Hiking in Crestline, California area
Little Green Valley Trail 2W10 (1.5 miles, difficult)
This trail begins on the north side of Highway 18 between the two entrances to Snow Valley Ski area. Little Green Valley Trail climbs steeply to the north until you reach a meadow at FS Road 2N19. This trail provides you with outstanding views of Snow Valley and Slide Peak.
Heaps Peak Arboretum Sequoia Trail 3WOS (0.7 mile, easy walk)
This interpretive trail is located 1.4 miles east of Skyforest on Highway 18. The trail is an easy walk for all ages that takes you through a self-guided tour with 24 points of interest about native plants and wildlife. The site was constructed and is maintained by volunteers from the Rim of the World Interpretive Association.
Trail of the Phoenix 2W09 (0.5 mile, easy walk)
This paved nature trail begins at the entrance of the National Children's Forest off Keller Peak Road. The trail is specifically designed and maintained to accommodate the needs of the visually and physically disabled. The trail maintains a grade of 5% or less. All interpretive signs are in distinctive print and Braille.
Crab Creek Trail 2WO7 (2.5 miles, moderately difficult)
This trail begins 1.3 miles west of Crab Flats Campground on FS Road 3N34; Crab Creek Trail provides the primary access to Fisherman's Camp (a group reservation trail camp) on Deep Creek. The trail descends moderately westward crossing Crab Creek 1.3 miles from Deep Creek. Deep Creek must be forded to reach Fisherman's Camp. Attempting to cross Deep Creek when it is running high can be dangerous. The scenery along this trail is exceptional; Camping at Fisherman's Camp is by group permit only.
Lake Gregory Regional Park Fitness Trail
Visitors to the Crestline area of the San Bernardino mountains can enjoy an easy, year-round trail around Lake Gregory. The trail passes through trees, sandy beaches, small creeks and the charming town of Crestline (elevation 4,700 feet) in Southern California.
Easy Lakeview Trail in Crestline
The trail, at 2.51 miles, loops around pretty Lake Gregory, offering piney mountain views, 10 fitness stations, multiple benches, doggy bags and trash/recycle bins, picnic tables and a sense of peace along the gently rising and falling lake shore trail.
The trail is well-used throughout the year by families, joggers, hikers and people strolling the lakeshore with leashed dogs. In spite of the relatively high level of use, there is a nice, small-town ambience that can't be found at trails nearer the larger, more well-known Lake Arrowhead.
Hungry Lake Gregory hikers can access cafes in town on the North Shore, The trail heads up onto the road across from the Goodwin's Market grocery store and under the La Casita Mexican Restaurant with balcony lakeview.
A parking lot trail map depicts the fitness training stations, which include areas for sit ups and chin ups, with a balance beam, parallel bar and horizontal ladder.
Lake Gregory Trail Considerations and Weather Conditions
Parking is available for free in many areas around the lake. From downtown Crestline, pick either road circling the lake and park in any obvious lot of your choice.
Be aware that the high elevation and thinner air of the area can make any physical activity more challenging for all levels of trail users. Bring water bottles, snacks, sun protection and layered clothing for any hiking trip in the San Bernardino Mountains.
For winter conditions along Highway 18 and around the lake (snow can blanket the area during several months of the year) call the local Road Conditions Hotline at 909-540-9400.
To see weather conditions at any moment, check the Lake Gregory Webcam.
Lake Gregory Accessiblity Issues
The lower trail, only a foot from the lakeshore in most spots, is even and nicely raked, but not especially suitable for wheelchairs. There are a few small roots crossing the trail here and there, mostly on the eastern shore.
There is an other, more flat upper trail loop (following San Moritz and Lake Gregory Drives) which seems suitable for most accessibility issues. Call the Crestline Chamber of Commerce at 909-338-2706 for more specific information.
Other Lake Gregory Recreation Opportunities
Lake Gregory Regional Park also offers fishing, swimming, picnicking, horse riding, two 300 foot looping water slides, and small boat paddling from a rental cabana on the North Shore. Boat rentals are available from April through October. Since Lake Gregory is a private lake, private boats put-ins are not allowed. Check out the schedule of Lake Gregory waterslide, swimming and boating fees.
A new skate park, next to Goodwin's Market, is also a draw for families visiting the area.
