Hiking & Biking Trails in Big Bear:
Big
Bear Valley offers some of the most beautiful and serene
hiking and biking trails in Southern California. They range
from easy to considerably more challenging. Big Bear was
voted "Best Hiking in Southern California" by
readers of the Orange County Register.
ALPINE
PEDAL PATH / 2.5 MILES, VERY EASY:
The Alpine Pedal Path is an
asphalt path that wanders along the north shore of Big Bear
Lake. It is easily accessible for hiker, skaters, joggers
and even strollers and wheelchairs. It starts at Stanfield
Cutoff and ends at the Discovery Center.
WOODLAND
TRAIL / 1.5 MILE LOOP, EASY: This is a unique nature
trail with 20 posted stops. Pick up a pamphlet at the entrance
and take the self-guided tour where you will learn about
botany, geology, and the wildlife of this dry woodland area.
You can leave your car in the parking lot if you exhibit
an Adventure Pass.
CHAMPION
LODGEPOLE PINE TRAIL / .6 MILE ROUND-TRIP, EASY: The
Lodgepole Pine Trail is on the south side of the lake and
is a gentle walk down a path along a stream, ending up at
the Champion Lodgepole Pine, one of the largest known lodgepoles
in California. Begin by driving up Mill Creek (Forest Road
2N10) for 4.5 miles, turn right on 2N11 and continue 1 mile
to the trailhead.
COUGAR
CREST TRAIL / 4-5 MILES, MODERATE-DIFFICULT: The Cougar
Crest Trail starts .6 miles west of the Discovery Center
on HWY. 38. You will need an Adventure Pass to park in the
trailhead parking area. On the Cougar Crest Trail you will
walk through a wide variety of natural environments. The
first mile is a gentle uphill climb, but after a mile or
so you will realize you are gaining altitude. The Cougar
Crest Trail ends at the juncture of the world famous 2,600
mile long Pacific Crest Trail.
SNOW
SUMMIT/GRANDVIEW LOOP BIKE TRAIL / 9 MILES, LOW INTERMEDIATE:
A very popular novice ride that starts by taking the Snow
Summit Scenic Sky Chair. This ride has a 3-mile roller coaster
ride to Grandview Point Junction. There you have the option
to ride 2.5 miles to Grandview Point where the view is beautiful
and well worth the extra time.
JOHN
BULL LOOP BIKE TRAIL / 14.9 MILES, INTERMEDIATE: Start
at the bas of Van Dusen Canyon (3N09). It is a nice 3.4
mile warm up climb to Holcomb Valley. It flattens out after
a while but soon it turns steep, rutted and sandy. If you
do it right, you will end up back at your car.
GROUT
BAY BIKE TRAIL / 13 MILES, INTERMEDIATE: This trail
starts with a short paved climb from the Fawnskin Fire Department
up to (3N14), continue 2.5 miles to Hanna Flat campground.
From there Grout Bay Trail starts at the back of the campsite
and starts climbing. The trail climbs and descends and you
will end your ride back to Fawnskin.
Please
Remember: If you plan to park your vehicle in the forest
or at many of the trailheads, you will need to purchase
an Adventure Pass and display it in your vehicle when parked.
You can buy the pass from any Forest Service officer or
at a number of businesses throughout the valley.
