Plan Your Trip

How to Get on the Lake

I recommend Lake Gregory.  They allow everything.  They have boats to rent, paddleboats, and they allow you on the beach.  They also allow you to bring your own water crafts – big and small.  Check for hours and details here. 

As of October 1, 2020, Lake Arrowhead Association decided they will not allow renters anywhere on the water.

So basically the only way to get on the water at Lake Arrowhead is with the boat charter or our local ski school. As you can imagine, during the cold some of these shut down so be sure to call from the links below.

We pay for Lake Arrowhead passes so that you can walk around the beautiful lake and swim near the docks. Here are all the details you need to get approved to use my passes.

Lake Arrowhead is a private lake with access only for homeowners within a l-mile area in the Lake Arrowhead Woods. Our home is in that area and we have a membership. To gain access, please do the following:

Please provide a list of names AND emails to Karen by email for each guest 18 years of age or older who will be staying at the property and would like access to the trails. I will add these to my approved guest list.  I would ask that you give me a few days’ warning.  We have two membership cards and each allows for five people for a total of TEN adults (18 or older) to access the Lake. You can bring children in addition to the 10 adults. 

When your group is at the lake they typically ask to see your ID.  You will need my TWO cards to open the gate. 

The registration process requires that each STR Client who is 18 years of age or older show photo identification, and read and sign the ALA safety rules and waiver document. This is why we ask for emails – when I put in the emails it will email everyone individually on your list. 

Here is a map of where you are allowed to swim between the docks and walk around the lake.  They do not allow vacation guests to enter beach clubs. 

Our membership cards are expensive. I charge $100 for lost cards. 

If you would like to fish, please ask the Marina about the rules. Fishing and swimming on the shoreline between docks if space is available, but please remember docks are private properties, and you must not go on them.  Marina is ONLY open M-F 8-5. 

They do not allow any boats of any kind on the water if you are a vacation rental guest. 

For boat access and waterskiing please contact Mckenzie Water Ski School. (909)-337-3814 to reserve. This is the only way to get ON Arrowhead Lake.

If you would like to see fireworks on July 4th – plan to be at Arrowhead Village for a beautiful show.  Go early to be able to park.    

The Marina
870 North State Highway 173
Lake Arrowhead CA 92352

Office Hours M-F 8-5
909-337-2595 (they typically don’t answer quickly

Water Activities in Lake Arrowhead

For boat rentals and water skiing on Lake Arrowhead, the BEST option is to make advanced arrangements with Mckenzie Water Ski School. They are fantastic! They can do boat charters, tours, skiing, and wake boarding. It only works if you make advanced reservations. They do not allow any boats of any kind on the water if you are a vacation rental guest.

Swimming and Boating at Lake Gregory

Unlike Lake Arrowhead, which is private, visitors can swim, boat and fish in Lake Gregory. … The dual water slides at Lake Gregory are popular with visitors. The lake’s swimming area includes sandy beaches, rest rooms, two snack bars, grills, picnic tables, picnic shelters, sand volleyball courts and more.

Fishing at Lake Gregory

Lake Gregory offers the sport of fishing. A California state fishing license is required to fish at our parks. Lake fishing fees can now be made at the San Moritz Lodge  (909) 338-3073) daily from 7:30 AM to 10 AM and from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM. The lake is open on stocking days. In addition to the license, there is an $8 fishing fee per day (Children under 4 are free) More information can be found here.

Hiking Trails

The association will not let you hike near Lake Arrowhead but there are so many beautiful National Forest hikes for you to choose from.

Here are some great hikes that you might enjoy. They don’t want renters hiking near the lake anymore. But there are a lot of great hikes that aren’t part of the association below. If it is or has been snowing, hikes won’t work unless you have snow shoes. ENJOY!

When you are close to check-in, feel free to reach out to me if you are unsure of the snow conditions.

The view from every one of these trails is just stunning, and there are trails for all difficulty levels nearby.

Arrowhead Village

Arrowhead Village has grocery stores, restaurants, shops and a beautiful place to walk and see the lake.  It is free to visit and does not require a membership card. 

Big Bear

Big Bear is 40-45 minutes away and is also an option for boating, swimming, skiing and sledding. 

Sky Park at Santa’s Village (Great for families)

Santa’s Village is a central hub for all of your recreational needs, as well as food, drink, and a beautiful day on the lake. They feature Ice Skating, Sky Park Mountain Biking, Snow Tubing, and more!

Snowdrift Snow Tubing Park

Alpine Slide

And if you are adventurous, Alpine slide offers sledding and snow options after a ride up the chairlift. It is about 45 minute drive from the house.

Please call them and see what the current schedule is based on the weather. Their website is below.

Skiing

If you are ready to ski, there are several choices. Mammoth is on the link below but it is nowhere near our home. I would find the ski resort description you like and then put our address in google maps from Lake Arrowhead so you know the distance. Again call the resort from the learn more link below and make sure you know hours, prices and snow conditions. Big Bear is about 45 minutes away.