a top destination for outdoor adventures. The best trails and outdoor activities are abundant, with hiking being a must-visit. The San Bernardino Peak Trail is a challenging 16.5-mile hike, offering scenic views of boulder formations, dense forests, and the San Gorgonio River. The trail is well-marked, with a moderate to difficult rating, making it ideal for seasoned hikers. For a more relaxed outdoor activity, Jenks Lake is a popular spot for fishing and picnicking. Nearby, the Big Bear Alpine Zoo offers a unique attraction, housing over 85 species of animals native to the area. Whether it's hiking, fishing, or wildlife viewing, Angelus Oaks has something for everyone.

Top Spots in and near Angelus Oaks

Forest Falls, California
Summit Mt. San Bernardino from Angelus Oaks

16 mi / 4775 ft gain

The trailhead is somewhat 'interesting' to get to given the dirt roads are in questionable shape and some of the roads in Angelus Oaks are not easily identifiable but I didn't have any problems finding it by closely following Google Maps. Trailhead parking requires an Adventure Pass parking pe...
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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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Angelus Oaks, California
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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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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Angelus Oaks, California
South Fork to Dollar Lake Trail

11.3 mi / 2999 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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Fawnskin, California
Pine Oak Lane Beach

Pine Oak Lane Beach, is located on the western side of Big Bear Lake. Whether you're seeking a tranquil escape or an action-packed day on the water, this scenic beach has something for everyone. Activities: At Pine Oak Lane Beach, you can enjoy a variety of recreational activities, including swi...
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Big Bear Lake, California
Grand View Point

6.9 mi / 1312 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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Forest Falls, California
Mt. San Gorgonio via Vivian Creek

4.7

17.83 mi / 5627 ft gain

A hiking permit is required to hike in the San Gorgonio Wilderness. Apply for the permit early as the Vivian Creek Trail is the second most popular trailhead for the area and quotas fill up in advance. The permits are free and the entire process can be handled via fax or mail. All the information...
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Big Bear Lake, California
Knickerbocker Road & Pine Knot Trail

5.0

6.1 mi / 1007 ft gain

Park at the free parking lot behind the village off 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 are challenging steep uphill, but beautiful nonetheless....
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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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Big Bear, California
Cougar Crest Trail

5.0

5.57 mi / 892 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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Big Bear, California
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 ...
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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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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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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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