THE LOW DOWN: I stayed here to duck the snow/rain mix while hiking the PCT. Price for room #23, over the weekend, was $141 per night. April 25-28, 2025 ROOM COMFORTS: The water was always hot. The single, queen size bed was comfy. The heater worked flawlessly. The TV had a dedicated weather channel and local San Diego news channels (the rest I didn't bother with). I did not use the fireplace, although it looked inviting. The room was also furnished with an attractive Hamilton Beach microwave that harbored express buttons and specific buttons for "time cook," "frozen dinner," "pizza," my favorite the "+30 seconds" button and more. Another amenity was a rather tall, Hisense brand refrigerator/freezer (I could lean on it with my elbow and I am 5'9"). The floor is focused on cleanliness. Don't look for wall-to-wall plush carpets here. The chance that you will walk in with dirt clumped to your footwear is pretty high. These floors are faux wood type of flooring that is amazingly simple to clean. Yes, I tracked in dirt, but I was able to do a hand-sweep onto my laminated PCT permit and dispose of it, easily enough, in one of the two room provided trash cans. HIKER FRIENDLY: I was provided with a bucket and it was explained to me that I could wash my clothes in it or soak my feet in it. Additionally, it could be used for hauling groceries from the general store back to my room. A packet of laundry detergent was complimentary and I was able to ration it to clean a sunhoodie, a pair of sungloves, two pairs of socks, two pairs of toe socks, a buff, a bandana, 2 pair of underwear, a Brynje mesh thermal, a pair of gaiters, a pair of pants...AND still have some powdered detergent left over. I am frugal like that. BACKPACKERS & LAUNDRY: Please exercise common sense. If you are a backpacker and are staying here doing your laundry PLEASE do not dump the laundry water down the shower or sink drains, or even in the toilet, when it is muddy/murkish and full of debris. Save that action for your final, soap free rinses which should be clear. All other buckets should be dumped, as instructed by management, outside on the ground. My process was to fill the bucket 1/2 way and simply soak each item, wring them out and dump. I did this twice with my most soiled items (once for all others). Following along with my dirtiest items was bucket #3 & #4. Those included detergent (my cleaner items only required one wash "cycle"). #5 was a rinse bucket #6 included Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Soap strictly as a much welcomed aromatic. Bucket #7 was a final rinse bucket. This manner of washing (seven buckets that were half-filled were truly required for my hoodie and pants. Other items required less to get them to the "final rinse" bucket. I am not saying you have to do the same, but that worked for me, and stayed within the guidelines of the proprietors... keeping in mind that I had unwashed clothing since Campo. STAFF: John took care of things in a timely, professional manner while I was still 4 miles from the turn off. I loved that this wasn't his first rodeo, as he knew precisely how to calculate my arrival time, even when I said I was hiking slowly (due to a photography/video project I was attached to). You'd be hard pressed to find a more well-defined example of customer service excellence. LOCATION: If you have never been to Mt. Laguna, like myself, you will find that everything isdelightfully within walking distance. For backpackers, the United States Post Office just happens to be next door to where you check-in. So if you have a resupply box coming in, it is a very short walk from your room. EATS: If you want a meal, you could either put something together from the general store or... I found two options. One is across the road and the other a short walk toward the Burnt Rancheria. Keep your eye on BBQ specials that exist on the weekends across the street. You will want to eat the pancakes at the other place. I also had the Fondue and a plant based cheese burger there. So good food can be found easy enough. If tou want to drive to this location, dont worry about parking. There is plenty on site. Overall I enjoyed my stay here. read more

If you are looking for a no frills camping experience without staying in a tent, this is the place. I stayed in a 1 bedroom cabin. Bring your own cooking gear to use the 2 burner stove, including a way to make coffee (or bring it premade like I did and keep it in the fridge. There are multiple trailheads nearby without having to drive and then need an Adventure Pass to park. I'm not a hiker and only ventured off the campground to get to a truly dark spot for stargazing and photography. The grounds are home to so many different birds and I enjoyed capturing as many as possible with my camera. The Laguna Mountain Lodge brought me back to childhood. My first summer camp was not too far from here and the scent of the pines and everything else brings instant nostalgia. read more

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I needed to get away from the city and decided to spend the weekend in a one bedroom cabin with a friend. The cabin is rustic but has what you'd need: stovetop, fridge, microwave. There's a small tv with basic cable and a wood fireplace, and each cabin has a simple BBQ and outdoor table. It was clean but obviously older without the thrills. There is no WiFi but cell reception wasn't an issue. To make a reservation, you will need to call and once confirmed mail a check or money order before arrival. The general store is open 9-5 and has the basics in case you forgot something. The 2 restaurants on Mount Laguna are within .40 miles and both are good. I'll definitely be back as this is a great place to unplug, set up a base, and adventure. read more

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I have been going up here every year since 2010, it could be a camping trip or a long couples days of heavy shower, so I know they would have plenty of snow to see, and if I don't have want to drive further to Julian, then Mt Laguna should be fine, I never rented a cabin here, but I enjoyed many other stuffs here, the scenery, the drive, the snow. I once came to the restaurant and the gift shop, I could agree that the people who ran the business wasn't the most friendly and welcoming, maybe they have to deal with a lot of bad tourists who didn't follow any rules, so really nothing against them. If you don't want to rent, you could still buy hot chocolate and just drive another 5 minutes, park, then hike, a lot more things to see on the trail, it's free, and you can go home within a few hours instead of staying over night, still get what you needed after all. read more

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I took my grandkids here for a week. Lovely cabins great prices. The general store made it easy.

I think these two guys here just hate people in general. The amount of signage of what Not to do here is impressive. We didn't expect a luxurious cabin, but for $100/night you could at least change linens from the previous lodgers, mop the floor and use chlorine to clean the toilet. The area is so amazing, my biggest wish is that one day they get at least one competitor!!!! Shame on you read more

Laguna Mountain Lodge & Trading Post - Hotels Near Me - Mount Laguna, California

Came in here for some groceries and toiletries. Nice shop and John was very cool guy and friendly. We talked movies for a while!

This is a no-nonsense kinda place, conveniently located atop Laguna Mountain. There are restrooms, snacks and the usual stuff you expect to see at a touristy curio shop. They also stock practical things like gloves and jackets, for the unprepared, marked up accordingly. I have been here a few times over the years and have found that the staff are not unfriendly, just direct and to the point. I can respect that, given all the tourists they get, especially when snow falls on Mount Laguna. My visits are brief, as I am usually here just to buy a day pass so I can legally park anywhere on the mountain. It's just $5 and helps the park. Plus, it frees you from worrying about getting a more expensive ticket (not that I have ever seen people get ticketed). The "day use" parking spots that you gain legal access to using this pass are very useful to avoid parking along the main roads and bring you closer to sledding spots. Just make sure you have 4x4 or AWD coz it's easy to get stuck going in further than past the main road. Sliding around on ice with a 2 wheel drive vehicle is not my idea of fun. Please just be sure to pack out what you bring in to help keep this place looking pristine for generations to come! read more

Laguna Mountain Lodge & Trading Post - Help Smokey the Bear out. Buy your National Forest Adventure Pass here -- just $5! - Hotels Near Me - Mount Laguna, California

I was somewhat hesitant to come to this lodge due to the negative reviews. After my stay here I feel like the negative reviews completely misrepresent the place and the two men who run it. As soon as I arrived to check into my room I found I was greeted with only the friendliest of attitudes. I was just passing through the area and not sure what to check out, they offered me suggestions, gave me a map, and told me about what was around. The next morning when I went to check out, one of them gave me another suggestion for a beautiful overlook. I really appreciated their kindness, and I think it's unfair that people are calling them rude, as they seemed very friendly to me!! The room itself was much bigger than I expected and had everything you could need; fridge and freezer, fireplace, comfy bed, towels, etc. Keep in mind the store closes at 5 so if you want any food/anything else be sure to get it before then. Would certainly recommend this place! read more

Laguna Mountain Lodge & Trading Post - Hotels Near Me - Mount Laguna, California

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For the low price, it's fun. The cabins are VERY old so don't expect a hotel type experience. But bed was comfortable. Dog friendly! :) There is a fridge, stove, sink & microwave - no oven. Nice big TV with DirectTV. Beautiful outlook places to drive to that look down over the desert view. Be aware, they don't take credit cards to book, only checks and they have a very tight cancellation policy. Our reservations were during the torrential raining weekend. Got close to getting there and a fire truck was blocking the way due to a mud slide closing the road. Called Lodge about rescheduling and no go, we'd lose our money. Fortunately we were driving my big truck, went all the way back out then around from the only other way to get in. Highway flooded like a river, but made it. read more

Laguna Mountain Lodge & Trading Post - BRRR COLD - Hotels Near Me - Mount Laguna, California

Mice. Lots of 'em. Running through the heating ducts all night. Old traps with mouse parts still in them. Mouse droppings all over the kitchen in the morning (and we left NO food out--we are fastidious about kitchens). The people who run the place are super cool--remind me of folks from New Hampshire where I grew up. So I disagree with the reviews here about unfriendly hosts. They are just old-time mountain folks. Need more of them to be honest! People need to learn not to expect everything to be a reality show. But the mice. We were supposed to stay two nights, but with little kids and rumors of hantavirus, we packed up and left after the first night. read more

Definitely no frills. But a great jump off place for hiking, Julian and just getting away from the desert heat. I think with some upgrades this place could be something else! But then again the prices would also be up there. Oh! Forgot to mention our four legged night time visitors. Those added to the excitement! Didn't bother us all that much. We put our stuff in a tote so they didn't get much other than the garbage. We will be back again just because we did enjoy the place. Staff was great as well. read more

I actually give this place 5 stars, but personally I don't read the 5 star reviews (cause they are usually paid for). I loved our two bedroom cabin. Clean, full size refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave, and heat! We received a set of towels for all four guests. I called a few times, and the owners answered all my questions. They gave me advice due to the weather and fire conditions. Our group is having a great time with a potluck and other outdoor activities. And of course we enjoyed the live music across the road at The Outpost!! read more

For someone who does not like camping, having a cabin with a bed and kitchen is a huge upgrade for my outdoor adventures. This is a no frills operation but it doesn't need to be when it is as beautiful as it is here. The management is very accommodating and friendly and the store on site has anything in case you forgot (including food items). Items are pricier than normal but that's the premium for forgetting! There is DirectTV if you want to watch anything and the kitchen/fridge are clean. They provide fresh and clean towels daily if needed and take away the garbage too. You will need to bring your own cooking utensils though. There is WiFi at the store but not on the general grounds. However, if you have Verizon and can turn on your hotspot you wouldn't really notice the difference. The cabins are well situated to visit an assortment of trails (including the PCT) and east day trips to Lake Cuyamaca and Julian. read more

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The place looks cool and has a lot of potential, but it's kind of a sad place. The owner is very unhappy and miserable and acts like he hates life. He seems like he has some kind of mental illness. Sad and petty guy. I think he gets envious seeing happy excited people on a mountain outing. The store is stocked with basics and they have sleds. The lodge was old and unsanitary. Hospitality was poor. He was also breaking California law by smoking right by the entrance when my kid was right there but he didn't care. read more

I'm going to start off by saying I don't like to leave negative reviews let alone leave one without trying to get resolution with the business first. My family and I have been coming to these cabins for decades. In the last few years we've come up several times a year. We appreciate the low cost cabins and expect no frills. In early Dec we had a reservation for a few cabins on a Monday night for a small family reunion. Due to a winter storm that brought more than the average amount of snow the roads were unsafe to drive until the snow plows could catch up and clear there roads. The local news broadcast even asked people to stay off Sunrise highway per the sheriff. We asked one of the owners, Tom, that since the roads were too unsafe to drive could we just have a credit for a future stay (not even asking for a refund) His reply was Rent a Jeep. In total 3 of my family members had reached out to the owners (several of us called in case there was a communication issue) asking for some flexibility in something out of our control but he wouldn't budge. We're out several hundred dollars now. While that may not seem like a lot to most, that amount was significant to us. We've been flexible with our travel plans when the owners have contacted us in regards to Covid issues as well as power outages at the cabins during high fire risk Santa Ana winds so I wish they were more understanding in this situation. In close we've made the decision to no longer support this business and will look into other nearby cabin options going forward. read more

My boyfriend and I stayed here for a weekend getaway. We stayed in a one bedroom cabin with a fireplace it was simple and we loved it. The location was perfectly close to Lake Cuyamaca and Julian. The owner was very friendly and accommodating. If you're looking for a rustic comfortable place to sleep I would recommend Laguna Mountain Lodge. It worked great for our fishing trip. read more

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not a great deal of choices up here as far as cabins go...this is THE place to stay. Laguna Mountain Lodge is a great weekend getaway without really leaving San Diego! there are motel units, and 1, 2, & 3 bedroom cabins...i have stayed in a motel unit (before i had kids b/c they do not allow kids at all)...why? well the reason they say is because the walls are thin and that kids would disrupt adjoining units... we have also more recently stayed in the 1 bedroom cabin...the place is just big enough to squish the 4 of us in here... the cabins are tiny...nothing fancy..but an indoor and inexpensive way to stay up in the mountains...absolutely amazing on a snowy day! the lodge finally has a facebook (because their website is pretty basic)...facebook has weather and road condition updates and they constantly post pics! this is great! i guess they grew tired of people calling to ask those same questions...which i must say they always happily let me know how much snow there is and what the roads are like.... customer service is excellent! there is a small convenient store in the lobby for last minute needs... cabins have kitchen equipment to cook for yourself i would like to get a 2 or 3 bedroom cabin over a snowy weekend next year (require a 2-3 night minimum sometimes) read more

Great little Mountain Oasis, John and George are great folks. Cabins are no frills but very comfortable. Really appreciate the welcoming hospitality read more

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We got married here this spring in the grove of trees behind the cabins. John was a breeze to work with, very accommodating and cheerful throughout the process, and cut us a great deal. The gorgeous grounds provided the perfect backdrop for our ceremony and small outdoor dinner reception. Regarding the rooms, you just need to know what you're signing up for. The place is rustic, to say the least, and the word "shabby" might be accurate. However, our cabin was clean and comfortable. Expect something a couple steps up from camping and you'll be happy; expect the Hilton and you'll be disappointed. We loved the ambiance. My family is considering coming back for summer vacations in the future, and our friends want to stay for a snowy weekend in the winter. Mount Laguna is beautiful and this is a fine base of operations for your trip. read more

Laguna Mountain Lodge & Trading Post - Cabins and swings for the kids. - Hotels Near Me - Mount Laguna, California

As it's been said already that the cabins are very rustic with no frills, but they have wood burning fireplaces, a small gas stove and a small refrigerator. Cozy little places that are perfect if you just want to get up to Mount Laguna and enjoy nature and fresh air. The cabins are right by the PCT and several other smaller hiking and biking trails. The visitor center is right next door too and they can give information on things to see and do in the area. I usually stay there about 4 - 5 times a year with my wife and two kids. One of my favorite places in San Diego county. read more

We've never actually stayed here at the Lodge, but we always stop in at the trading post to pick up our parking passes and chat with the staff! My kids love it! They are super nice and helpful. Once we left our NIKON digital SLR camera sitting on a treestump after we went sledding and someone turned it into the lodge! The lodge was so accomodating, they held our camera until the following weekend when we were able to drive back up to get it! AMAZING!!! You will never find that at any other National Park! Wow! read more

This is nothing more than a battle between flat lander, smug, spoiled brats vs the way things have always been and should be in the San Diego mountains. The guys that own the lodge are "real men" and have Mountain charm. Mt Laguna and Julian have been invaded by metros who expect a 5 star resort on Mt Laguna. The whole charm of the lodge is the rustic mountain feel of the cabins. I am shocked that you panty droppers are leaving bad reviews for this great retreat. The whole reason that locals love Mt Laguna is because it hasn't been spoiled like Julian w places that cater to spoiled brats. The owners were funny and accommodating. It sure beats a tent on a tree root. I am so happy that the lodge is still...The Lodge! God bless old school. read more

NOT PEOPLE FRIENDLY Dont expect to be treated like a human being let alone a paying customer. I would love to see a competing lodge and store go up in the area & teach the arrogant "owner of the building", the one who smokes on the porch less than 20ft away from the door, a much needed and seemingly deserved reality adjustment. He's hostile & enjoys altercation so don't bother complaining about their poor customer service. His aggressive body language makes patrons incredibly uncomfortable and fearful of their saftey. Beyond rude staff. There was a guy who swung the door shut on me on my way in, imagine my surprise when I watched him go behind the register. Concerned with his conversation and the woman her clipboard I was ignored until their convo finished and finally the guy rolled his eyes over to me. Talking with him was abrasive, his words were short and sharp. Likes to interrupt and can't stand questions. NOT PET FRIENDLY for people who aren't staying in their lodge. It felt strongly as if they were all walking around looking for a fight and beyond annoyed by customer presence. IF YOU CAN AVOID THIS PLACE, DO SO. Don't waste your money on these angry little men. read more

Booked a weekend stay at the lodge dorm. Heavy rains caused my mountain biking trip to cancel for that weekend. I called ahead and asked the lodge reception guy if I could change my reservation to another date due to the cancellation of the mtn biking trip. He says NO cancellations; NO reservation changes. Don't show up then lose your money. Come up and hike. Like the others reviews say. Not friendly at all. Not interested in dealing with the lodge at all for any future visit. read more

Wow. Not sure where to start. First, I'm only reviewing the general store, not the lodging. I walked in with my wife and 2 daughters to buy groceries for our cabin nearby. I have never felt less welcomed in an establishment in my life. We weren't greeted or assisted when we walked in (and no, I'm not ALWAYS looking for a greeting from the staff but the place was EMPTY so you think they would have appreciated our patronage). What the clerk, and another gentleman I assume was his friend, did manage to do however was track our every move in the store. My wife and daughter walks up to the register with items to make S'Mores (to include a very expensive box of graham crackers). To my surprise, the clerk immediately tells her the cost ($23.95?!?!) before they even emptied out the cart. Yes, he did a running total of EVERY item they picked up while they walked around the shop! Wtf? Did this asshole think we were going to pocket one of his overpriced items!??! My wife pays. The clerk does not offer a thank you. No come again. No have a nice day. But he sure did chat it up with the next caucasian couple that walked in. I have a hard time pulling the race card. Its a very uncomfortable and unfamiliar feeling for me. I don't believe I've ever experienced overt racism. I'm usually oblivious to "casual" or "light" bigotry directed my way. But this clerk and his friend were blatantly obvious with their disdain for me and my beautiful wife and daughters. I implore you, do not patronize this store. If you're staying in Laguna, come well supplied because this is the only market for miles. read more

Wow! Wish I had read the Yelp reviews of Mount Laguna Lodge before I booked. If you are reading this and have not put your credit card down, don't do it! We have traveled a lot, from camping, RV, boating to vacation rentals or hotels. We are not hard to please but have reasonable expectations for a place that is listed as two dollar signs and charges 280 dollars for two nights for a two bedroom cabin which included a small dog fee. This place is ridiculously overpriced first of all, and a horrible place to stay, period. The inn keeper is as rude as the other reviews have said, and when we could not make the first evening due to storms, we called not to ask for a refund or anything but as a courtesy to let him know. He was a jerk on the phone just as he had been when we made the reservation. Although we had a stand alone cabin so we did not have to deal with sharing walls with other parties. But the pleases stopped right there. The place is just dirty, in severe need of soap and water, scrubbing , a coat of paint and simple updating. My dog had a great time eating bugs from the floor, and I added a photo here of one of the big bugs on the blinds. The guys who own these are milking them dry, clearly not reinvesting money in the business in any way. The towels are ancient and rough as loofahs, the rugs ripped and mended with gaffers tape. The mattresses are the worst, and I only slept about two hours after dosing with melatonin. There is a kitchen but not one glass or dish, although they could outfit them for under 100 dollars from a Goodwill. But it is clear that they do not care about your comfort or your experience in anyway. It is hideous to think how much we paid for this heinous experience that would have been overpriced at 50 dollars a night. Please do not stay here. These folks don't need anymore encouragement but should sell to someone values and welcomes the opportunity to take care of people for a night or two in exchange for taking their money. read more

The guy who works the cash register here must be some kind of magician. Somehow we went through an entire transaction, as well as my entrance and exit of the store, and he didn't look at or speak to me a single time! *Abracadabra* I had visited here once before with friends and he was not very pleasant, but I figured maybe he was just having a bad day. Nope. He talked with another lady the entire time I was in the store, and seriously seemed to go out of his way to ignore me. Didn't even glance at me, just stuck his hand out for my money and looked the other way. I had just finished a hike, so I thought about what this guy's problem might be: A) He hates hikers. If so, he chose a really terrible place to live. B) He is incapable of doing two things at once, which is why he could never stop talking with the other lady in order to look at or speak to me. C) He's just an ass. D) All of the above. I think it's probably C, but I'm gonna go with D because it makes him look like an even bigger ass. Maybe he thinks it doesn't matter because he's the only game in town, but I know that next time I go hiking up here, I'm bringing everything I need and avoiding this place like a vegan avoids In-N-Out. read more

I think the guys in here hate having customers at their store. Especially when there is snow and their store is packed with visitors. Their faces are straight and they look angry because of alllll the customers in the store. They must hate selling all their merchandise at an inflated price because it must be annoying having to restock the shelves. I would be rude too if i had customer after customer giving me money and buying everything in my store. NOT! These guys suck big time. Like seriously they get swamped with customers and they seem like they hate being busy. They have a $10 credit/debit minimum which is stupid like the guy that helped me. "There's a $10 minimum" and i said "wow really" and he said "YES REALLY". I should if walked out right there but we wanted snack. The guy was a total butt head. I been there many times and each time is the same but this last time just did it for me. Next time we come up to Mt Laguna im just going to get snacks at the gas station in Julian. The prices are not inflated and they have better options. Like 7/11 basically. And The owner loves selling his merchandise. Unlike the jerks in Mt Laguna Lodge. P.s. NEVER BUY THE ADVENTURE PASS. ITS JUST A WAY FOR THEM TO GET YOUR MONEY. read more

Okay... I haven't even stayed here but I will immediately give 1 star because the guy I spoke to on the phone was totally rude. They also have way too many policies, such as with the number of people that can stay and the number of kids that can stay... Which is stupid because how can families enjoy together? They also only accept checks, no credit cards (kind of a lie because the website said you can use credit card). So to have to pay hundreds of dollars directly by check... That's kinda expensive. Anyway, booking here is so stressful and complicated, and the policies are ridiculously unreasonable. Defeats the purpose of having a good vacation. So yeah. read more

If you are planning a trip to Julian you should look into staying here at the Laguna Mountain Lodge. It has motel rooms, one, two and three bedroom cabins. The people that work the are really nice and friendly. The place is a little dated but it's a fun place when you're looking for a mountain get a way. I would recommend getting one of the cabins because it has the mini fridge ans stove so you can cook. The only place to eat that is close by is across the street (Blue Jay Lodge), which I do not recommend for dinner - I will Yelp them later on in my profile. The price ranges from $55 - $180 a night. They also have a general store where they sell packaged foods and drinks. Outside you can find shuffle board and swings. Right up the road you'll find the Pacific Crest Trail which is a great place to hike along with other trails. Overall this was a fun place to stay and get away from the city for a while. read more

Great place to pick up essentials and camping gear like inflatable air mattresses. Awesome staff! Thank you!

What this IS: a step up from camping with running water, indoor plumbing, electricity, and heating. What this is NOT: a fancy-schmancy hotel. The owners were very friendly and helpful during our visit, so I'm completely baffled that some reviews said that they were rude. They must've had a good reason to act in such a way. The one bedroom cabin that we rented was decent, but I personally would've preferred it cleaner. The cabin was exactly what I would expect from a rustic mountain retreat, RUSTIC. The website said that cooking utensils weren't included, but nothing in the kitchen was included except for a washcloth and towel, so plan accordingly. There are supplies you can buy at the general store if you do forget something. Prices are a little inflated, as one might predict in a rural area. read more

Not friendly at all. If possible avoid. 10$ minimum for credit cards...bitched about me pouring coffee into my own mug... just had a general jerky vibe. read more

The owner was curt and sort of rude. Not welcoming. Not a great start to checking in for a weekend. The cabin was dirty. Surely there's got to be another place to stay on the mountain. read more

I Really would like to give the place 3.75 stars. The reason why I'm not giving it 4 stars has nothing to do with the actual lodge. I was there on a photo shoot and for the price would love to have Wifi in the cabin (you can get it on the front porch) and have restaurants open past 5, well open period would be nice. If I wasn't on a shoot and simply exploring the area then I would be gleefully giddy over the accommodations. The Laguna Lodge personnel were friendly and helpful. They have hiking maps of the area for sale at $2.00. Check out the Mt. Laguna Campsite. Not only are the camp hosts, Tom and Linda, incredibly helpful and nice, the area has a Beautiful Lake, Meadow and large expansive trees near the amphitheater. I recommend purchasing a yearly adventure pass (only 30.00) vs. a daily pass (5.00). Yes, anytime you pull to the side of the road to hike or snap some photos you'll need the pass displayed in your vehicle. The surrounding areas a STUNNING, give yourself plenty of time for exploring all the hidden gems of the area. There are mountain lions in the area and the nights are a bit chilly so I recommend exploring with a partner. ;);) read more

I loved this place! The setting was beautiful and peaceful, and there's tons of hiking nearby. We stayed in a 1 bedroom cabin with kitchenette. It was awesome having the convenience of a mini-fridge and microwave. But be sure to bring your own pots/pans (if you want to use the stove), dishes, and utensils. The satellite TV was a big plus for vegging out in the evenings. Dining options are limited. The cafe across the street is seldom open, and the mini-market at the lodge is only open until 5pm. So be sure to be prepared with your own food, or you'll have to make the drive to a nearby town. And the forest visitor center and post office are just a short walk away. read more

First time staying here, always been camping at El Prado down the road. On the Plus Side - Showers - no quarters, lines, or long cold walks home to campsite Fridge - kept my Grapefruit Sculpin growler ice cold, and Ben and Jerry's frozen Bathroom - come on ladies, who really wants to hike to a stinky Andy Gump in the middle of the night? Loads of storage - more than most hotels! Mini-kitchen - great for crafting a simple meal, but then there is also the Blue Jay Restaurant just across the road. MTB and Hiking Trails - this sits at the top of Burnt Rancheria Trail and close to Red Tail Roost - LOVE that. Free Birthday Brownie!!! - Very cool that Tom at the front desk made my morning with this thoughtful touch - thanks Tom!!! On the minus Side- Dog Restrictions - yes I see the posts about the lodge discriminating against certain breeds. I'm pretty confident there is a legal reason, probably insurance related. I do know that my insurance company will drop me if I get a Pit or Pit Mix, Rott., or other certain other breeds. Sadly this is just the way it is for many homeowners and businesses that choose to allow dogs. Not the businesses' fault, but the fault of the few irresponsible owners/breeders that harm the reputation of the breed. Loved my stay, and I will return for a very easy way to experience the beauty of the Laguna's at a moments notice!!!! read more

Of course it's not 5 Star luxury. But it's old and charmy and the staff is nice and helpful. We came up from San Diego so our daughter can see some snow early tomorrow morning. I don't get the negative reviews. Must be a case of unreasonable expectation. We're having a great time. read more

I've stayed at the one of the cabins at the Mountain Lodge once before and have also frequented the Trading Post on the many trips I've taken up to the Lagunas. This place is a godsend in the sense that there isn't any other stores or sources of food, snacks and supplies anywhere nearby. The cabins are also nice if you aren't up for camping and looking for something a bit more comfortable. I do recommend this business and you do have to appreciate this place for having its own unique sleepy mountain town character. read more