Angelus Oaks, California facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Angelus Oaks, California
Unincorporated community
Angelus Oaks, California Location in California Show map of California Angelus Oaks, California Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Country	United States
State	California
County	San Bernardino
Area
• Total	0.500 sq mi (1.295 km2)
Elevation	5,800 ft (1,800 m)
Population  (2010)
• Total	312
• Density	624.0/sq mi (240.9/km2)
Time zone	UTC−8 (Pacific (PST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC−7 (PDT)
ZIP Codes	92305

Angelus Oaks is a small mountain community in San Bernardino County, California, United States. It's not an official city, but rather an "unincorporated community." This means it's a settled area that isn't part of any city government.

In 2010, about 535 people lived there. Angelus Oaks is surrounded by the beautiful San Bernardino National Forest. You can find it east of the city of San Bernardino along California State Route 38.

About Angelus Oaks

Angelus Oaks is a quiet spot in the mountains. It's known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities. Many people visit to enjoy the forest and fresh air.

A Look Back in Time

Angelus Oaks was first known as Camp Angelus. Its history is tied to the search for gold and the ways people traveled long ago.

Gold Rush and Early Roads

In 1849, a big discovery of gold happened in Holcomb Valley. This area was north of Bear Valley, close to where Big Bear is today. To get supplies in and gold out, people used mule trains. These were groups of mules carrying goods.

The mule trains would travel up the Santa Ana River Canyon. They would stop overnight in a place called Seven Oaks. Then, they took a winding trail called Clark's Grade to the gold fields. You can still see parts of this old trail today.

Later, a wagon road was built to replace the mule trail. But the Santa Ana River often washed out this road. So, a new, better road was built in Mill Creek Canyon. This was a "Control Road," meaning traffic went one way at a time. There were controls at each end to manage the flow.

The Stagecoach Stop

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, stagecoaches used the old wagon road. They carried passengers and mail from Redlands. They would travel through Camp Angelus on their way to Big Bear.

The building that is now the Angelus Oaks Lodge was first a stagecoach stop. Here, horses were changed, and travelers could get sandwiches. It also served as a small grocery store for the people living nearby.

When cars started using the road in 1919, the Lodge became a place for them to get water for their radiators. Simple cabins were built, offering cots and wood stoves for heat.

School Days and Name Change

The first school in Camp Angelus was a log cabin. It was rented from a place called Glen Lodge. Glen Lodge was a busy spot with a restaurant, bar, gas station, and even a dance hall.

In 1953, Orville Young became the first teacher. He taught children from five to 13 years old. A new one-room schoolhouse was built in 1956. It taught grades one through seven until it closed in 2004. Glen Lodge later burned down in the 1960s.

In the 1970s, the postal service combined two small post offices. They closed the one in Seven Oaks and kept the one in Camp Angelus. They renamed the remaining office "Angelus Oaks." This new name then became the name for the whole town.

The Lodge's Journey

The Angelus Oaks Lodge was left empty for a while and became run down. In 1987, a couple bought it and started to fix it up. They added heaters and showers to the cabins.

Over the years, the cabins were improved with full bathrooms and kitchens. From 2012 to 2015, the Lodge and cabins were restored again. Today, many of the original cabins are fully restored and can be rented by visitors. They offer a peaceful escape from city life.

Angelus Oaks Today

Angelus Oaks is a small, welcoming community. It offers a mix of services and outdoor adventures.

What You'll Find Downtown

The main part of Angelus Oaks has a few important places:

• A general store where you can buy supplies.
• A restaurant for meals.
• A post office (ZIP Code 92305).
• A real estate office.

You'll also find a San Bernardino County Fire Station (Station 98). A Sheriff's Department deputy lives nearby. The California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) and the United States Forest Service also have offices here. The historic Angelus Oaks Lodge is still open for visitors.

Fun in Nature

Angelus Oaks is a popular spot for people who love the outdoors.

• Bicyclists enjoy the Santa Ana River Trail (S.A.R.T.). This trail is famous for its beautiful views and challenging paths.
• Hikers can explore trails like the San Bernardino Peak Hiking Trail and the Vivian Creek Trail. There are also easier trails in the San Gorgonio Wilderness.
• The Angelus Oaks Lodge is a great place for bikers and hikers to stay overnight. It helps them get an early start on their adventures.

Nearby Camps and Lakes

A few miles past Angelus Oaks, in the Barton Flats area, you'll find many public campsites. There are also group camps run by churches and non-profit groups like the YMCA.

Two large and active camps are:

• Boy Scout Camp Tahquitz: This camp is owned by the Long Beach Boy Scouts. It serves thousands of Scouts all year round. It has a dining hall, clinic, swimming lake, and more.
• Camp Cedar Falls: This camp is run by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. It's about 3 miles (5 km) past Angelus Oaks on Highway 38.

Jenks Lake Day Use Area is a great spot for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. You can't swim there, but it has restrooms and picnic areas with tables and grills.

Weather in Angelus Oaks

Angelus Oaks has a climate known as a "warm-summer Mediterranean climate." This means it has warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

The Oaks Restaurant, the only restaurant in Angelus Oaks

See Also

In Spanish: Angelus Oaks para niños