Crestline, California

Home to the famous Lake Gregory, Crestline is one of California's best summer retreat locations. Crestline sits in the San Bernardino Mountains in the southern portion of the state, away from the noisy city. This region is the gateway to the San Bernardino National Forest, which hosts camping trips and fun outdoor activities. With great weather, natural scenery, and outdoor entertainment, the town is a perfect destination away from the routine of city life.

Geography And Climate Of Crestline

An aerial view over Lake Gregory in Crestline, California, after a winter spell.

The suburban town of Crestline is situated in the southern portion of the US State of California in San Bernardino County. Crestline covers a total area of 36.32 sq. km, of which 0.31 sq. km is covered by water, and 36.01 sq. km is occupied by land. The census-designated place is situated approximately 80 miles east of Los Angeles and Orange County. The town is located in the San Bernardino Mountains, a coastal range in the south of California. The mountains are among the most visited outdoor spaces with many activities like mountain climbing, hiking, skiing, and camping. Crestline is known for its beautiful outdoor scenery with many distinct locations like the Heart Rock, located in the Valley of Enchantment. The Heart Rock trail is a long trail in the forest and along the creek. At the end of that trail, nature has carved out a sizeable heart-shaped pool made of mountain rocks and carved out by the force of the waterfall right beside it. One of the most prominent features of the region is Lake Gregory. This artificial lake is located in the San Bernardino National Forest. The area is known for its unique forests that host more than 70 species of animals and plants. Some of the most common trees are conifers like the knobcone pine, Coulter pine, and quaking aspen trees. Other rare species include the San Bernardino bladderpod and Cushenberry buckwheat. Crestline is home to bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and bighorn sheep.

Like most of California, Crestline experiences a Mediterranean climate that is known for its moderately warm and sunny summers and cold winters. Crestline receives around 37 inches of rain and 31 inches of snow per year, where it gets rain or snow for an average of 40 days per year. In addition, it receives around 284 sunny days every year. In Crestline, July is the hottest month where temperatures reach 81.1°F, which is comparatively cooler than most places in the state. December is the coldest month, with temperatures reaching a low of 29.0°F. It rains the most in February, with precipitation of 8.4 inches. The driest month is January, as it only gets 0.2 inches of rain.

History Of Crestline

View from the Rim of the World Scenic Byway in the San Bernardino Mountains in Crestline, California, and plaque to Donald S. Wieman, responsible for the masonry walls built in the 1930s. Editorial credit: BD Images / Shutterstock.com

The history of Crestline began in 1917 when Pacific Electric Company decided to build a summer vacation camp for employees. The camp included tent houses, dining halls, a swimming pool, and common halls. By 1920, traffic into the area started increasing, and development began. However, it started much earlier when, in 1906, syndicate members purchased 630 acres of land in the area for $11,000. Guernsey, one of the syndicate members, overlooked the formation of the city's infrastructure and called it Crestline in 1906. In 1928, the city's business district started forming when Charles S. Mann, a famous mountain developer, bought and remodeled the city center. He built inns and homes and held tours to sell the properties to Los Angeles buyers. By the 1930s, the city had over 500 households and over 1,000 households in nearby areas. Today, the town is one of the most sought-after locations in the summer for families, tourists, and house-buyers.

The Population And Economy Of Crestline

A winding two lane road into Crestline, California — A winding two-lane road into Crestline, California, with green trees lining both sides and a blue sky above.

As per the latest US Census, Crestline has a population of 11,650 individuals, of which 50.2% are females and 49.8% are males. The median age in Crestline is 44.7 years. Most of Crestline's population is white, making up 72.8%. A small community of Black or African American individuals makes up only 3.1% of the population. 1.2% of the population is Native American. In addition, the Hispanic community makes up 19% of the population. The largest age group is individuals under the age of 18, and they make up 20.3% of the population. The second-largest age group is individuals aged 65 and over, making up 16.4% of the population. Almost half of the people of Crestline are currently married, 29.5% of them have never been married, and 20.6% are either divorced or separated.

Crestline's economy is that of a suburban town. It mainly relies on educational services and tourism. Other sectors contributing to the town's economy are construction, health care, public administration, and technical assistance. Some of the most common occupations include maintenance, management, administrative support workers, Sales representatives, and teachers. Crestline has an unemployment rate of 7.8%, which is more than the national average. The average income of a Crestline resident is around $28,000 a year, which is lower than the national average of $31,177. In addition, the median household income is $47,175 a year, which is less than the national average of $53,482 a year. The real estate market in Crestline employs around 4% of the population. It is a significant contributor to the town's economy, with summer houses and properties being some of the most attractive options for people who want a break from the city. The suburban area, great weather, and family-friendly neighborhoods are some features that most home buyers look for.

Attractions In Crestline

A woman and a dog sitting on a park bench and enjoying the view of Lake Gregory in Crestline, California.

Around 28,000 tourists visit Crestline each year. With great outdoor adventures, warm Meditteranean weather, and unique places to stay, the town is one of the perfect places to relax and enjoy sunny California. Visiting the Heart Rock Falls is a must for nature lovers and adventurers. Enjoying the hiking trail and beautiful nature along the way and taking a dip in the heart-shaped natural pool is the perfect way to spend a hot summery day. The trail is the ideal destination for skilled hikers, mountain bikers, and runners. For more advanced hikers, Miller Canyon Trail is the go-to destination. The course is 10.6 miles long and takes over 5 hours to complete. For a cultural tour in the area visiting the Mozumdar Temple is a must. The temple looks similar to the Indian Taj Mahal. It was built by A.K Mozumdar, a spiritual teacher who aimed to bring together people of all religions and open up a space to pray together. Very close to Crestline sits the Unofficial McDonald'S Museum, one of the most exciting and notable places in the area. It hosts some of the most fascinating and old fast-food memorabilia that resemble the American culture that is famous worldwide.

Located in San Bernardino Mountains and surrounded by some of the most fantastic pine trees, Crestline is one of California's most relaxing and entertaining towns. The wonderful nature and breezy summer make Crestline the perfect destination for families and tourists.

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