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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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