HomeTop Reasons to Visit this SummerTop Reasons to Visit this Summer

Unforgettable Summers Start with Big Bear Vacations

Summer is the perfect time to head up the mountain and enjoy everything Big Bear Lake has to offer. When you stay with Big Bear Vacations, you’re not just booking a cabin—you’re unlocking the door to mountain air, lake days, starry nights, and experiences your family will talk about for years to come.

Just a short drive from Southern California’s major cities, Big Bear in the summer is bursting with adventure, fresh alpine breezes, and that laid-back charm only a small town can offer.

☀️ Made for Summer: Why July in Big Bear Is Unmissable

With mild 80-degree afternoons and cool nights in the 50s, July is ideal for all-day fun—and all-night relaxation.

Stay in one of our cozy, curated vacation homes, then hit the lake, hike the forest, or explore The Village. Whether you’re here to unwind or get your adrenaline fix, Big Bear Vacations puts you at the center of it all.

Book a Stay With:

Lakefront Cabins with private docks and unbeatable views
Pet-Friendly Homes so your pup doesn’t miss out on the fun
Village Walkable Rentals for dining, shopping, and music just steps away
Cabins with Hot Tubs, Game Rooms, or BBQ patios to unwind your way

Celebrate the 4th of July—Big Bear Style

Every year, Big Bear becomes a fireworks-filled celebration of red, white, and blue. With one of SoCal’s most breathtaking shows lighting up the lake, it’s no surprise this is one of our busiest weekends.

Best Ways to Watch the Show

️ From the Water
Rent a pontoon boat or paddle out in a kayak for a peaceful, panoramic experience. Ask our team about lakefront cabin rentals with direct launch access!

From the Shore
Plan a picnic and settle into these top viewing spots:

Veterans Park
Pine Knot Park
Ski Beach Park (fan favorite for space and views)

⛰️ From the Summit
Above the Boom at Snow Summit offers BBQ, music, and fireworks from 8,200 feet. Ask us how to get tickets when you book your stay!

Traffic Tip: Avoid the hassle by staying close to the lake or using Big Bear’s free trolley service. We’ll help you find a rental that keeps you close to the action—without the headache.

Celebrate Safely—Protect the Mountains

Personal fireworks are strictly prohibited in Big Bear due to fire danger. Please enjoy the city’s professional show over the lake and help us keep the forest, homes, and wildlife safe.

️ Your Summer, Made in Big Bear

From June through September, Big Bear transforms into a handcrafted escape. With high-altitude adventure and small-town charm, summer here feels both exciting and familiar. At Big Bear Vacations, we’re proud to help you connect, celebrate, and create memories that stick.

Adventure Awaits

Forest hikes, mountain biking, and lake days
Jeep tours, zip-lining, and scenic chairlift rides
Local events, live music, and open-air markets

Want to Dig Deeper?

Explore the Big Bear History Museum or take a self-guided scavenger hunt through The Village—perfect for families or curious travelers.

Puptopia Festival – July 26, 2025

Staying in one of our pet-friendly cabins? Don’t miss Puptopia Big Bear, a dog-lovers’ dream with stunt shows, spa treatments, photo ops, and more. It’s the ultimate way to treat your furry family member to mountain magic.

Mountain Biking & Golf

Ride downhill thrills at Snow Summit Bike Park or explore over 60 miles of National Forest trails.
Tee off at Bear Mountain Golf Course, then walk back to your nearby Big Bear Vacations rental for lunch on the deck.

Live Music & Events All Month Long

July is filled with festivals and music—from laid-back shows at Nottingham’s Tavern to the Music in the Mountains series at the Discovery Center. Ask us for a weekend calendar when booking your stay—we’ll help you plan around the fun!

Family Fun for Every Style of Traveler

Stay with Big Bear Vacations and make memories that match your mood:

Rent a boat and fish the calm waters
Zipline or ride ATVs through the mountains
Roast s’mores and count stars from your private hot tub
Explore The Village with coffee in hand and kids in tow

Trails That Lead to Stories

Big Bear’s trails aren’t just for walking—they’re where stories are made.
Whether you’re climbing to a scenic overlook, wandering through peaceful pine forests, or joining a guided trek with fellow explorers, every step brings you closer to the heart of the mountains. Snowshoes or hiking boots, solo or with a group—this is how adventure is Made in Big Bear.

At Big Bear Vacations, we’re proud to connect guests with the paths that make memories. Ask us which trails are best for your group, your skill level, or your schedule—we know them well!

️ Trail Safety & Preparation

Connecting with nature is good for the soul—but preparation is key to keeping your journey safe, fun, and respectful of the environment.

Before you hit the trail, please remember:

️ Adventure Pass Required at National Forest trailhead parking lots and recreation areas (available at the Visitor Center).
Stay on established trails and pick up a physical map at the Visitor Center.
Plan your route and never hike alone if you can avoid it.
Tell someone where you’re going, and always bring a phone and water.
️ Never feed or approach wildlife.
❄️ Winter Tip: North Shore trails melt faster and stay more accessible.
☀️ Wear sunscreen, bring layers, and wear sturdy hiking boots.
Yield to uphill hikers, bikers, and horseback riders.
♻️ Pack it in, pack it out—leave the trail better than you found it.
Stay aware of seasonal fire restrictions and avoid high-risk behavior.

Guided Hikes with Big Bear Hiking Adventures

Want a deeper experience on the trail? Let a local expert lead the way.

Big Bear Hiking Adventures

Explore Big Bear’s most iconic trails with expert guide Shauna Pomerleau, a seasoned backpacker who’s hiked over 2,000 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail—including the 40 miles that pass through Big Bear Valley!

Shauna leads guests on immersive treks that go beyond the basics—spotting local flora and fauna, sharing trail stories, and teaching Leave No Trace principles to keep the forest beautiful and accessible.

Why hike with Big Bear Hiking Adventures?

Personalized, safe, and educational guided hikes
Perfect for families, solo adventurers, and serious hikers
Strong partnerships with conservation groups like the Pacific Crest Trail Association and Yosemite Conservancy

Whether you’re training for your next backcountry trek or just want a gentle walk with mountain views, this is a one-of-a-kind way to connect with Big Bear’s natural beauty.

Call today to book your guided hike and make your Big Bear vacation even more unforgettable.

‍♂️ Cycling & Mountain Biking in Big Bear – Ride the Legend

Welcome to SoCal’s mecca for cycling and mountain biking—where pros ride, weekend warriors roam, and families cruise lakeside paths under sunny skies. With elevation, variety, and epic views, Big Bear has become a must-ride destination, and when you stay with Big Bear Vacations, you’re never far from the trailhead.

⛰️ Mountain Biking: Ride the Peaks, Roll the Pines

Big Bear’s legacy in downhill riding goes back decades. Once home to the NORBA National Championships, our mountain trails have hosted elite pros and thousands of riders chasing their next adrenaline fix.

Summit Bike Park

Opened in 2012 and constantly evolving, Summit Bike Park is a top-tier lift-served mountain bike destination with:

Banked turns
Flow trails
Technical descents
Wood features and bridges
Family-friendly beginner routes

Let the Scenic Sky Chair carry you to the top and get ready for a gravity-fueled ride you’ll never forget.

Singletrack & Cross-Country Trails

More than 100 miles of cross-country singletrack and Forest Service roads make Big Bear ideal for all skill levels. Don’t miss:

Skyline Ridge Trail (2N10) – with panoramic views of Big Bear Lake and San Gorgonio
Grand View Loop – a favorite for scenery and serenity
Plantation Trail – accessible from the Sky Chair and perfect for intermediate riders

Pro Tip: Stop by the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center to grab a free trail map or download one in advance from our website.

️ Road Cycling: Test Your Grit at Altitude

Big Bear’s challenging climbs, crisp mountain air, and thin elevation make it a bucket-list ride for road cyclists. From casual lake loops to high-altitude epics, there’s a route for every rider.

Events & Legacy

Host city for the Amgen Tour of California (2010 & 2012)
Home to the Tour de Big Bear, drawing thousands each year
Supported by local bike shops offering rentals, gear, and repairs

Beginner Ride: Alpine Pedal Path

3.5 miles of scenic, paved trail
No vehicle traffic
Runs from Stanfield Cutoff to the Observatory along the North Shore
Great for families, beginners, and casual cruisers

Intermediate Ride: Big Bear Lake Loop

20+ miles around the lake via Hwy 38 (North Shore) and Hwy 18 (South Shore)
Expect some traffic—use caution and ride early
Amazing lakeside views and several rest points

Advanced Route: Baldwin Lake Loop + Onyx Summit

Add Baldwin Lake for an extra 20 miles (low climb, high reward)
For a real challenge, ride the 9-mile climb to Onyx Summit
- At 8,443 feet, it’s one of SoCal’s highest paved cycling summits

️ Plan Ahead: These roads intersect at Greenway Dr—study your route or ask our local team for guidance.

Ride, Rest & Recharge with Big Bear Vacations

After a day in the saddle, your Big Bear Vacations cabin is the perfect place to kick back:

Hot tubs to soak tired legs
Bike storage in garages or secure patios (ask when booking)
Pet-friendly options so your pup can tag along on paved paths

Want to stay close to trailheads or near the lake loop? We’ll help you find a rental that matches your riding plans and your group’s needs.

Whether you’re shredding downhill at Summit Bike Park, spinning around the lake, or discovering Big Bear’s hidden singletrack gems, the mountains are calling—and they’re best explored on two wheels.

Ready to ride Big Bear? Let Big Bear Vacations be your home base for cycling adventure.

Big Bear Off-Road Adventures – Hit the Dirt with a View

Looking for a summer experience that kicks up some dust and fuels your sense of adventure? Big Bear’s off-road trails deliver the perfect blend of adrenaline and scenery. From family-friendly forest roads to bucket-list rock-crawling challenges, our mountains have a 4X4 trail for everyone.

When you stay with Big Bear Vacations, you’re just a short drive from some of Southern California’s most legendary off-road experiences. Whether you’re bringing your own rig or booking a guided Jeep tour, this is mountain exploration at its most thrilling.

️ Trail Etiquette & Safety First

Before hitting the trails, remember:

Use a high-clearance 4WD vehicle—low vehicles or 2WD can easily get stuck or damaged.
Be courteous: Off-road trails are shared with hikers, bikers, and wildlife.
Drive smart: Go slow, yield when appropriate, and respect posted signs.
Check conditions: Seasonal roads like 2N10 may close—check with the Forest Service or Visitor Center.

Trails for the Casual Off-Roader

Gold Fever Trail – Self-Guided Scenic Drive

Trailhead: Polique Canyon Road
Duration: ~3 hours
A relaxed route through Holcomb Valley, rich with gold rush history, mountain meadows, and sweeping views. Interpretive stops share stories from Big Bear’s mining era—perfect for families or history buffs.

2N10 to Bluff Lake & Champion Lodgepole

Location: South Shore via Mill Creek Road
Access: Seasonal road (Spring–Fall)
This easy-going forest road leads to Bluff Lake Reserve and the majestic Champion Lodgepole Pine Trail. It’s great for a mellow drive and picnic stop—but don’t forget your high-clearance vehicle!

⛰️ Beginner to Intermediate 4X4 Trails

Butler Peak Lookout Trail

One of Big Bear’s most iconic drives, this rugged forest road ends at Butler Peak Fire Lookout, offering panoramic views from one of SoCal’s highest accessible peaks.
4WD is a must. The reward? Epic views and brag-worthy selfies.

Skyline Ridge via 2N10

Drive along this scenic ridgeline trail with forest views, granite outcroppings, and pull-offs that make perfect picnic or photo stops.
Park and hike to Grand View Point for some of the best views of the San Gorgonio Wilderness.

Advanced 4X4 Trails – Not for the Faint of Suspension

Big Bear features five black diamond trails and one double black diamond, including the infamous:

John Bull Trail

A technical, boulder-crawling experience for serious off-roaders.
Only attempt with proper equipment, experience, and recovery gear.
Need backup? Call Big Bear Off-Road Recovery & Towing.

Go Guided: Big Bear Off-Road Experience

If you’re not quite ready to tackle Big Bear’s trails alone—or just want the confidence of going with the pros—book a Jeep tour with Big Bear Off-Road Experience.

Why Go Guided?

You take the wheel of a fully equipped Jeep
Expert guide leads in a second vehicle via radio
Great for beginners, families, and adventurers of all levels

Featured Tours:

Holcomb Valley Gold Fever Trail – A beginner-friendly ride packed with history and scenery
Kid-Friendly Mining Tour – Hands-on, 2-hour family experience (includes “mining” for gold!)
The Squeeze – A fun intro to narrow forest passes and light obstacles
John Bull Jr. – An intermediate version of the iconic trail
Gold Mountain – A true Badge of Honor Trail for advanced drivers

NEW: TOURZILLA

Climb aboard a monster Jeep ride through Big Bear’s backcountry with a pro behind the wheel.
Includes narrated history, photo ops, wildlife facts, and insider dining tips from your TourZilla Handler.
Perfect for groups, celebrations, or those who want the fun without the driving.

️ All tours include:

Private Jeep for up to 4 guests
Full instruction, fuel, snacks, beverages
Guide Jeep + 2-way radio contact
Photography available upon request

Book at bigbearoffroadexperience.com or call 909-420-5828 to reserve your tour.

Off-Road by Day, Unwind by Night with Big Bear Vacations

After a full day on the trails, your Big Bear Vacations cabin awaits:

Private hot tubs for sore muscles
Spacious driveways and garages for your off-road rigs
Secluded forest settings to relive the day’s adventures under the stars

From dusty forest roads to rugged ridge crawls, Big Bear is a 4X4 paradise—and your next summer story starts with a cabin from Big Bear Vacations.

✨ **How Will You Make This Summer Unforgettable?**

Every hike, splash, laugh, and lakeside sunset becomes part of your family’s Big Bear story. And with Big Bear Vacations, your cabin is more than a place to stay—it’s home base for every unforgettable moment.

Let’s plan your summer getaway.
Book now and let the mountain magic begin.

Top Reasons to Visit this Summer