Running Springs

The gateway to mountain resort living in the San Bernardino Mountains.

Welcome to Running Springs

Featuring the oldest ski resort in Southern California, this lively, family-friendly town is considered the gateway to mountain resort living

The gateway to mountain resort living in the San Bernardino Mountains, Running Springs is a fascinating and contemporary city. Named after the natural running mountain springs found throughout the mountain range (many of which feed into the Pacific Ocean), Running Springs is contained by the San Bernardino National Forest. Home to the 3,400-acre National Children's Forest and the first official ski resort in the San Bernardino Mountains, this census-designated town is a lively place to live with plenty of activities to keep residents and tourists occupied.

Explore its excellent shopping district, stay in cabin-style hotels, and enjoy easy access to horseback riding, snowboarding, hiking, and other mountain activities. Located between Lake Arrowhead and the Snow Valley Ski Resort, Running Springs is central to many of the most popular resorts and attractions in the mountains, including Big Bear Lake. This town also has its own appeal thanks to its slightly warmer climate and a myriad of festivals and events.

What to Love

  • Excellent shopping and dining
  • Gateway to mountain resort living
  • National Children’s Forest
  • Close to many attractions
  • Warmer climate
  • Easy access to recreation

People & Lifestyle

A relatively small town with two primary neighborhoods, Running Springs is a popular tourist destination that is home to many working professionals. Most of the community's residents are seasonal, so the population fluctuates when vacation season begins and ends. Overall, Running Springs is a tight-knit, diverse, and family-friendly community teeming with wildlife and set against a jaw-dropping backdrop of mountains and forest.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

Set at an elevation of 6,000 feet in the mountains, Giant Oaks Lodge is a charmingly rustic lodge located just 5 miles from skiing at the Snow Valley Mountain Resort, 9 miles from Lake Arrowhead, and 17 miles from Big Bear Lake. Rooms are cozy and straightforward with TVs, mini-fridges, and free Wi-Fi. Some also include fireplaces, bunk beds, and private decks.

LuluBelle's Mountain Bakery is an adorable café tucked into the mountainside serving all-natural baked goods, including vegan and gluten-free options. Among their assortment of treats are scones, muffins, pizza, pastries, bread, muffins, and more.

For more sweet treats, visit Sugar Mountain—a candy-themed gift shop founded by the owners of Rustic Arts Cabin Outfitters.

Shop the best brands and rent equipment from industry professionals at LeRoy's Board Shop. A long-running business, LeRoy's has supplied folks with the most cutting-edge snow gear for more than 70 years. Regardless of the season or your ski level, LeRoy's has what you need to hit the slopes looking and feeling your best.

Things to Do

The oldest continually-operating ski resort in Southern California, the Snow Valley Mountain Resort is one of the four ski resorts in the area. Snow Valley boasts award-winning learning centers and the region's best beginner terrain.

Every Saturday from May through October, visit the Running Springs Farmers Market and Artisan Faire for artisanal goods, locally-grown fruits and vegetables, cage-free eggs, spices, jams, sweets, coffee, art, soap, body products, antiques, and much more.

Created in the wake of the 1970 Bear Fire, the National Children's Forest is 3,400 acres of breathtaking views, beautiful backcountry, and one of the most popular hiking trails in the area—  the 4.5-mile Exploration Trail. The Children's Forest also hosts a renowned environmental education program, an active reforestation program, and a youth leadership volunteer program. 

Arrowbear Music Camp is a unique summer camp program for young people with a passion for music. Most time spent at the camp is outdoors beneath a lush canopy of pine and oak near large granite outcroppings. The property sprawls 101 acres of forest with multiple facilities, including a swimming pool, a dining hall, and an arts and crafts building.

Schools

Running Springs is primarily served by the Rim of the World Unified School District, which consists of three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.

 
 
 

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