When you’re looking for a place to relax and unwind in style, Big Bear has you covered. While this is a great destination to enjoy all year long, fall comes with a certain colorful appeal that’s hard to resist! Making it even better is the fact that Big Bear is packed with budget-friendly options for fall fun when you’re looking to save while still enjoying the journey. The following are a few things to do in Big Bear in the fall to be sure to add to your itinerary.
Hike the Castle Rock Trail and Make the Most of Fall Foliage
Fall in Big Bear is the perfect time to get out into nature and make the most of mild temperatures and a canvas of colors as the leaves begin to change hues. A great place to venture while you’re in town that doesn’t cost a dime to enjoy is the Castle Rock Trail. This 2.5-mile route offers an easy to moderately difficult trek making it a picture-perfect choice whether you’re hiking solo, as a couple, or with the family included. The highlight of the Castle Rock Trail comes in the form of stunning views overlooking the lake and the many rock formations to admire along the way as well. It’s also a top spot in the area for leaf peeping when autumn rolls around. The trail is lined with trees that change to yellow and striking oranges during this season. While admiring the changing colors is always fun, those with a passion for nature photography will want to be sure they have their camera in hand when planning this fall hike. Visitors can access the Castle Rock trailhead on Big Bear Boulevard and there’s a parking lot across the way for added convenience too. For a tranquil trek, heading out early in the morning is always highly recommended as this trail is popular and can fill up in the afternoon hours. The elevation change along the route is about 800 feet but you won’t have to hike far to find views that make your effort worth the while. The trail is also dog friendly if you happen to be enjoying a fall getaway with your favorite canine companion included. Be sure to set aside about 2 hours of time to enjoy the out and back experience.
Explore the Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve for Wildlife Watching Fun
When you’re in the mood for some great wildlife watching this fall, bundle up and head over to the scenic Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve. This protected area of land is designed to include a convenient boardwalk, giving guests access to a viewing platform that offers up sweeping views over the terrain. The marshland houses waterfowl and fish alike, meaning there’s always something to observe through the binoculars you’ll want to be sure to pack. The preserve includes a collection of informational boards to check out at the central gazebo that will help you learn more about your surroundings and wildlife you might view along the way. It’s a family-friendly experience that will likely have you lingering longer than you originally planned.
Have a Fall Picnic at the Park
The temperatures will still be warm enough in the fall for visitors to enjoy a delicious and scenic picnic at Boulder Bay Park if you’re looking to skip dining out once in a while and keep a bit of extra cash in your wallet for the journey. Boulder Bay Park is known for its changing colors in the fall, giving you a gorgeous backdrop to enjoy some open-air dining when you drop by. Pack a picnic basket and make time to settle in near the lake access points for a great view and a tranquil moment too. When you’ve had your fill, there are walkways that overlook giant boulder rocks to explore, and many visitors tend to stick around to sunset as this park as a way with a colorful sky that’s always a thrill.
Visitors to Big Bear who are looking for an even quieter setting to enjoy a picnic with family and friends will find Juniper Point Picnic Area to be a great place to land. Located at 41365 N Shore Drive, Juniper Point Picnic Area is a public access destination right on the waterfront that’s as inviting as it is beautiful. There’s a small parking lot nearby so you don’t have to worry about hauling all of your picnic gear too far to make the most of the moment. After you dine, you can enjoy time on the nearby trails or watch the sun go down over the water from the beach access point too. Either way, it’s a great place to find yourself this fall.
Book Your Stay in Big Bear Today
No matter when your travel plans bring you to Big Bear, the team at Big Bear Vacations has the accommodations you need to top off your trip in style. Reach out today to learn more and to start planning!
