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San Bernardino County

Crestline

Attractions and Places To See around Crestline - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Crestline are found nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains, offering a variety of natural beauty and local charm. This region serves as a gateway to the vast San Bernardino National Forest, providing diverse outdoor opportunities. Visitors can explore unique natural landmarks and enjoy lakeside activities. The area is characterized by its mountainous landscape and recreational appeal.

Best attractions and places to see around Crestline

  • The most popular attractions is Lake Gregory Trail, a lake that offers an easy stroll along the shore. Visitors can enjoy hiking, swimming, and fishing, with beaches available for relaxation.
  • Another must-see spot is Pacific Crest Trailhead - Mojave River Forks End of Road, a trailhead that serves as a starting point for sections of the iconic Pacific Crest Trail. This location provides access to longer hikes, including routes to the Deep Creek Hot Springs.
  • Visitors also love Heart Rock Trail, a trail leading to a unique heart-shaped rock formation carved by a waterfall. This wooded trail offers a natural monument that is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.
  • Crestline is known for its natural features, scenic trails, and lakeside activities. Visitors can find opportunities for hiking, water sports, and exploring unique natural landmarks.
  • The attractions around Crestline are appreciated by the komoot community, with 5 upvotes and 16 photos shared.

Last updated: May 9, 2026

Pacific Crest Trailhead - Mojave River Forks End of Road

Highlight • Trail

After a long hike north and south this is the first contact of the PCT trail with a paved road, Hwy 173 that ends here at a wide parking area. This is also the best free trailhead parking area to hike 6 miles to the popular Deep Creek Hot Springs. A mile in, the trail crosses a wide ford where the creek is dry or so shallow much of the year that it won't get the shoes wet. If waters are high after rain or snow melt a parallel track can be taken along the dam. At the hot springs a shorter trail that would require fording the creek goes to Bowen Ranch, where for many years parking and trail access was offered for a fee, about $10. There are reports that Bowen Ranch has been recently closed at times, but there are apparently neighboring farm options. Alternatively from here a dirt road goes up the ridge, from where a trail leads down to the springs.

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At the confluence of Deep Creek and North Fork Mohave River you can walk across the almost dry creek bed most of the year without getting the shoes wet. After the spring snow melt or rain upstream water can be higher so a short wading might be necessary, or a short detour over the side of the dam. A cool trail excursion offers to cross through the tunnel under the dike, often involving a short refreshing section wading through thigh-high water at the northern end. The creek through the tunnel itself is barely a trickle most of the year, that disappears into the desert sand at the other end.

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Lake Gregory Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Lake

Are you longing for an easy stroll along a lake shore? Nestled in the beautiful Crestline, you can enjoy a day with your family hiking along Lake Gregory and take a dip into the inviting water from one of the beaches. Fishing is also permitted. There are three parking lots around the lake and you will have to pay a fee: lakegregory.com/parking

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There used to be a road access to this very big parking area at the east end of Saddle Dike Embankment, if the gate at the paved road access is closed. Now the closest car accessible trailhead is at the end of CA Hwy 173 at a wide parking area about 1.5 miles to the south. From here hike about 5 miles to the popular Deep Creek Hot Springs. There is no need to ford the Deep Creek itself along this section of the PCT, thanks to the Rainbow bridge that was built decades ago.

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Lake Silverwood West Shore

Highlight • Lake

The PCT follow the shoreline for some time. At this section, follow a dirt road that leads down to another picnic area that has water from a spigot.

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Popular around Crestline

Hiking around Crestline

Road Cycling Routes around Crestline

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June 12, 2025, Pacific Crest Trailhead - Mojave River Forks End of Road

At the dead-end of CA highway 173 is a trailhead staging area for hikers using the Pacific Crest Trail. About 5 hours north are interesting hot springs along the trail. There are objects here to lock the bike to, though the bike might be safer a few miles further up the trail where the access is less easy for potential thieves with cars.

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At the confluence of Deep Creek and North Fork Mohave River you can get across the almost dry creek bed most of the year without getting the shoes wet. After the spring snow melt or rain upstream water can be higher so a short wading might be necessary, or a short detour over the side of the dam. A cool trail excursion offers to cross through the tunnel under the dike, often involving a short refreshing section wading through thigh-high water at the northern end. The creek through the tunnel itself is barely a trickle most of the year, that disappears into the desert sand at the other end.

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The PCT follows the west shore of Lake Silverwood for several miles. There are multiple points along the trail that you get great views of the water. In this spot, you get a particularly great view of the whole lake.

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The PCT follow the shoreline for some time. At this section, follow a dirt road that leads down to another picnic area that has water from a spigot.

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At the confluence of Deep Creek and North Fork Mohave River you can walk across the almost dry creek bed most of the year without getting the shoes wet. After the spring snow melt or rain upstream water can be higher so a short wading might be necessary, or a short detour over the side of the dam. A cool trail excursion offers to cross through the tunnel under the dike, often involving a short refreshing section wading through thigh-high water at the northern end. The creek through the tunnel itself is barely a trickle most of the year, that disappears into the desert sand at the other end.

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Are you longing for an easy stroll along a lake shore? Nestled in the beautiful Crestline, you can enjoy a day with your family hiking along Lake Gregory and take a dip into the inviting water from one of the beaches. Fishing is also permitted. There are three parking lots around the lake and you will have to pay a fee: https://www.lakegregory.com/parking

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This is the nearest official trailhead if you like to visit the infamous Deep Creek Hot Springs. It is a 12-mile out and back hike. This section is also a part of the iconic Pacific Crest Trail. Keep in mind that you have to ford the Deep Creek itself just under a mile from here. It Rainbow Bridge spans over the Deep Creek, but some miles further down the trail.

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There used to be a road access to this very big parking area at the east end of Saddle Dike Embankment, if the gate at the paved road access is closed. Now the closest car accessible trailhead is at the end of CA Hwy 173 at a wide parking area about 1.5 miles to the south. From here hike about 5 miles to the popular Deep Creek Hot Springs. There is no need to ford the Deep Creek itself along this section of the PCT, thanks to the Rainbow bridge that was built decades ago.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best hiking trails around Crestline?

Crestline offers several popular hiking trails. The Heart Rock Trail is a unique option leading to a heart-shaped rock formation carved by a waterfall. For lakeside walks, the Lake Gregory Trail provides an easy stroll along the shore. You can also access sections of the iconic Pacific Crest Trail from trailheads like the Pacific Crest Trailhead - Mojave River Forks End of Road, which can lead to the Deep Creek Hot Springs. For more options, explore the hiking routes around Crestline.

Are there family-friendly activities in Crestline?

Yes, Crestline is very family-friendly. Lake Gregory Regional Park is a central hub for families, offering swimming, boating, an inflatable water park, and water slides during warmer months. The Heart Rock Trail is also suitable for families, leading to a natural monument. A short drive away, SkyPark at Santa's Village provides a themed adventure park experience.

What kind of water activities can I do in Crestline?

Lake Gregory is the primary spot for water activities. You can enjoy swimming, fishing, and various boating options like kayaks, paddleboards, Duffy boats, canoes, rowboats, and swan boats. The lake also features an inflatable water park and water slides. Nearby, Silverwood Lake also offers breathtaking views and opportunities for water recreation.

Where can I find scenic viewpoints in the Crestline area?

The Rim of the World Scenic Byway offers magnificent views of the mountains and lakes surrounding Crestline. Additionally, the Lake Silverwood West Shore provides excellent vistas of the lake and its mountainous backdrop, especially along sections of the Pacific Crest Trail that follow the shoreline.

Are there any historical sites or cultural attractions in Crestline?

While Crestline is primarily known for its natural beauty, you can find some local charm in Crestline Village along Lake Drive, with its shops and restaurants. Goodwin & Sons Market is a historic spot in Old Town Crestline, known for its vintage soda fountain. The Mozumdar Temple, though in ruins, is a unique historical site built by an eccentric religious leader.

What are the options for cycling around Crestline?

Crestline and its surrounding mountains offer challenging and scenic road cycling routes. You can find various options, including routes from Blue Jay to Green Valley Lake, or loops around Lake Arrowhead, Lake Gregory, and Running Springs. For detailed routes and difficulty levels, check out the road cycling guide for Crestline.

Can I bring my dog to attractions in Crestline?

Lake Gregory Regional Park features two dog parks, making it a great spot for pets. Many hiking trails in the San Bernardino National Forest, including those accessible from Crestline, are generally dog-friendly, but it's always advisable to check specific trail regulations for leash requirements and any restrictions before your visit.

What is the best time of year to visit Crestline?

Crestline offers attractions year-round. Warmer months are ideal for water activities at Lake Gregory, including swimming and boating. The spring and fall provide pleasant temperatures for hiking and exploring the natural features. Winter brings snow, offering a different kind of scenic beauty and potential for winter sports in the wider San Bernardino Mountains.

Are there any unique natural features to explore besides the lakes?

Absolutely. The Heart Rock Trail leads to a distinctive heart-shaped rock formation. Crestline is also a gateway to the vast San Bernardino National Forest, known for its diverse wildlife and tree species. For a more adventurous experience, the Deep Creek Hot Springs are accessible via longer hikes from the area.

What do visitors enjoy most about Crestline?

Visitors particularly enjoy the natural beauty and the variety of outdoor activities available. The easy strolls along Lake Gregory Trail, the unique natural monument of Heart Rock Trail, and the access to longer hikes on the Pacific Crest Trail are frequently highlighted. The combination of lakeside relaxation and mountain adventures makes Crestline a popular destination.

Are there any educational nature experiences in the area?

Yes, the Heaps Peak Arboretum offers an easy loop trail that provides an educational experience about local plants and the region's history. It's a great way to learn about the flora of the San Bernardino Mountains.

Where can I watch hang gliders or paragliders?

On sunny days, the Crestline Hang Glider & Paraglider Launch is a popular spot to watch these aerial sports. It offers paved parking for spectators to enjoy the view as gliders soar over the mountains.

Most popular routes around Crestline

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