Discover Southern California's National Forests

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

You can charge your EV here
Type: CCS 1 station, 1 plug Power: 50 kW

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.

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.

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.

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.

Your road trip ends back where it started, in Los Angeles. Choose from a great selection of downtown Los Angeles hotels if you're ready to extend your trip.