Visitor’s Guide

Deer View Lodge is the epicenter of the San Bernardino Mountain.  It is conveniently located near every happenings.  It is only 20 minutes from the base of the mountain and 15-30 minutes from nearly everywhere on the mountain.  We are right by the highway and stationed by a cliff with a gorgeous drop-off view.  Here are some locations/activities around us!

Easy Activities

Heaps Peak Arboretum

Close, beautiful and easy!  Heaps Peak is a 1 mile walking trail through the woods.  Have a great stroll along the woods.  Best of all, it is free! 

Free Activity

Distance: 8 minutes from DVL (5 miles)

Downtown Running Springs

Less than a mile away is a small quaint town of Downtown Running Springs.  It is as authentic and cozy as it gets as the town is only a city block long.  You will find a convenient store, restaurants, markets, hardware stores.  The town is a good pitstop or a place to try some local foods.

Free Activity

Distance: 4 minutes from DVL (0.5 miles)

Lake Arrowhead Village

Arrowhead Village is a very popular destination among the tourist.  Made famous by the Arrowhead bottled drinking water, the village shopping center is surrounded by the lake, marina, shops. live music, boating, water sports, and more!

Free Access

Distance: 15 minutes from DVL (8.1 miles)

Green Valley Lake

A local treasure!  It is a small lake with some free activities and some paid activities.  You can walk along the shore around the lake, go fishing, swim, picnic, etc.  If you want a low-key lake activity, this is the perfect lake!

Free Access and Paid Access.  Some areas are require fees.

Distance: 15 minutes from DVL (7.1 miles)

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

Snow Valley Mountain Resort

Authoritative destination for skiers and snowboarders of experiences!  It is far enough but not too far for a full winter experience.  The unique location provides challenges suitable for beginners and pros.  

Paid Activity

Distance: 10 minutes from DVL (6.2 miles)

Big Bear Mountain Resort

If you want the “real deal” hardcore skiing or boarding, look no further than Big Bear Mountain Resort!  With available night sessions and an array of other activities, it is as close to the winter wonderland experience as you can get!

Paid Activity

Distance: 34 minutes from DVL (19.2 miles)

Big Bear Lake

World famous Big Bear Lake is a Southern California treasure.  It provides highest class experiences in a wide variety of activities.  From hiking, biking, fishing, offroading, jet skiing, boating, swimming, picnic, this place has it all!

Free Access, Free & Paid Activities

Distance: 30 minutes from DVL (17.3 miles)

UNIQUE ACTIVITIES

Sky Park at Santa’s Village

If you are looking for a fun adventure, consider Sky Park!  It is a small amusement park focused on adventures!  Biking, zip lining, rock climbing, Santa themed shops, and more!

Paid Activity

Distance: 9 minutes from DVL (5.8 miles)

Wild Haven Ranch

It is not a zoo but the animal experience at this sanctuary is unlike any other.  Great for animal lovers!  You’ll get to see all the local animals.  It is important to note that this place is an animal sanctuary so the same animals may not be there.

Paid access

Distance: 20 minutes from DVL (10.5 miles)

Lake Arrowhead

The famous Arrowhead bottling plant is located here.  This lake offers similar adventures of Big Bear without the distance and the difficult drive.  It has more modern amenities and has a unique charm.

Free access, paid activity

Distance: 15 minutes from DVL (9 miles)

LOCAL STOPS

Jensen Minute Shoppe Market

This is a close local market with almost everything you need for your vacation/retreat/event.  It is convenient but it does have the “mountain tax.”  So everything costs a little more. 

Market

Distance: 2 minutes from DVL (0.5 miles)

Walmart Supercenter

At the base of the mountain at Highland exit is the Walmart.  It is less than 20 minutes down from Deer View Lodge.  You will not find a store like Walmart up in the mountains so we are conveniently located incase you forgot something!

Market

Distance: 19 minutes from DVL (14.2 miles)

Chevron

At the base of the mountain at the Highland Exit is the Chevron with and extra large Extra Mile.  Though more costly than most Chevrons around, you can’t beat the convenience.  Fill up before going up the mountain here.  Tire chains are also available here.

Gas Station

Distance: 19 minutes from DVL (14.2 miles)

76

Only minutes from Deer View Lodge, this 76 is a great place to do a little emergency/urgent fill up.  It is, however, very expensive.  The few gas stations up in the mountains will be dramatically more expensive than down the mountain.

Gas Station

Distance: 2 minutes from DVL (0.6 miles)