Day Itinerary
10 Activities
Day 2
199 mi
Discover Southern California's National Forests
Adventure and nature awaits. It's time to explore some of Southern California's national forests on the way back to Los Angeles. While day 1 was marked by desert attractions and adventures, today is for exploring the mountains that can be seen far in the distance from L.A.
4.3 mi
10 min
Pioneertown Mountains Preserve
Open Details
Before hitting the road back toward L.A., discover some of the wild lands of the Southern California desert at Pioneertown Mountains Preserve. Stroll the easy 3.5-mile out and back Olsen Ruins trail, which meanders through the unique desert landscape and leads to the ruin's of an old miner's cabin. During the winter and spring, the trail can include a few creek crossings, making for a fun outdoor adventure to start the day.
61.8 mi
1 hr 20 min
Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve
Open Details
Welcome to Big Bear Lake! Stretch your legs and take a short walk at Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve, which offers one of the first proper views of Bear Lake. You can take a short walk before driving nearby for brunch in the town of Big Bear.
2.1 mi
10 min
Grizzly Manor Cafe
Open Details
A grizzly quite literally greets you at this Big Bear institution, which has been serving up grizzly-sized portions of breakfast since the 1970s. Go with a classic breakfast of eggs and bacon or a pancake stack, or build your own omelet. You really can't go wrong at this beloved Big Bear breakfast joint.
3.1 mi
10 min
Boulder Bay Park
Open Details
After cruising through town and past Big Bear Lake, you'll come to Boulder Bay Park at the far end of Big Bear Lake. Take a stroll of this unique park which includes entire islands formed from boulders. Take in your final views of Big Bear before hitting the rode for the next mountainous lake.
22.3 mi
50 min
Lake Arrowhead Village
Open Details
After a beautiful, winding drive through the San Bernardino Mountains, you'll arrive to yet another mountain lake, Lake Arrowhead. A trail follows along much of Lake Arrowhead, but otherwise Lake Arrowhead Village is a good starting point. Grab a coffee from the Tea and Coffee Exchange, or an ice cream from Village Ice Cream & Sweet Shop, and take in the activity of the lake.
On weekends during the summer bands take the state at Lake Arrowhead Village for what's considered the largest summer concert series in Southern California. Table reservation tickets are required to attend the concerts, while parking is free at the Lake Arrowhead Village.
On weekends during the summer bands take the state at Lake Arrowhead Village for what's considered the largest summer concert series in Southern California. Table reservation tickets are required to attend the concerts, while parking is free at the Lake Arrowhead Village.
1.6 mi
10 min
Blue Jay Cinema
Open Details
You can charge your EV here
Type: CCS 1 station, 1 plug Power: 50 kW
Type: CCS 1 station, 1 plug Power: 50 kW
37.6 mi
1 hr
Wrightwood Brew Co
Open Details
Belly up to the bar of Wrightwood Brew Company for a refreshment before enjoying the scenic Angeles Crest Highway, considered one of the most beautiful drives in California. The journey from the east on the Angeles Crest Highway begins just prior to Wrightwood, making this a good stop for a refreshment before the winding drive.
Wrightwood Brew Co. is a good place to enjoy a local craft beer, paired with a housemade sandwich or Bavarian pretzel. Considering the drive ahead, I wouldn't recommend any more than one beer.
Wrightwood Brew Co. is a good place to enjoy a local craft beer, paired with a housemade sandwich or Bavarian pretzel. Considering the drive ahead, I wouldn't recommend any more than one beer.
20 mi
50 min
Jarvi Memorial Picnic Ground
Open Details
Take a breather at Jarvi Memorial Picnic Ground. If you got a sandwich to go in Wrightwood, then this is a great place to enjoy it and stretch the legs. Take in the beautiful view before the last stretch of the Angeles Crest Highway Drive.
30 mi
50 min
Switzer Picnic Area
Open Details
Enjoy the final scenes of the Angeles Crest Highway at Switzer Picnic Area. This is another good place to stretch the legs, and enjoy a snack and have a bathroom break before starting to come into Los Angeles. With a little bit more time you could hike to Switzer Falls, which is a 4-mile round-trip hike to one of the more well-known waterfalls in the Los Angeles area.
16.7 mi
30 min
The Luggage Room Pizzeria & La Grande Orange
Open Details
Finally, before returning to Los Angeles, treat yourself to a meal at La Grande Orange Cafe, located in Pasadena's historic Del Mar Station. Enjoy regionally-inspired takes on American classics, along with a great selection of wine and signature cocktails.
For something a little bit more casual, next door is The Luggage Room Pizzeria, which is La Grande Orange Cafe's sister restaurant, and housed in the former luggage room of the Del Mar Train Station. Enjoy a wide selection of pizzas, and an extensive wine and cocktail menu.
For something a little bit more casual, next door is The Luggage Room Pizzeria, which is La Grande Orange Cafe's sister restaurant, and housed in the former luggage room of the Del Mar Train Station. Enjoy a wide selection of pizzas, and an extensive wine and cocktail menu.