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Big Bear is a wonderful vacation destination for those of all types. Whether you are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of big city life or you want to enjoy the great outdoors, Big Bear is perfect for you. If you are visiting the Big Bear area on your next vacation, make sure that you visit the Big Bear Discovery Center for great natural insight into the area.
Big Bear Discovery Center opened in 1998 and is the largest visitor center in the Big Bear Valley. Visitors can stop by and be one of the more than 190,000 yearly visitors to enjoy exhibits, weekly programs, eco-tours, and special events like outdoor concerts, theater productions, and nighttime interpretive programs in the Big Bear Discovery Center Amphitheater. The Discovery Center’s goal is to ensure your visit here is enjoyable and heighten your awareness to help you become a more knowledgeable and responsible caretaker of the San Bernardino National Forest.
The Big Bear Discovery Center is full of different attractions and landmark information guides to help shape your vacation. Some of the incredible activities which begin from the Discovery Center in Big Bear include naturalist-led kayak and canoe tours, adventure passes, hiking and biking maps, camping information, maps of forest roads and off-highway vehicle adventures, Forest Service permits, interpretive programs, environmental education for school and scout groups, and much more!
The Discovery Center Big Bear is located at 40971 North Shore Drive/Hwy 38, Fawnskin CA 92333. The Discovery Center is open Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 9 am to 4 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. The Center is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The Big Bear Discovery Center is co-managed by the non-profit Southern California Mountains Foundation and the U.S. Forest Service. Entrance is free and the facility is pet friendly. The Big Bear Discovery Center is your gateway to adventure and discovery in the great outdoors. The Discovery Center is an educational and informational portal to the San Bernardino National Forest and is located within the heart of the Big Bear Valley. This nearby oasis is a one- to three-hour drive from anywhere in Southern California.
If you are going to Big Bear on your next vacation, the Big Bear Discovery Center is a must visit. If you would like help with planning, let Big Bear Vacations be your guide.
(Image By Big Bear Discovery Center (Big Bear Discovery Center) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons)
Big Bear, California is a uniquely wonderful winter destination in Southern California. While the region is primarily known for its beaches, Big Bear stands out as a one-of-a-kind mountain town in a sea of seaside cities.
Nestled in the middle of the San Bernardino National Forest, Big Bear is a peaceful destination year-round, but the quiet and picturesque snow that covers the landscape during the cold season make activities like Big Bear snowshoeing a breathtakingly beautiful and immensely fun experience. Snowshoeing in Big Bear also enables you to access trails thatskiers and snowboarders can’t, as well as get your heart pumping while enjoying the great outdoors in an intense but scenic workout. No matter what reason you’re interested in snowshoeing in Big Bear, you can find out more about this wonderful winter activity below!
Whether you decide to snowshoe in Big Bear with or without a guide, you’re guaranteed to have an awesome experience. See wildlife like deer and squirrel, as well as animal tracks from a variety of species.
You can pick up a guidebook on animal tracks from the Big Bear Discovery Center on the north shore of Big Bear Lake. The center also offers weekend programs in which children can learn how to spot different types of footprints on the snow.
If you’re interested in using a guide, Action Snowshoe Tours is a great choice for tour services. Visitors ages ten and up, regardless of ability level, are able to participate in the three-hour long multi-terrain Big Bear snowshoeing tour that they offer.
Tour guides, trail maps, and snowshoe rentals can all be found at places like Goldsmiths Sports, Bear Valley Bikes, and Open Air Big Bear as well. Open Air Big Bear offers a wide range of snowshoe treks that take visitors to Snow Summit, Pine Knot Trail, and Grandview Point. They also offer moonlight Big Bear snowshoe treks, which are timed so that headlamps aren’t needed under the bright light of the full moon illuminating the pure white snow. It’s a surreal experience that everyone should try at least once in their life!
Contact our office for further information on snowshoeing in Big Bear and other awesome activities you can partake in during your time in Big Bear when you book your stay in one of the cozy vacation rental properties that are available through Big Bear Vacations today!
Snow play outside of tubing hills is permitted on public property including the National Forest, city parks, and picnic areas. If you choose to enjoy snow in these areas, remember:
Not a skier or snowboarder? Enjoy the snowy slopes on an inner tube instead! The Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain and Big Bear Snow Play operate year-round with seasonal snow tubing offered each winter.
Tubing parks allow guests to enjoy snow sliding in a safe and controlled environment away from cars and traffic.
Big Bear Snow Play – Snow Tubing November to Easter
Big Bear Snow Play has the longest tubing runs in Southern California! Save your energy for the ride down with the Magic Carpet moving walkways that take you to the top. Glow tubing on Friday, Saturday and holiday nights. Our extensive snowmaking system provides excellent snow coverage, and nightly grooming ensures the best possible conditions.
Both children and their parents can experience the thrill of snow tubing down snow-packed slopes November to April. Glide down the smooth vertical incline on an inner tube for a fun-filled ride. Snow tubing at Alpine Slide Big Bear is the ultimate outdoor family outing. Playing in the snow is one of the greatest ways to bond families together and creates memories that last a lifetime. Many families have made sliding down the slopes of Big Bear Lake an annual tradition.
Alpine Slide Big Bear has ski-resort quality snowmaking systems to ensure there is always snow. The runs are groomed, which makes ideal sliding conditions. As winter continues, both Mother Nature and Alpine Slide will cover the snow-tubing park with tons of the white stuff, which will eventually stack up to 15 to 20 feet of snow.
Alpine Slide makes it easy to get to the top of the hill too, with its Magic Carpet ride. The moving conveyor belt eliminates the stress of climbing the hill and provides more opportunity for having fun on the slopes. For added comfort, the Magic Carpet ride comes equipped with a Plexiglass cover to shield guests from winter-weather conditions.
Experience the magic of snow tubing at night at both Alpine Slide and Big Bear Snow Play! When the sun goes down, the neon lights come on sweeping the slopes with color and an ultra-cool vibe. It’s much colder at night so dress in layers for warmth. Glow Tubing offered on Fridays, Saturdays, and Holidays from 5 PM – 9 PM.
Glow Tubing offering nightly from December 20 – 23 and December 26 – January 11.
Are you ready for an adventure that will leave you exhilarated? Look no further than the Mineshaft Coaster, an exciting new mountain coaster that promises fun for the whole family! Take in breathtaking mountain views as you ascend to the top, then hold on tight as you speed down a mile-long track, in control of your own speed.
A gravity-powered mountain coaster, this is the first and only mountain coaster in the state of California.
If you’re interested in discovering more about this ride, you have come to the right place!
This guide features everything you need to know about riding the Mineshaft Mountain Coaster, including insider tips and advice, so keep reading to find out more!
Reaching a speed of up to 25mp/h (40 kp/h), the Mineshaft Mountain Coaster is 2,854 ft (870m) in length and offers riders an exhilarating ride down the mountain.
The ride includes sweeping views of Big Bear’s scenery with multiple 360-degree loops, twists and turns.
The total downhill ride time is about 2 minutes long, depending on your speed.
That’s a pretty impressive descent so this is a ride you do not want to miss!
Mountain coasters are fitted with a manual brake so the speed of the ride is something that you’re in control of.
You can expect each ride to last about 5 minutes. This includes a 3-minute cable-pulled ascent to the top.
The Mineshaft Coaster can reach a maximum speed of 25 mp/h (40 km/h).
As a safety feature, mountain coasters are fitted with an automatic braking system that prevents the carts from going over the maximum speed.
In addition, this mountain coaster is fitted with a manual brake that lets riders control the speed of their descent.
If 40 km/h (25 mp/h) is too fast for you, you can slow the ride down to a speed that feels more comfortable.
Mountain or alpine coasters are essentially gravity-powered roller coasters that use the natural contours of a mountain to provide riders with a thrilling downhill ride experience.
Mountain coasters are a fantastic activity that the whole family can enjoy. However, given the nature of this ride, there are age and height restrictions that apply.
A great feature of mountain coasters is that they offer the option of two seats. This is great for parents with children too young to go on the ride alone.
In addition, mountain coasters are equipped with a manual brake which enables riders to adjust the speed of their descent.
This unique feature allows riders to have greater control of their experience.
If things get a bit too fast for your liking you can apply the brake, if you’re more of the daredevil type then you can leave the brake untouched for maximum speed.
Another great feature of alpine coasters is that no prior experience or training is necessary. You can just jump in and enjoy the ride.
Double riding is permitted as long as the combined weight does not exceed the maximum – 370 lbs in dry conditions and 325 lbs in wet conditions.
Children must be at least 3 years of age and must ride with an adult 18 years or older.
The key height and age restrictions to ride the Mineshaft Mountain Coaster are listed below:
The Mineshaft Mountain Coaster is open all year round (weather dependent).
Operating hours are as follows:
| Day | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday – Thursday | 10:00 a.m – 4:00 p.m |
| Friday – Saturday / Holidays | 10:00 a.m – 9:00 p.m |
| Sunday | 10:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m |
Open year round, visit Big Bear’s premier gemstone experience! Featured in magazines and newspapers as well as on the lifestyle television show of “This is LA”, the Gold Rush Mining Co. is the most unique, immersive and interactive gift store and attraction dedicated to the mining theme. Designed to appeal to all ages, stimulate imagination and satisfy various interests in earth’s elements. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore a diverse array of interesting artifacts and items in addition to crystals, rocks, minerals, fossils and geodes originating from all over the world. Also showcased is a selection of jewelry, toys, souvenirs as well as other retail items – all placed within thoughtfully created displays. One is sure to find something for everyone in your party. From the moment you step onto the property, It’s a visual extravaganza not to be missed!
Discover what gem is specific to your astrological sign, birth month and planetary stone. Find your numerology gem. We’ll show you how to calculate your information and find the right gemstones! Gain insight into Chakra and healing gemstones as well as the Aura and how the colors affect your body!
Scientists cannot agree….Was it a volcanic eruption or a meteorite crashing to earth? Whatever the case, there’s both to explore! Volcanic gas bubbles, known as geodes, take millions of years to develop their sparkling crystalline centers. Choose one for yourself and make use of the custom built machine to crack it open, be the first to reveal its hidden crystals! Imagine, folks gathering to admire the glistening center, you are pleased this volcanic masterpiece is yours to take home.
Seize the moment, voyage among the stars! Lunar debris is abundant with celestial gems. Visit our cosmic galaxy and take home treasures beyond the earth!
Museum replicas cast from dinosaurs that once roamed the earth are on display in addition to the fossils offered for purchase. Earn a dinosaur hunting license and experience a dino-rrifically good time by unearthing fossils from a volcanic sand pit. Keep all the fossils you find! Don’t let this opportunity go extinct….You’ll be sorry-a-saurus if you miss out!
Suitable for all ages! Embrace your inner explorer and try one of our themed gemstone panning or digging activities. They’re fun as well as educational. Every miner will take home a collection of souvenirs. Gemstone panning is a fun alternative to traditional gold panning. We offer a variety of diverse themes to choose from. Each theme’s treasures are different from the next as well as the reveal process. A mineral chart is included to identify your finds and also serves as a resource for additional facts. Best of all, take home all that you discover!
Our fanciful, one of a kind location takes visitors back in time. The Big Bear area brought many miners seeking gold after a bear hunter named William Holcomb discovered the biggest strike in Southern California! Word spread fast and the gold fervor hit at a fevers pitch. Soon after, a town was resurrected to exploit the wealth of gold and the rush was on. Many came to stake their claim in hopes of finding the mother lode. To this very day, the mother lode has not been discovered! At Gold Rush, visitors will gain a glimpse of the past by walking the weathered boardwalk of the Glitter Gulch ghost town. The towns’ afterlife has its own unique personality! The atmosphere will infuse the fever responsible in creating the fascination of the gold rush phenomenon still alive today! Seize an opportunity to pan for real gold and experience the thrill of a eureka moment! Get jailed at the courthouse, check out the Gold N’ Spirits Saloon, meet Maribelle – the miners mule, pay your respects at the “Pay Dirt” Cemetery and so much more! Friendly ghosts roam the grounds, photo opts abound and are encouraged to capture your memorable experiences! Warning…..We know its’ tempting, but, PLEASE don’t encourage the ghosts to follow you home. We love our friendly inhabitants and would be sad to see them go.
Go on our Gold Rush Scavenger Hunt! Custom designed to our location, gamers and puzzle solvers may choose to take the challenge of unlocking clues in order to find the “hidden” treasure!
Order our Special Blend of Gem Gravel Online…
Can’t make it up to our location but want to pan at home. Email or call and one of our glitter gals have your order shipped directly to your door along with instructions. Mining at home is easy and fun. A great activity for children’s kids parties, fundraisers or organization events.
Reservations are required. Please call for details.
Treasure is all around us….at our feet, under the earth and sea as well as above our heads.
We continually add new and interesting options for our returning guests. Special events are held throughout the year.
Photos are highly encouraged to capture the never ending smiles, laughter and moments absolutely guaranteed!
Open Year Round, Rain, Snow or Shine. Our Covered Sluice is Open- Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
The Gold Rush Mining Company is located at 40016 Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear Lake, Ca. 92315
Appropriate for All Ages – For More Information Call: 909-866-5678
Website: WWW.goldrushminingco.com
Email: goldrushattraction@gmail.com
Days & Hours: Vary by Season – please call to confirm.
There are no special requirements – except to have fun!
Ghost Town Admission: FREE! Retail & Mining Options Range: $ – $$$
California has a way of bringing beauty to mind. When you envision a trip to this westernmost state, it’s easy to imagine loads of sunshine, pricey vehicles swerving along chic boulevards and endless coastline waiting to be surfed. While swanky Southern California most definitely has its perks, there’s much more to this area waiting to be explored! When you’re looking for a destination that brings big fun, scenic beauty, rugged landscapes, and pristine waterways, look no further than Big Bear Lake, California. While you’ll indulge in the beauty, you won’t break the bank. Get ready to get out and make the most of a Big Bear vacation without having to spend much to have an amazing time.
When you’re searching for a wonderful low, cost way to explore and understand this vibrant and rich area, be sure to add the Big Bear Historical Museum to your itinerary. This is a great afternoon stop for an immersive and engaging experience. Stop by for a chance to gain an understanding of the cowboys, gold mining rush, Serrano Indians, cattle ranching and farming that made up the past which led to present day Big Bear. The San Bernardino Mountains have long been a place where stories unfold, and this museum has perfected the art of preserving the past for the sake of the future.
Getting out and onto the many trails in Big Bear is a great way to capture the essence of this location while communing with nature. Pine Knot Trail is a top-rated destination for those hiking with friends and family. With a trailhead at Mill Creek Road, Pine Knot Trail covers just over 3-miles of land and provides scenic opportunities to view trees, foliage, wildlife and more! If you circle back to your starting point at the Aspen Glen Picnic Area, you’ll find several picnic tables perfect for enjoying lunch in the open-air.
When you’ve worked up an appetite in the museums and on the trails, head over to Nottinghams Restaurant and Tavern for a well-priced, extra flavorful meal you’re sure to enjoy. Enjoy a rustic ambiance in this wood-façade locale that serves up everything from steak to hamburgers and seafood with Southern California flair. Grab a comfy booth or select an outdoor patio table to enjoy your dinner. This restaurant often hosts live musical performances, making a meal that much sweeter.
You don’t have to bend your budget to make a trip to Big Bear memorable. When you’re here, let the team at Big Bear Vacations book your ideal rental home that matches your taste, style and pocketbook. Contact us today to begin planning!
Planning a Trip to Big Bear on a Budget
When you envision a trip to this westernmost state, it’s easy to imagine loads of sunshine, pricey vehicles swerving along chic boulevards and infinite coastline waiting to be surfed. While swanky Southern California most definitely has its perks, there’s much more to this area waiting to be explored! When you’re searching for a destination that brings big fun, scenic beauty, rugged landscapes, and pristine waterways, look no further than Big Bear Lake. While you’ll indulge in the beauty, you won’t break the bank.
The Big Bear Mountains are home to some truly spectacular natural views and wonders. Outdoor enthusiasts come from near and far to explore the rugged terrain, incredible wildlife, and spectacular scenery when the summer months arrive. While it’s amazing to explore, this area also serves up a tasty treat in the form of the Big Bear Farmers Market.
Every Tuesday, April through the end of September between 8:30 am and 1:00 pm, visitors and locals are invited to come to indulge in the flavors and colors that let you know the Big Bear Farmers Market is in full swing. This farm to table experience is hosted at the corner of Division and Big Bear Boulevard towards the corner of the Big Bear Convention Center. The Big Bear Farmers Market provides the perfect opportunity for California farmers to display and sell their goods much to the delight of those visiting and browsing. All farmers at this farm-fresh market are certified, California-based growers who pride themselves on offering up top-quality products and produce. Whether you’re in the mood for fish, vegetables or food, the Big Bear Farmers Market is a wonderful place to pick up something savory.
While the highlight of the Big Bear Farmers Market is the fresh food, visitors will have a chance to browse merchandise from a variety of on-site vendors that includes everything from hand-crafted art to Avon products. Candles, carpets and vintage finds are all a part of a day spent wandering and enjoying the atmosphere at The Big Bear Farmers Market.
This farmers market is loved for its farm-fresh take on an afternoon of shopping, but the experience is also dedicated to supporting local businesses. In the name of promoting local shopping opportunities, many food stands, trucks and sample tables set up for this Tuesday event in the hopes of spreading the word about their business. Feel free to dig in and indulge in some local flavors when you try everything from local coffee to tacos and even lemonade.
After a day spent strolling through the Big Bear Farmers Market, make your way back to a home away from home that greets you in stylish comfort. Big Bear Vacations is your number one destination for all things vacation rentals in Big Bear. We’re here to help you book a pristine property that speaks to your specific vacation taste. Contact us today to start planning your next trip.
Big Bear Farmers Market
The Big Bear Mountains are home to some amazing natural views and wonders. Outdoor fans come from near and far to explore the rugged terrain, incredible wildlife, and stunning scenery when the summer months come. While it’s amazing to explore, this area also serves up a tasty treat in the form of the Big Bear Farmers Market.
If you’re fortunate enough to have a week to spare to simply indulge in all that Big Bear, California has to offer, you’re in great luck! This beautiful piece of Southern California provides visitors from near and far with opportunities to engage with nature, explore rugged landscapes, soak up the sun lakeside and mix and mingle with fellow travelers! Not to mention the delicious dining opportunities that wait around nearly every corner. When you’re here for a week, make the most of your time by adding these highlight destinations to your ideal Big Bear to do list.
While it’s incredible to get out and explore the beautiful landscape that makes up Big Bear, the Big Bear Discovery Center on North Shore Drive is the perfect way to get more in-depth with your experience. This combined visitor center, resource center and nature center first opened in 1998 and welcomes 190,000 visitors every year. Stop by and check out the exhibits featuring the area’s many wildlife, speak with a naturalist about hiking and biking in the area or sign up for one of the many eco-tours the center hosts.
When it’s time to hit the trails, Castle Rock is the place to start. The trailhead lies east of the dam on Highway 18 and in total, covers over 2.5-miles of ground. This is a popular route that puts you in touch with other outdoor enthusiasts while maintaining a moderate level of hiking difficulty. The path provides views of the lake and surrounding forests and is a wonderful location for spotting wildlife and birds. Photographers are fond of this path for its many natural frames and often beautiful lighting.
Whether you’re into live music, kayaking or canoeing, Boulder Bay Park is the place for you during a visit to Big Bear. A variety of walking trails make this destination a great place to land with children. Fishing piers provide a wonderful lookout for admiring the many large boulders that surround and find themselves immersed in the lake. Kayakers and canoers will have an easy time making the most of the water with boat ramps readily available. During the summer months, Boulder Bay Park frequently hosts live musical performances on the bandstand so it’s worth keeping an eye on the events calendar!
A week in Big Bear, California is sure to lead to lifetime memories with the amazing options in our Big Bear to do list. As you get ready to explore this beautiful destination, let the team at Big Bear Vacations book you into a rental home that fits your taste and style. Make the trip stress free by focusing on the fun while we take care of the accommodation details. Contact us today to start planning your next adventure!
7 Days in Big Bear
If you’re lucky enough to have a week to spare to indulge in all that Big Bear has to offer, you’re in great luck! This beautiful place provides tourists from near and far with opportunities to engage with nature, explore rugged landscapes, soak up the sun lakeside and mix and mingle with other travelers! Not to mention the tasty dining opportunities that wait around almost every corner.
A trip to Big Bear Lake, California is best enjoyed on an extended schedule. With so much to see, do and explore you could stay well beyond your intended itinerary and still find more to discover. However, it is possible to plan a weekend getaway to this beautiful destination and 3-days can be transformed into unforgettable memories when you hit some of these Big Bear fun places and highlights.
The rugged landscape and lush foliage that encompass Big Bear Lake make this destination one that beckons to outdoor enthusiasts from near and far. When you’re here for three days, make sure to dedicate one of those days to a biking trip around Alpine Pedal Path. Hugging North Shore Drive, this path provides pristinely maintained paved roadway dedicated to bike and foot traffic. Opportunities to view the lake while making your way through towering trees alongside local wildlife make this the perfect destination for the entire family.
Once you’ve spent time admiring the water at Big Bear, it’s time to dedicate some time to the wildlife that calls this area home. Big Bear is teeming with incredible creatures and many of them are protected at Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Fowl Preserve. A stroll along the boardwalk offers up unsurpassed views of the natural marsh and the many birds that use this ecosystem for nesting. The preserve covers nearly 45-acres and provides a peaceful place to see nature thrive without the commotion of boats or swimmers nearby.
End your 3-day Big Bear getaway on a sweet note by booking tickets for a show at The Cave. This movie theater turned performance venue is a family-friendly establishment that features up and coming musicians on a regular basis. Two levels of seating and options to reserve VIP tickets make this destination a musical treat for everyone. Whether you’re into folk, disco or rock, The Cave on Village Drive is an excellent place to top off your Southern California vacation.
The team at Big Bear Vacations is happy to help you book the perfect vacation home for your 3-day stay in Big Bear, but we’re pretty sure one trip here will lead to another and we’ll see you again soon. No matter how many times you visit, we’ll be sure to have you settled in a Big Bear home away from home that makes you feel like family. Contact us today to start planning your Big bear getaway and visit the best Big Bear fun places!
3 Days in Big Bear
A trip to Big Bear Lake is best enjoyed on an extended schedule. With so much to see, do and explore you could stay well beyond your intended itinerary and still find more to discover. However, it is possible to plan a weekend getaway to this gorgeous destination and 3-days can be transformed into unforgettable memories when you hit some of these Big Bear fun places and highlights.
Hiking in a scenic mountain setting like Big Bear means that you and your traveling companions have a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience the area’s breathtaking wilderness firsthand. Find out more about Big Bear hiking trails down below!
Hikers of all skills and abilities will find a trail to love with the extensive network of Big Bear hiking trails. Whether you’re not too experienced with hiking or you just want to go on an easy, laid-back Big Bear hike, the best places to start are Champion Lodgepole Pine Trail and Woodland Trail for hiking in Big Bear and Alpine Pedal Pathon the northern shore of Big Bear Lake for a nice paved walk.
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The Champion Lodgepole Pine Trail is just over a half-mile long, taking hikers to one of the tallest trees in all of Big Bear: the Champion Lodgepole Pine. Woodland Trail offers beautiful sights as well, while the Alpine Pedal Path is two miles long and exposes visitors to gorgeous views of Big Bear Lake along the way.
On the opposite end of the difficulty, spectrum is Cougar Crest Trail. For any hiker looking for a challenge, Cougar Crest Trail might be the best Big Bear hiking trail around, as its four to five-and-a-half mile-length makes it one of the longer trails around and it links up with the amazing Pacific Crest Trail. You’ll encounter the trailhead at a half-mile past the Discovery Center.
Hikers seeking trails that are more challenging than a nature walk and less challenging than Cougar Crest Trail might want to try Pine Knot Trail or Castle Rock Trail. The trailhead for Pine Knot Trail starts in the Aspen Glen Picnic Area and takes hikers through a winding path lined with white fir and Jeffrey pine trees until you reach Grand View Point, for a total of six miles.
Castle Rock Trail, meanwhile, can be found along Big Bear Lake’s southern shore. It’s a popular Big Bear hiking trail for its sweeping views that span a full three hundred and sixty degrees of panoramic sights, making the mild two and a half-mile length of the trail more than worth it.
https://www.alltrails.com/us/california/big-bear-lake
Contact our reservation specialists to learn about hiking in Big Bear and other fun outdoor activities and sports that you can do in Big Bear when you book your lodgings in one of our quaint vacation rental cabins or lodges today!
Big Bear Lake, California offers up unsurpassed views nearly everywhere you look, but nothing compares to getting out and hitting up the many trails this area calls its own. Between the mountains that stretch towards the blue skies, the gently flowing waterways, pristine lakes and towering forests, hiking in this region is sure to an experience in natural discovery. While the options for hiking are vast, there are a few trails that stand out from the rest and shouldn’t be missed.
Before you make your way to the trailhead, be sure that you’ve packed for the occasion. Hikers are encouraged to carry enough water to last for the entire hike and should always come prepared with durable footwear and layered clothing. While trails fluctuate between levels of difficulty, the terrain here includes rock outcroppings, steep inclines and a variety of plant life that should be taken into consideration before heading out. Hiking in teams is a great way to keep the adventure safe and provides backup if you should require assistance. Visitors should also note that trail maps and information on off-the-beaten path routes are always available at the Big Bear Visitor Center upon request.
Covering over 3-miles of ground, Pine Knot Trail is an excellent hike for those looking for a moderately challenging excursion. Located off Mill Creek Road, those who take this trail are sure to encounter an array of beautiful wildflowers as well as Pine and Oak trees that line the path. A panoramic view of Big Bear Lake marks a significant point of natural beauty on this trail.
Located just east of Big Bear Dam, Castle Rock Trail is a very popular destination with visitors to the area. While this trail doesn’t make for a long climb, those looking to enjoy a vertical challenge will enjoy the elevation fluctuations of 500-feet. Rock outcroppings make for picturesque stops along the way while Cedar, Pine and White Fir trees make up the primary population of the surrounding forest. A panoramic view of the lake is waiting for hikers at the highest point of the trail and is well worth the climb.
Those looking for a family hike will want to make their way towards the Alpine Pedal Path Trail that begins at the Stanfield Cutoff. This paved trail covers over 3-miles of ground in total and is a convenient route for those traveling with skateboards, bikes or strollers. This area is also infamous for the potential to view the Bald Eagle population that makes its way towards the San Bernardino Mountains between the months of November and April each year.
When you’ve hiked the trails and need a place to refuel for upcoming adventures, make sure you’re booked into a vacation home that provides the comfort you deserve. The team at Big Bear Vacations is happy to help you find a location that fits your outdoor taste and style. Let us know if you’re looking for a rustic cabin, a lakefront home or a place that provides a private hot tub. Our large portfolio of properties means we can help customized any stay. Contact us to start planning!
Hiking
Oh, the places you will go! So many amazing hiking trails to choose from in Big Bear. From easy to difficult, the entire family and/or group will enjoy the trails. Some of the best hiking in southern California and the views of the mountains and lake will not disappoint.
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