There's a moment on the drive up when the road stops climbing, the pines close in overhead, and the city finally lets go of you. Mountain Escape waits at the end of it — a sprawling 4,265-square-foot lodge on nearly half an acre of forest, built for the kind of trip where fourteen people arrive as separate schedules and leave as one long weekend. The backyard is the reason you booked. A private pool sits tucked into the trees with a hot tub beside it, ringed by stone and greenery and enough lounge seating that nobody has to negotiate for a chair. Cornhole boards are set up on the lawn, the grill is ready for the evening shift, and the pines do what pines do — filter the light, cool the air, and make the whole thing feel a hundred miles from anywhere. Days out here have a rhythm: swim, dry off in the sun, drift toward the water again, and let dinner happen whenever someone gets hungry. Multiple decks wrap the home at different levels, each one framing its own slice of the forest. One catches the morning sun for coffee and quiet. Another holds the outdoor dining table for the long, loud meal. A third is where the group ends up after dark, when the temperature drops, the trees go black against the sky, and the conversation slows down to the good part. Inside, the space keeps opening up. Soaring ceilings and arched windows pull the treetops into the great room, where oversized sectionals and a mix of seating areas mean the group can spread out without splitting up — a card game at the table, a movie on the big screen, someone reading in the corner, all of it happening at once. The kitchen was built to feed a crowd: full-size stainless appliances, generous granite counters, a center island for prep and pouring, and bar seating for whoever wanders in first. Two dining areas handle everything from breakfast for four to a sit-down for the whole house. Five bedrooms give everyone a real door to close, spread across the home so early risers and night owls can coexist. Four full bathrooms — including a spa-style primary bath with a soaking tub and a walk-in shower — keep the morning rush from becoming a bottleneck. There's a dedicated home gym for anyone determined to keep the routine, and a full-size washer and dryer for the muddy hiking boots and wet swimsuits that mountain trips reliably produce. Location-wise, you're settled into one of Southern California's most beloved mountain towns. Lake Arrowhead Village is close at hand for lakeside dining, boutique shopping, and Arrowhead Queen boat tours out on the water. SkyPark at Santa's Village in nearby Skyforest brings zip lines, mountain biking, and year-round family fun; Blue Jay Village and its seasonal ice rink sit just down the road; and hiking trails thread through the forest in every direction. When winter arrives, Snow Valley's slopes are a short drive, with Big Bear Lake and its ski resorts making an easy day trip. The Rim of the World scenic byway ties it all together, so even the getting-there earns its place in the trip. Bring the whole crew. Claim a deck, claim a lounger, and let the mountain handle the rest. AvantStay provides a personalized hospitality experience to elevate your stay. With our Concierge Service, guests have access to our tech-enabled services like fridge stocking, private chefs, massages, transportation, special occasion celebrations, baby gear rentals, ski gear, beach gear, and more. For anything you need, we’re at your fingertips! Known as “The Alps of Southern California,” the beautiful Lake Arrowhead is a well-kept secret, even from California natives. Hiking, fishing on Lake Gregory, and ATV riding are popular pastimes in summer, while in winter, snow sports fanatics can get their fill of skiing on the local slopes. Whatever time of the year you visit, the temperate climate and numerous opportunities for adventure ensure a fun time for all. Local Attractions: SkyPark at Santa’s Village, Lake Arrowhead Village, Red Rock Scenic Overlook, Jetties Waterfront Kitchen + Drink, Lake Gregory - Duffy boats, kayaking, paddleboard rentals, Stone Creek Bistro, Heart Rock Trail Home Truths: - Unfortunately, pets are not allowed in this home. If undisclosed pets are brought into the home without AvantStay's approval, there is a fine of $500 per pet. - Pack-n-play and high chair are available by request only. - The property is located at the top of a very long, steep uphill road — guests should be aware this may be challenging for low-clearance vehicles. - No wheelchair access, no step-free entry, no wide doorways. - Property is in a mountain/wilderness area with significant wildlife present: snakes, lizards, coyotes, bears, raccoons, spiders, flying insects, silkworms, mountain lions, and rodents. - No open fire features (no fireplace or fire pit). No house alarm. Parking Details: - No street parking at any time — all 4 parking spaces are on the driveway only. - During winter months, all-wheel-drive or 4x4 vehicles and tire chains are required. – This is a smoke-free property. Violation of the no-smoking policy will result in forfeiture of the security deposit, a $300 smoking fee, and liability for any fire or property damage costs. As part of our commitment to being good neighbors, occupancy limits and quiet hours (9pm-8am) are strictly enforced. No speakers or sound systems will be provided for use in our properties. Violation of any noise ordinances will be subject to fines that can reach up to $10,000 per violation. Events or parties are not allowed without prior written approval and an additional fee. Any unauthorized parties or events will be shut down and a fine will be assessed. Please inquire for more information about our event policies and fees. IDs will be requested for verification after booking. All bookings over 28 days require a security deposit. We report and prosecute all Credit Card Fraud. CESTRP-2026-00714