Horseback Riding in Big Bear: The Ultimate Guide

There is no slower, more grounded way to take in Big Bear’s backcountry than from the saddle. Trade the car and the paved overlooks for a guided horse, and the forest opens up: quiet trails through the pines, big high-desert views near Baldwin Lake, and the kind of unhurried pace that makes a mountain vacation feel like one. Horseback riding here is welcoming to complete beginners, easy to arrange for families, and available nearly year-round. This guide covers where to ride, the types of rides, what it costs, the best seasons, and exactly what to expect so you can book with confidence.

Why ride a horse in Big Bear

Big Bear sits at about 6,750 feet in the San Bernardino Mountains, surrounded by national forest, alpine lake shoreline, and, on its eastern edge near Baldwin Lake, an unexpected stretch of high desert. A lot of that terrain is best seen at a walking pace on a trail a car cannot reach. On horseback you cover more ground than a short hike, with none of the effort, which is why it works so well for families with mixed energy levels and for anyone who wants scenery without a workout. It is also genuinely memorable: for many visitors, a trail ride ends up being the highlight photo of the trip.

Just as important, it is easy. You do not need any experience, your own gear, or even much of a plan. A guided stable handles the horses, the route, and the safety, so your only job is to show up, climb on, and enjoy the view.

Where to ride: Baldwin Lake Stables

The center of horseback riding in Big Bear is Baldwin Lake Stables, a long-running outfitter in Big Bear City, roughly 7 miles from The Village in an area ringed by equestrian ranches and national forest land. They run guided trail rides for all skill levels, match every rider to a suitable horse, and keep the pace to a comfortable walk so first-timers feel secure. There is also a petting zoo on the property, which turns a ride into an easy half-day outing for families. Here are the quick facts.

Hours, availability, and rates change with the season and weather. Book directly with Baldwin Lake Stables to confirm current pricing and reserve your ride.

Types of rides

The rides are built around how much time you want in the saddle and who is coming along. A one or two-hour trail ride is the sweet spot for most first-timers and families, while confident riders can stretch out to a half day, and couples often go for the sunset ride. Here is how the options compare.

On the guided trail rides you ride your own horse with a wrangler leading the group, rather than doubling up, and the stable pairs you with a horse based on your size and experience. If anyone in your group is nervous, say so when you book, and they will match the calmest horse and keep an eye out on the trail.

The trails and scenery

Part of what makes riding here special is the range of landscapes packed into one small valley. In a single outing you can pass from shady pine and cedar forest in the San Bernardino National Forest to open, sun-baked high desert as you near Baldwin Lake on the valley’s eastern end. The famous Pacific Crest Trail also threads through the mountains above Big Bear, and long stretches of the surrounding forest are laced with multi-use trails of every length and difficulty, from easy loops to longer point-to-point routes.

On a guided ride you will not need to navigate any of this yourself, since the wranglers know the routes and choose one that fits your group and the day’s conditions. If you would rather plan your own longer trek or want a trail map, stop by the Big Bear Discovery Center on the North Shore, where staff can point you to horse-friendly trails and help you plan. Wherever you ride, follow basic trail etiquette: horseback riders generally have the right of way over hikers and bikers, so stay calm and predictable, keep to designated trails, and give wildlife plenty of space.

Best time of year to ride

Horseback riding is close to a year-round activity in Big Bear, and each season has its own character.

• Summer is the peak season: warm, dry days, the widest availability, and long daylight for sunset rides. It is also the busiest, so book early.
• Fall may be the sweet spot, with crisp, comfortable temperatures, thinner crowds, and golden light through the forest.
• Winter offers something you cannot get in most of Southern California: a ride through snow-dusted pines. Rides run weather permitting, so call ahead.
• Spring is beautiful as the valley greens up, though conditions and trail access vary while the snow melts.

Whatever the season, mornings and late afternoons tend to be the most comfortable, and weekends and holidays fill up fastest. Because mountain weather can turn, it is always worth a quick call to confirm your ride is running before you head out.

First-timer tips: what to expect

If you have never ridden, a guided Big Bear trail ride is a gentle place to start. Here is how to set yourself up for a good one.

• Reserve ahead and arrive early. Trail rides require a reservation, and you should plan to arrive about 30 minutes before your ride to check in and sign a waiver.
• Dress for the saddle. Long pants and closed-toe shoes are a must, ideally shoes with a small heel. Add layers, since it is cooler up here than down the hill.
• Bring the essentials. Water, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera or phone strap. Leave loose or dangling items behind.
• Listen to your guide. They will show you how to hold the reins, start, stop, and steer before you head out. Horses are calm and trail-savvy, but they take their cues from you.
• Relax. The pace is a walk, the horses know the route, and the guide is right there. Sit tall, breathe, and take in the view.

Riding with kids and families

Big Bear horseback riding is especially good for families because it flexes to every age. Older kids who meet the age and weight requirements can join a guided trail ride alongside the adults, while younger children can do pony rides, which are gentle led laps for riders 70 pounds or less. When the little ones are done, the on-site petting zoo keeps them busy with goats, alpacas, pigs, rabbits, and a couple of famous mini longhorns. It adds up to an easy, low-stress outing where nobody is too young or too nervous to take part. Confirm each child’s eligibility when you book so there are no surprises at check-in.

Make a day (or weekend) of it

A trail ride pairs naturally with the rest of Big Bear’s outdoor menu. Many visitors ride in the morning and spend the afternoon on the lake or in The Village, or stack a couple of adventures into one trip. If you are lining up activities, browse Big Bear’s guided tours and our roundup of the top tours in Big Bear, or add a backcountry Jeep tour for a different way to reach the high country. For everything else on the calendar, our full list of things to do in Big Bear is a good place to start.

To turn a ride into a proper getaway, base yourself in a cabin with room to spread out after a day outside. A rental with a full kitchen, a hot tub, and space for the group makes the perfect home base, and staying close means you are only a short drive from the stables and the trails.

Frequently asked questions