A trip to Big Bear, California is a great way to relax, unwind, and enjoy your vacation to the fullest. If you happen to be a hiking enthusiast, you’re in luck! Big Bear is brimming over with amazing trails to explore, and the following Big Bear hiking trails are well worth adding to your itinerary the next time you’re in town.
Be Sure to Pick Up Your Adventure Pass for the Fun on the Trails Ahead
Before you set out to enjoy any of the incredible hiking trails in Big Bear, it’s good to note that you’ll more than likely need an Adventure Pass in hand. This is required when your plans include parking at U.S. Forest Service trailheads but if you happen to already be the proud owner of an America the Beautiful National Park pass, this can be placed on your dashboard before you hike and works just as well. If you need to acquire an Adventure Pass, just head over to the Big Bear Visitors Center where there are plenty of daily passes waiting to be picked up.
Explore Pine Knot Trail
More advanced hikers who are looking for an intermediate-level trail to follow in Big Bear will find Pine Knot Trail is a terrific place to begin. This route offers a 6-mile round-trip experience for trekking and begins at the Aspen Glen Picnic Area on Mill Creek Road. Plan on setting aside around three hours of time to complete the trail which takes you along a route lined with Jeffrey pine, manzanita, oaks, and white fir alike. You’ll pass the Deer Group Camp on this path and can link up with Grandview Point Trail if you choose to make the most of an extra .25-mile walk to enjoy amazing views out over Mt. San Gorgonio. This trail is shared with mountain bikers so keep an eye out for single-track enthusiasts along the way.
Slow Things Down and Enjoy the View on the Alpine Pedal Path
If you’re a hiker looking to make it more of a leisurely stroll through Big Bear complete with great views that are sure to inspire all ages, the Alpine Pedal Path is a must. This easy and paved pathway runs 2.5 miles around the north shore of Big Bear Lake and provides prime vantage points over the ski resorts. The landscapes along this route include everything from pine forests and wildflowers to juniper and alpine meadows too. Those who trek this path will pass by the Meadows Edge picnic area which makes for a great excuse to pack a tasty snack and build a stop into your adventure. The Alpine Pedal Path is perfect for walking, jogging, or biking and is a top choice if you’re looking to adventure and you’re traveling with a wheelchair. To begin your stroll or hike, head over to Stanfield Cutoff and plan on ending your adventure at the Solar Observatory.
Enjoy Time on the Stanfield Marsh Boardwalk
Another inviting and easy path for hikers to set their sights on in Big Bear is the Stanfield Marsh Boardwalk. This route takes adventurers through the Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve which is a prime place for bird watching enthusiasts to get their fill of inspiring views. There are boards posted along the route that offer up insightful information on the terrain and wildlife that inhabit it as well. Hikers are encouraged to park at the intersection of Big Bear Boulevard and Stanfield Cutoff to access the trail. Minimal parking is available here so it’s a good idea to show up early for this particular hiking adventure.
Trek the Castle Rock Trail
A top trail choice for hikers who are looking for an intermediate to difficult route to add to their hiking itinerary is the Castle Rock Trail. Offering a round-trip experience that covers 2.4 miles, Castle Rock Trail is a fan-favorite thanks to its forested landscapes complete with boulder outcroppings and the seasonal waterfall you can encounter along the way too. It’s an appealing trail year-round but is particularly colorful in the springtime when wildflowers bloom and in the fall when foliage is changing colors. Once you reach Castle Rock itself, you can stop your hike to watch rock climbers put their skills to the test. Overall, Castle Rock Trail is relatively steep but the reward for your effort certainly lies with the view!
Book Your Big Bear Adventure Today
Spending time in scenic Big Bear is always the right choice and when you know you’re going to want amazing accommodations to top off your stay in style, the team at Big Bear Vacations has you covered. Whether you’re looking for a gorgeous lakefront retreat to enjoy, or a cabin with air conditioning or you require a pet-friendly stay, we have the options you need to make it a one-of-a-kind adventure. Reach out today to learn more about our exciting selection and to start planning your next trip.
