Arrowhead Ahead

Fall Color Hike on Sawmill Road Loop Trail Near Lake Arrowhead

Fall Color Hike Sawmill Road Near Lake Arrowhead

Deciduous black oaks and Fremont cottonwoods line the Sawmill Road Loop Trail near Lake Arrowhead, making the 2.9-mile (round-trip) hike one of the best in SoCal for a seasonal kaleidoscope of changing leaves.

Starting from the trailhead, you’re almost immediately immersed in shade cast by the yellow and green leaves of the black oaks. Continue farther along to see the green valleys of the San Bernardinos peppered with golden yellows. The first 1.8-mile segment of the trek follows Rouse Ranch Road—mostly downhill, with some slight incline, on the popular off-roading route. When you hook left at the sign marked “to 2N29Y,” you’ll link up with Sawmill Road.

At about 1.9 miles you’ll rapidly ascend 150 feet. The greater height brings greater views, as well as less shade. Just past 2 miles, turn left off Sawmill Road onto a narrow trail where the off-roaders can’t go—this section is just for hikers. Here you’ll see many of the Fremont cottonwoods and some of the starkest yellow leaves, in the trees and carpeting the ground. You’ll also get a brief view of Lake Arrowhead through the foliage.

When you reach pavement, you’ll be passing through North Shore Campground. Follow the pavement as far left as it will go and you’ll find the last bit of trail heading downhill to where you parked. This is also your last chance to soak in those autumn colors.

From CA-18 (Rim of the World Hwy.) in Lake Arrowhead, turn north onto CA-173 for 2.6 miles and then turn right on Torrey Rd. Continue straight onto Rouse Ranch Rd. and drive past the pavement onto the dirt road for a short distance. A large dirt parking area is on the right side of the road. Parking coordinates: 34.266179, -117.161860. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. All right, Almaden!

    Take a trip through time on this 5-mile loop in Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Explore the ruins of an old cinnabar mine and enjoy the first hints of wildflower season.

    View
  2. Waterfalls and Wine Pours

    Cooler temps, green hills, and the return of our magnificent waterfalls! This family-friendly 2-mile hike at Uvas Canyon County Park in Morgan Hill is a great way to get the most out of a short hike post-rain.

    View
  3. Woman hiker is climbing up the ladder in the Steep Ravine section of the Dipsea Loop Trail on Mount Tam

    Misty on Mount Tam

    Mount Tam’s 3.9-mile round-trip Steep Ravine and Dipsea Trail Loop weathers the wets and wilds with some confidence, sheltered in parts by redwoods, and wowing with a waterfall.

    View
  4. Mile-Long Cataract Club

    In winter after heavy rains, the north flank of Mount Tam glows with flows. The nearly mile-long series of waterfalls—Cataract Falls—transforms into a supercharged spectacle. Starting at Alpine Dam, a 1.6 mile (one-way) narrow trails threads through redwoods and ferns along Cataract Creek.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Hidden Gems of Reno Tahoe

    Step into a land where adventure meets relaxation. Reno Tahoe is where the spirit of the great outdoors and the energy of vibrant city life inspire you to live with no limits.

    View
  2. Peace Labyrinth

    Hidden in LA’s historic West Adams district, the Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens is a welcome respite from the norms of urban noise.

    View
  3. Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take It Outside

    Adventure for your earbuds. What's new in the world of the outdoors? Listen to Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss local hikes, beaches, bike rides, camping spots and all kinds of travel and adventure in California and beyond!

    View
  4. Hikers sitting on a large rock slab next to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern California near Julian

    Three Sisters

    Good things come in threes at this hike to a lovely trio-tiered waterfall in Cleveland National Forest. The 4.25-mile out-and-back hike rambles among rolling hills, with rocky mountain views as switchbacks take you down to a lush canyon and the falls.

    View