Running Springs, CA

Running Springs is a small unincorporated mountain community in San Bernardino County, California, nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains at roughly 6,000 feet of elevation. With a population of approximately 4,800 residents, it has the feel of a quiet alpine village that swells with visitors during peak ski and summer seasons. The town is best known as a gateway to Big Bear Lake and the surrounding San Bernardino National Forest, and it sits about 80 miles east of Los Angeles, reached via State Route 330 and the Rim of the World Highway.

The community sits within the San Bernardino National Forest, a vast expanse of pine, cedar, and fir woodland that offers hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and camping throughout the warmer months. Trailheads are accessible within minutes of town, and the forest's network of scenic drives makes it easy for visitors to wander toward higher elevations or into adjacent communities. Wildlife watching, picnicking at scenic overlooks, and quiet walks among old-growth conifers are all part of the everyday appeal.

Snow Valley Mountain Resort is just a few miles east of Running Springs, near the neighboring community of Arrowbear. As one of the oldest continuously operating ski areas in Southern California, it offers downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and snow play areas in winter, plus mountain biking, disc golf, and scenic chairlift rides in summer. Its close proximity makes it a popular draw for short-term visitors who want mountain recreation without committing to the longer, higher-elevation drive into Big Bear.

Big Bear Lake lies approximately 20 miles east of Running Springs along Highway 18, drawing year-round visitors for boating, kayaking, fishing, and swimming in summer and skiing at Bear Mountain and Snow Summit in winter. The surrounding village offers a walkable downtown with restaurants, shops, and the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, a wildlife rehabilitation facility focused on the region's injured and orphaned native species. Drive time from Running Springs typically runs between 35 and 50 minutes, depending on weather and traffic.

Lake Arrowhead, often described as the "Alps of Southern California," is roughly 10 miles west of Running Springs and offers a private lake experience with a charming village, lakeside dining, and a full-service marina. Nearby, the SkyPark at Santa's Village combines outdoor adventure with the nostalgic atmosphere of the original 1955 theme park, featuring mountain biking, archery, and zip lines. The drive from Running Springs usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

For short-term rental investors, Running Springs offers a compelling combination of small-town character and proximity to some of Southern California's most popular four-season mountain destinations. Its mid-elevation location brings snowy winters that support ski-season demand while keeping conditions milder and more accessible than the higher Big Bear basin in shoulder seasons. With Los Angeles, Orange County, and the Inland Empire all within a two-hour drive, the community is well positioned to capture weekend and holiday visitors seeking a forested escape from the city.