01
Best overall pick
Keller Peak via Exploration Trail
South Of Running Springs Off Highway 18 • Forest Singletrack With Summit Lookout • Best Summit Views
A classic San Bernardino hike that winds through thick forest before topping out at a fire lookout with wide-open mountain and desert views.
Starting from the Exploration Trailhead, this route trades quickly gained elevation for long stretches of shaded singletrack and occasional peeks through the trees. The payoff is Keller Peak’s historic fire tower, where you can scan across the San Bernardino range and, on clear days, out toward the high desert. It’s a satisfying half- to full-day outing that feels adventurous without being technical.
02
Best forest escape
Little Green Valley Trail
Near Snow Valley Along Highway 18 • Shady Creekside Out-And-Back • Best For Quiet Forest Time
A mellow forest trail that follows a cool creek through meadows and pines, ideal when you want a softer, less crowded hike.
Little Green Valley offers that classic mountain feel: tall trees, a burbling stream, and pockets of meadow that turn lush in late spring. The grade stays mostly gentle, making it forgiving on knees and welcoming for newer hikers comfortable with a longer walk. It’s a good choice when you want to hear the water and wind in the branches more than traffic on Highway 18.
03
Best quick viewpoint
Coyote Rock Trail
East Of Running Springs Toward Green Valley Lake • Short But Steep Viewpoint Hike • Best Quick Leg-Stretcher
A brisk climb to a rocky outcrop with broad views, perfect when you only have an hour but still want a real payoff.
The trail to Coyote Rock wastes no time gaining elevation, zigzagging through pines to a prominent granite perch. From the top, you can take in views toward Green Valley Lake and the surrounding ridges, making it a favorite quick-hit outing for locals. It’s short, but the grade is stout enough to feel like real exercise on a lunch break or sunset run.
04
Best easy loop
Dogwood Campground Loop
Between Running Springs And Lake Arrowhead • Gentle Woodland Loop • Best For Families
An easy loop weaving through tall pines and oaks, with enough variety to keep kids interested and new hikers comfortable.
Starting near Dogwood Campground, this loop makes a relaxed circuit through a mix of pine, cedar, and oak, with soft trail underfoot and only modest ups and downs. Interpretive signs and side paths near the campground give younger hikers something to discover along the way. It’s a smart pick for casual strolls, acclimating to the altitude, or stretching your legs after a drive up the mountain.
05
Best full-day adventure
Pacific Crest Trail – Green Valley Lake Section
North Of Running Springs Near Green Valley Lake • Iconic Long-Distance Trail Segment • Best For Experienced Hikers
A scenic stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail that rolls along forested ridges and open slopes, offering a taste of thru-hiking without committing to weeks on the trail.
Accessing the Pacific Crest Trail near Green Valley Lake lets you sample one of the West’s most famous routes in a manageable day hike. The terrain undulates through quiet forest and more exposed hillsides, with views that open toward the high country and, in places, out to the desert. Bring solid footing, plenty of water, and a map—distances add up quickly here, and it’s easy to keep walking just to see what’s around the next bend.