East Lake Walk, UCLA Conference Center | Lake Arrowhead, CA

The UCLA Conference Center in Lake Arrowhead may be best known for hosting events and company retreats, but a lesser-known fact is it also hosts a number of hiking trails that traverse through the lush forests and along the crystal clear lake. The East Lake Walk trail is an easily accessible hike that offers visitors stunning views of Tavern Bay and the surrounding San Bernardino Mountains. By simply carving out a short hour and half out of your day when visiting the UCLA Conference Center you too can take in the breathtaking views found along this trail.

The East Lake Walk trail is the easiest trail to find in the near vicinity of the UCLA Conference Center—a short distance away from the quaint cabins that sit atop the surrounding hills. I was lucky enough to be assigned a cabin at the top of cardio hill—a well deserved name up a, you guessed it, hill that gets your blood pumping. A short and welcomed walk down cardio hill heading towards the main lodge will bring you to the start of this trail.

From the Main Lodge, make a left onto West Shore Road. Cross the road to reach a wooden bridge. Walk across the bridge and veer to the right towards the lake. Here, you will pass through a large metal gate for the “East Lot”.

After passing through the gate, you will find a wooden cairn that reads “Kayak Landing” with a set of stairs leading down toward the lake. The side of the sign will be marked with “ALA Trail #54”. Do not go down the stairs—this path will only lead to a dead end. Instead, follow the dirt path to the left of the sign to begin the East Lake Walk. The trail from here is very straightforward and easy to follow. You’ll traverse along the left side of Tavern Bay, with views of the water to your right and the forest to your left.

At 0.5-miles you will come across a fork in the trail. The East Lake Walk trail continues straight. If you take the fork left and uphill, you will find yourself in a residential area. When in doubt, stay on the trails closest to the lake. If a trail splits or there is an option to head up, always follow the path nearest the water. At 0.75-miles you will reach two staircases, one wooden and one concrete. This is your turnaround point. Retrace your steps back to the trailhead.

Trail forks here

Turn Around Here

East Lake Walk Tips

Tip #1 : All gates on this trail require the same gate code: 5321.

Tip #2: Always stay on the trails that are close to the lake. If the trail splits or there is an option to head up, always follow the path nearest the water.

Tip #3: Because of the high altitude at Lake Arrowhead, the air has very little ozone to protect you from the sun’s rays. A brimmed hat and sun block is recommended.

Tip #4: Your phone should had adequate cell phone service on this hike. Bring a phone with you and let the UCLA Conference Center Front Desk Staff know where you are going and when you expect to be back.

Tip #5: Additional hikes to check out in this area include the West Lake Walk (3 miles), Around the Lake Walk (12 miles), and North Hike (5 miles).

Tip #6: Aside from hiking, the UCLA Conference Center also boasts tennis courts, a pool area, volleyball, putting green, fitness center, shuffle-board deck, horseshoe pits, ping pong, and a basketball court.