Relaxing and basking in the beauty of Big Bear, California’s natural wonder is something travelers are invited to enjoy year-round. However, if you happen to be someone with a passion for heart-pounding challenges, Big Bear is a perfect place for you too! With 2025 well underway, there’s a lot to look forward to on the thrill-seeking front this year whether you’re someone who is looking for an early spring adventure or you’re heading this way in the fall for some high-energy fun instead. The following are a few of the top adrenaline Big Bear CA events that will be hosted here for adventure seekers from across the map that are well worth adding to your itinerary in 2025.
Spring Adventure Await
Those who are planning a trip to Big Bear in the spring will be right on time to participate in the annual Polar Plunge in March. This year, the event will be held on March 29, 2025, and will once again invite participants to take a dip in the still icy waters of Big Bear Lake in good company for a great cause! This thrill-seeker challenge can be enjoyed as a solo plunger or as a team and there’s often a silent auction held afterward. Register in advance and you can feel great knowing proceeds go toward supporting the Special Olympics Inland Empire program.
Spring is also a time of year in Big Bear for adventure seekers to enjoy putting their skills to work at the Spartan Trifecta Weekend of athletic events. From May 17 through May 18, 2025, the Spartan Trifecta Weekend will ask participants to test their willpower, endurance, and strength on some of the toughest obstacle courses imaginable. There are multiple race courses to choose from with the Super 10K great for individuals and boasting 25 obstacles, and the Beast 21K a good choice for families showcasing 30 obstacles. The Sprint 5K is a top choice for teams with 20 obstacles to overcome along the way and there’s also a kids race with 1 to 3 obstacles built into the course. If you’re looking for even more, don’t miss out on the Big Bear Trail Experience which is a scenic 10K trail run that’s also part of the event.
For travelers who are heading to Big Bear over Memorial Day weekend with a passion for long-distance competition, participating in the annual Memorial Day 5K Race is a must! This 5K race takes you through some of the most gorgeous places Big Bear hosts as you put your endurance to the test alongside your fellow runners. The race typically starts at the Bartlett Parking Lot in Big Bear Village on May 27 and ends in the same area. From the lake views and mountain vistas to the towering trees that line the route, this is a race you don’t want to miss. Participants will each receive a race t-shirt and a commemorative gift and there’s an awards ceremony planned immediately following the race.
Summer Fun to Enjoy in Big Bear
The fun really gets underway on the adrenaline-focused front in Big Bear when summer rolls around. Things kick off with the annual Holcomb Valley Trail Run on June 14, 2025. This race is hosted on the Pacific Crest Trail and can be conquered at varying distances of 7, 14, or 33 miles depending on preference. The Holcomb Valley Trail Run has been a fan-favorite experience in the area since it began in 1997 and was designed to highlight some of the very best trail running opportunities in all of Southern California.
June also brings the Highlander Adventure experience to Big Bear which is scheduled to take place from June 17 through June 21, 2025. Head over to Big Bear Lake and enjoy opportunities to test your grit and endurance as you enjoy a multi-day stay in nature and challenge yourself to a self-sustained experience every step of the way. This is not a race, but it’s certainly not for the faint of heart and it could just end up being the highlight of your next adventurous trip this way.
July 20, 2025, marks the arrival of International Ride MTB Day in Big Bear which is a highlight on the calendar for mountain biking enthusiasts from near and far. Together, cyclists set out to enjoy time on Big Bear’s most rugged trails starting at Summit Bike Park. Between 10:00 am and 1:00 am there are options to ride by the Big Bear Mountain Resort tent at base area and try some mountain biking safety trivia as well as a photo scavenger hunt for a chance to win fun prizes as well.
For those who are spending time in Big Bear in August, the 1st through the 4th will bring the Tour de Big Bear to town once more in 2025. The Tour de Big Bear showcases gorgeous local views across four fantastic days of cycling on a trail marked with aid stations and fun stop points. Pick and choose between a 5K, 25, 50, 70, or 100 mile course depending on preference with options to incorporate gravel rides as well. August also sees the arrival of the Monster Pro Downhill Series National Race in Big Bear which will run from August 16 through August 18, 2025. Whether you participate or spectate, this downhill competition is one-of-a-kind with categories spanning amateur, national, international, and professional athletes alike. From August 22 through August 24, 2025, thrill seekers in Big Bear can cool off in style with the arrival of LakeFest. This three-day experience includes live entertainment, watersport competitions, and fantastic food vendors to check out as well. Some of the water competitions built into the experience include a one-mile swimming race across Big Bear Lake, as well as kayak competitions, paddleboard challenges, and much more.
Find Your Thrills This Fall
From September 5 through September 7, 2025, fall travelers to Big Bear with a passion for thrilling competition will find themselves right on time to enjoy the Tough Mudder experience. This mud-filled athletic challenge and race is made for teams who are looking to push their physical limits together. In tandem, you’ll face a demanding obstacle course where endurance, strength, teamwork, and resilience are required to succeed. There is a 5K or 10K course to choose from and proceeds benefit the Save 2 Nothing Foundation which works to combat substance abuse and human trafficking.
Book a Thrill-Focused Journey with Style and Comfort included in Big Bear
When you’re in Big Bear for the adrenaline-pumping fun and thrilling events this year, be sure to treat yourself to accommodations that highlight comfort, style, and luxury too. When you book your Big Bear vacation rental through Big Bear Vacations, you’ll wake up close to the events you can’t wait to enjoy in a home-away-from-home that’s packed with world-class amenities at every turn. Reach out today to learn more!
