Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area

About 20 minutes up Highway 138, this mountain lake sits higher and cooler than the desert floor, with a swim beach, picnic areas, easy trails and boat launches. The go-to summer escape when Hesperia is baking, and families make a full day of it. Bring layers even in summer — the elevation makes mornings and evenings chilly — and pack everything in, as services are limited.

$10 per vehicle day use ($20 peak summer weekends/holidays)