Running Springs between Mountain Trails and Winter Sports

Running Springs is a mountain community in the San Bernardino Mountains, centrally located between Snow Valley Ski Resort and Lake Arrowhead. State Routes 18 and 330 intersect here. This makes the town a convenient starting point for a trip that combines mountain trails, winter sports and a variety of landscape experiences. When looking for a vacation rental in Running Springs, you can therefore first consider whether snow activities, cross-country skiing, hiking or a combination of these should be the focus of your trip.

Snow Experiences Around Snow Valley

Above Running Springs, Snow Valley Mountain Resort is located along State Route 18. The resort has been in continuous operation since 1924 and offers lift-assisted sledding. For families planning an active day in the snow, this is a specific way to add a special downhill experience to their itinerary. The information about the lift distinguishes this from a simple sledding hill: the experience includes not only the sledding itself, but also lift assistance.

Another winter option is located in the San Bernardino National Forest: Rim Nordic is across from Snow Valley Mountain Resort. It offers more than 10 miles of trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The groomed trail system includes both tracks for classic cross-country skiing and lanes for skating technique. Those who want to try different ways of moving through the snow can therefore find a variety of ways to experience the landscape here.

Rim Nordic also offers on-site rentals of cross-country skis and snowshoe equipment. The facility is located on Highway 18, five miles east of Running Springs. When planning your accommodation, you can use this information if cross-country skiing or snowshoeing is to play an important role in your itinerary. At the same time, Running Springs remains an interesting destination if you want to include other experiences in the mountain community.

Hiking Trails and the Pacific Crest Trail

Running Springs is associated with more than just snow activities. The Pacific Crest Trail passes through Running Springs and complements the community’s hiking trails. When planning your trip, you can consider it alongside the Children’s Exploration Trail, the Coyote Rock Trail, the Siberia Creek Trail and the Little Green Valley Trail.

The Children’s Exploration Trail is an easy, half-mile-long hiking trail for families in Running Springs. This makes it possible to incorporate a shorter hike into a family day. In addition, the Coyote Rock Trail, the Siberia Creek Trail and the Little Green Valley Trail are popular hiking routes in Running Springs. This selection makes it possible to consider different trails depending on your preferred daily itinerary, without viewing the town solely as a winter sports destination.

Those who enjoy climbing can reach the viewpoint via the Keller Peak Trail. This detail appeals to travelers who want to combine a hike with a destination offering a view. When searching for a vacation home or vacation rental in Running Springs, it can therefore be decisive whether you prefer to focus on snow activities, hiking trails or a combination of both travel ideas.

Running Springs as a Base for Your Trip

Its location at the intersection of State Routes 18 and 330, its position between Snow Valley Ski Resort and Lake Arrowhead, and the offerings at Rim Nordic give Running Springs a clearly recognizable mountain character. Those interested in cross-country skiing and snowshoeing can include the facility east of town in their plans. Those who prefer shorter family trails, popular hiking routes or the Pacific Crest Trail will find several options in Running Springs itself.

As you continue planning, consider which activities are most important to your travel group and use the town’s location as a guide when choosing your vacation destination.

Discover More Places

If you would also like to compare other destinations, here is a compact selection: Twin Peaks, Yucca Valley, Pioneertown, Loma Linda, Helendale, Montclair, Searles Valley and Fort Irwin.

For the higher-level travel overview: San Bernardino.