Location: Lake Gregory Regional Park
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Hey AV explorers, Thomas here with a day trip that takes you about an hour and a half up into the San Bernardino Mountains to one of the most underrated little gems in Southern California. Lake Gregory in Crestline sits at nearly 4,600 feet elevation – cool, pine-scented air, calm blue water, and none of the chaos you’d expect from a destination this close to home.
And here’s the big news for this week: the lake was just recently stocked. If you’ve been waiting for the right excuse to dust off that rod and reel, this is it. Whether you’re casting from the shoreline or renting a pedal boat and drifting to your favorite spot, the fishing right now is as good as it gets up there.
Beyond fishing, there’s plenty keeping the whole group busy – kayak and paddleboard rentals, a ~2-mile loop trail around the lake with workout stations along the way, a swim beach with a water slide and inflatable course, and open grassy areas perfect for a low-key afternoon. Budget a full day – this place has a way of making time disappear.
Making it a Full Day:
When hunger hits, you don’t need to go far. Stockade Grub & Whiskey is right on Lake Drive, just steps from the park – a laid-back mountain bar and grill with BBQ ribs, smoked meats, and a huge patio that gives serious local-hangout energy.
If you’re looking to start the morning right before hitting the water, Crestline Cafe opens at 6 AM and has been a beloved mountain staple for years – big portions, friendly staff, and one of the better burgers on the hill.
For a scenic detour on the way home, swing by Hortencia’s at the Cliffhanger on CA-18 – Mexican food with a jaw-dropping mountain view.
Thomas’s Local Tips:
- 🎣 The lake was just stocked – go early and fish the shaded inlets near the north end of the loop trail for the best action. A basic trout setup with PowerBait is all you need.
- 🏔️ Get there before 9 AM on weekends – the main parking lots fill up fast and they cap capacity on the swim beach. An early arrival means first pick of picnic spots too.
- 🥾 Walk the full ~2-mile loop around the lake – most people skip it, but it’s beautiful, dog-friendly, and hits some angles of the water you won’t see from the beach.
- 🛶 Rent a kayak or paddleboard mid-morning before the wind picks up – the water is noticeably calmer in the first half of the day.
- 🌲 Layers are your friend – Crestline runs 10–15°F cooler than the valley floor. Even on a warm AV afternoon, it can feel like a different season up there. Don’t get caught in a t-shirt at sunset.
Nature’s calling, it’s time to pick up… See you out there!
