LAKE GREGORY

Getting to Lake Gregory

Big Bear tends to take all the attention away from this adorable, beautiful, and local lake as they are both nestled in the San Bernardino National Forrest. From Fullerton, where I live, Lake Gregory is only 1 hour and 3 minutes away, whereas Big Bear is closer to an hour and a half away. For those who struggle with motion sickness on windy, mountainous roads, this drive only has you in the Mountainous roads for 15 minutes, unlike Big Bear which is closer to 40 minutes. Most of the popular spots are within cell signal, but it's always good to have a map just incase you loose service!

Places to Stay

While I personally didn't stay overnight at Lake Gregory, there are plenty of adorable cabins and air bnbs to choose from. If you're really into adventure, there are also cheap camping sites to pitch a tent as well. Make sure to check the road conditions if you are traveling in the Winter season, as chains on your tires could be necessary. Also note that Lake Arrowhead is near by with places to stay as well. These areas fill up quick for major Holiday weeks/weekends, so make sure to check in advance for the perfect place to stay.

Things to Do

The iconic Heart Rock Trail is located 5-10 minutes away from the Lake Gregory and is hands down one of my favorite local hikes. The trail is moderate, but for the most part, family friendly and dog friendly. There are so many spots along the trail to stop and swim in the creek as you wind your way through the Forrest to the Heart Rock waterfall. The waterfall itself is year round, but, naturally flows heaviest in the Spring after Winter snow has melted. And even at the end of August, the water was so cold!

Apart from hiking the nearby trails, Lake Gregory also offers the cutest downtown village with places to eat, shop, listen to live music, and find souvenirs. Make sure to check out the Flying Squirrel Vintage shop.

Don't forget, if you are at Lake Gregory, you're less than 30 minutes away from Lake Arrowhead, and less than an hour away from Big Bear lake. This would make for the perfect weekend or week long stay, hitting up all three lakes. Each lake has special features that make them unique from each other. For any fisherman, I've heard that Lake Arrowhead is great for trout fishing in season!

In the Summer season, you will find inflatable obstacle courses on the lake, as well as paddle boards and kayaks for rent. You can check the Lake Gregory event page to plan your visit around the fun events planned throughout the year. 

If you have a dog who loves outdoor adventure, then you'll love the dog park at Lake Gregory. There were plenty of areas along the beach to set up camp while your fur baby/babies wade, swim, and play in the water. Everyone was very friendly and managed their dogs with consideration. Make sure to avoid any beaches that are not cleared for dogs, and as always, clean up after your pup! Myla made a few new friends and lived her best lake life! We will definitely be back.