8 Best Things To Do In Running Springs, California
Running Springs is a small mountain town tucked away in the San Bernardino Mountains between Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Lake. My husband and I visited Running Springs twice this year and absolutely loved it!
From mountain biking and hiking in the summer to snowboarding and skiing in the winter, there are tons of outdoor activities to enjoy in the area.
While there isn’t much to do in the town itself, you can reach plenty of attractions within a 10-15 minute drive to keep you busy for a weekend trip.
Keep reading this guide to discover all of the best things to do in and around Running Springs!
8 Best Things To Do In Running Springs:
1. SkyPark at Santa’s Village
SkyPark at Santa’s Village is an outdoor adventure park near Running Springs that is open year-round. With plenty of activities for all ages, this is a great place for families with kids to spend a full day.
Some of the SkyPark’s most popular activities include zip lining, rock climbing, archery, axe throwing, and sharpshooting. Zip-lining does require reservations so be sure to check in with the zip-lining booth as soon as you arrive to secure a spot.
Little kids can enjoy meeting Santa Claus, going on a train ride through a meadow, going biking through a small bike track, and playing in an outdoor obstacle course playground. There is even a mini-zip line for smaller kids to try out.
SkyPark is also home to some of the best mountain biking trails in the area. Access to the trails is included with the pass and are groomed daily. You can bring your own bike or rent one on the premises.
If you’re not into mountain biking, there are plenty of hiking trails you can also explore on foot!
2. Stay In a Cozy Mountain Cabin
When visiting Running Springs, we always opt to stay in a cabin rental. Even if we end up doing nothing all weekend, staying in the mountains surrounded by nature leaves us so relaxed and rejuvenated.
A cabin rental is a great choice for larger groups and families. It provides plenty of privacy and space with all the conveniences of a home.
My favorite rental homes in Runnings Springs are Eyas Chalet Cabin and A-Frame Cali Cabin.
The Eyas Chalet Cabin is very modern and comes with many excellent upgrades including an outdoor BBQ grill, fire pit, multiple fireplaces, and complimentary s’mores kit.
The A-Frame Cali Cabin has a traditional look with tall floor-to-ceiling windows. This rental has an outdoor porch with direct views of the surrounding mountains and the valley.
Both of these cabins are very family-friendly and allow dogs as well!
3. Little Green Valley Trail 3W10
Little Green Valley Trail is a moderate 2.5-mile long hike with 600 feet of elevation gain. This hike starts at the Little Green Valley Trailhead just a 10-minute drive east of Running Springs.
The Little Green Valley Trail follows steep switchbacks through a forest until it ends at a hidden, lush meadow. Along the way, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and Snow Valley Mountain Resort in the distance.
This hike is a great option for those who are looking for a short, yet challenging trek. This trail is only partially shaded so be sure to pack a hiking hat, sunscreen, and extra water bottles.
4. Heaps Peak Arboretum Day Use Area
The Heaps Peak Arboretum Day Use Area is a great place to explore for families with little kids. This botanic garden is located just a 10-minute drive west of Running Springs and features a mile-long Sequoia Trail.
The Sequoia Trail is an easy and short loop that travels through a forest. We even brought our running stroller along for our 9-month-old baby.
Along the trail, you can explore the Meadow Garden, Butterfly Garden and stop by a small sequoia grove. Sequoia trees are not native to this area but are flourishing at this park after being planted in the 1930’s.
It is free to visit Heaps Peak Arboretum, but there is a small fee to park in the visitor lot.
5. Snow Valley Mountain Resort
One of the main reasons why people visit Running Springs is for the close location to Snow Valley Mountain Resort. Whether you’re planning a trip to Running Springs in the summer or the winter, Snow Valley Mountain Resort offers plenty of fun year-round!
Located a mere 10-minute drive east of Running Springs, Snow Valley Mountain Resort features 28 winter runs covering over 230 acres of skiable terrain. Established in 1924, this is the longest-operating mountain resort in California.
Many of the runs are geared towards beginners and intermediate skiers. If you’ve never tried winter sports before, you can take a lesson here to learn the basics before hitting the slopes on your own. Whether you enjoy skiing, snowboarding, or snow tubing, this resort has something for everyone!
In the summer those same runs turn into mountain biking trails. My husband loves mountain biking at Snow Valley because it’s a much cheaper and less crowded option than the popular Snow Summit resort in Big Bear Lake.
6. Lake Arrowhead
Looking for a relaxing place to spend the afternoon? Then head down to Lake Arrowhead where you can enjoy water sports, hiking, and dining on the lakefront.
Lake Arrowhead Village is the main hub of the area. This shopping center is bursting with over 50 shops, boutique stores, and restaurants. For dining, I recommend The Lakefront Tap Room Bar and Kitchen which overlooks the lake’s marina.
Lake Arrowhead is a very popular place for water skiing. If you’ve never been water skiing before, McKenzie Water Ski School offers water skiing, wakeboarding, and kneeboarding lessons suitable for all ages.
If you enjoy history, take a tour of the Lake Arrowhead Queen Boat. During this boat tour, you’ll get to learn more about Lake Arrowhead and cruise around the lake on a historic boat that has been operating since 1990.
7. Exploration Trail 2W09X
Exploration Trail 2W09X is located within Running Springs so it’s the closest hike to do in the area. The trail is 4.5 miles long each way, but you can also hike a shorter portion of it and turn back around when you start getting tired.
If you’re not sure where to start the trek, follow the Exploration Trail route on the AllTrails hiking app. This hike is moderate in difficulty with around 1500 feet of elevation gain.
8. LuluBelle’s Coffee House and Bakery
Before heading out on adventures in the mountains, stop by LuluBelle’s Coffee House and Bakery to fuel up for the day! This charming coffee shop is located off Highway 18 and serves delicious breakfast, lunch, and drinks.
For breakfast, you can enjoy breakfast sandwiches, pastries, acai bowls, breakfast burritos, and fresh house-made bagels. For lunch, grab a sandwich or pizza made with a Neapolitan crust that will keep you coming back for more!
With plenty of outdoor fun year-round, Running Springs is a wonderful mountain destination for families and friends seeking to be near nature. I hope this guide has helped you plan your next trip there and discover all the best that this charming mountain town has to offer!
Looking for more California travel inspiration? Here are a few other popular posts that you may like:
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This post is written by Laura Sausina. Hi, I’m a California local and the founder of the California Wanderland travel blog. I currently live in Ventura County and help 30,000 readers a month discover things to do in Central California! Read more about me here.
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