This Classic episode of California’s Gold first aired back in 1998. This wasn’t Huell’s only visit to the area; two years later he returned to explore Under Lake Arrowhead in an episode which I previously featured in 2018. The Arrowhead Resort reached the height of fame and glamour many decades ago, and since then has been somewhat in decline. After standing empty for several years, the property was purchased by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians in 2017.

It appears on the southern slope of the San Bernardino Mountains. Over the years it has been the subject of a host of Indian legends. In fact, no other natural landmark in those mountains has been regarded with such awe and wonder. We’re referring to the “Arrowhead,” a near-perfect natural 7 1/2 acre arrowhead-shaped landmark formed by the contrast of light and dark vegetation which has been clearly visible for hundreds, possibly thousands, of years.

In this adventure, Huell not only travels to the famous Arrowhead itself, but also visit the once world-famous Arrowhead Springs Hotel which was one of the favorite hideouts for Hollywood stars back in the 1940’s and 1950’s. This entire area is known for its many hot springs and, in fact, water rushes everywhere, from flowing fountains to gurgling springs. Twenty-nine springs are located here, some cold and some as hot as 196 degrees!

These hot springs, which hold the record of being the hottest in the world, heat the mineral baths, the almost forgotten “steam caves” located underneath the old hotel, and the cabana pool which was built for Olympic and film star Esther Williams in 1944. The beauty of the area and the hot springs themselves have made this a popular destination since the days of the earliest Indian communities.

(Click on the linked image below to see the video.)