Best Mountain Escapes Near Los Angeles
Looking to escape the steamy hot weather that invades the Southland every summer? Well, head for the hills...or should we say the mountains, a number of which are so convenient to the City of Angeles you won't be able to hold back. With the decision made to seek a higher elevation, consider the following fine outposts that will keep you cool, calm, collected -- and definitely refreshed during the hottest season of 2016.
Creekstone Inn
54950 Pine Crest Ave.
Idylwild, CA 92549
(951) 659-3342
www.creekstoneinn.com
Talk about rustic luxury in a cool California climate. Idyllwild's Creekstone Inn, situated below Mt. San Jacinto's famous geological formation dubbed Lily Rock, is a mere two hours from Los Angeles yet is miles away with respect to an infinitely invigorating outpost for those wanting to escape the heat of the long City of Angels summer. This area landmark, around since 1942, is the temporary abode to adventurers seeking to experience excellent hiking paths, great fishing and superior mountain biking as well as those who just want to kick back and read a novel or pass the time playing checkers with others who have decided to call Creekstone Inn their home for a few days or even more.
Big Bear Frontier Cabins & Hotel
40472 Big Bear Blvd.
Big Bear Lake CA 92315
(909) 866-4335
www.bigbearcabins.com
Looking for a genuine mountain retreat where you'll stay amongst the iconic giant pines for which the Big Bear area is known? Want a rustic environment but not so much so that you lack certain (important) conveniences of home? If you answered yes to both questions, head for the Frontier on Big Bear Lake where both free standing cabins and a myriad of individual hotel rooms bring joy to visitors escaping the city's heat-driven summer. Oh, and take advantage of the many outdoor grills available in the area to all who stay here. Want to be pampered? Then opt to go to nearby Big Bear village for restaurant fare beyond compare.
Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa
27984 Highway 189
Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352
(909) 336-1511
www.lakearrowheadresort.com
Summer at Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa means a luau by the lake on the property's own private beach, complete with authentic Polynesian dancers.. But that's just the beginning of the fun you'll have at this deluxe retreat located about an hour and a half from Los Angeles proper. Deep soaking tubs are on offer when you book a suite, as are unforgettable views of the mighty San Gabriel Mountains and alluring Lake Arrowhead where trout and bass fishing are in full swing, as are marvelous waterskiing and prime boogie boarding. For a more passive pursuit, book a treatment at the in-house Spa of the Pines, where specially formulated aroma therapy scents are used and then offered for purchase in the form of candles, sachets, and lotions, too.
Related: Best Scenic Drives Near Los Angeles
Innsbruck Lodge
913 Forest Trail
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
(760) 934-3035
www.innsbrucklodge.com
If you're considering a longer road trip out of Los Angeles than the immediate area in order to feel your mountain high, pick Mammoth as your destination. The six hour trip is worth the gasoline, especially so if you stay at the Austrian-style Innsbruck Lodge, located a short walk from the legendary Mammoth Mountain gondola and three miles from Twin Lakes. Expect to have tea whenever you wish (there's a kettle in every room) or, if you prefer, coffee, (there's a machine for that in every unit as well) when you book in at this quaint place that also includes keen public spaces like a hot tub, a sauna, a games room and even a library offering movies-on-loan galore.
Wuksachi Lodge
64740 Wuksachi Way
Sequoia, CA 93262
(866) 807-3598
www.visitsequoia.com
When you want to be in the thick of a verdant forest during your mountain retreat, book in at the 109-room Wuksachi Lodge, Sequoia's only in-park outpost for lodging visitors in style during their stay. Located in the vicinity of the Giant Grove Forest, this peaceful outpost provides a giant stone fireplace to share in the lodge, a provocative gift shop filled with Native American-inspired wares, ample meeting rooms, and an appealing restaurant offering Alpine cuisine and forest views. If you choose Wuksachi Lodge, also expect to be surrounded by the the High Sierras with easy access to the famed General Sherman Tree.
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