Big Bear Lake
Sightseeing
4- 5.5 miles - Intermediate/Difficult
Traveling through a wide variety of natural environments, you can see everything from towering pine trees to twisting Junipers to red-barked manzanita to spiny cactus. You may see bobcats or lizards, and always remember to keep an eye out for rattlesnakes.
The first mile of this hiking and biking trail is a gentle uphill climb, then you start really gaining altitude. Beautiful lake views and benches for resting are near the top. The Cougar Crest Trail ends at the junction of the world-famous 2,600-mile long Pacific Crest Trail.
From here you can continue to Bertha Peak. Another steep .75 mile hike takes you to the top where you get sweeping views of Big Bear Valley and the high desert. Cougar Crest Trail starts .6 miles west of the Discovery Center on Hwy 38.
258 locals recommend
Cougar Crest Trailhead
Cougar Crest Trail4- 5.5 miles - Intermediate/Difficult
Traveling through a wide variety of natural environments, you can see everything from towering pine trees to twisting Junipers to red-barked manzanita to spiny cactus. You may see bobcats or lizards, and always remember to keep an eye out for rattlesnakes.
The first mile of this hiking and biking trail is a gentle uphill climb, then you start really gaining altitude. Beautiful lake views and benches for resting are near the top. The Cougar Crest Trail ends at the junction of the world-famous 2,600-mile long Pacific Crest Trail.
From here you can continue to Bertha Peak. Another steep .75 mile hike takes you to the top where you get sweeping views of Big Bear Valley and the high desert. Cougar Crest Trail starts .6 miles west of the Discovery Center on Hwy 38.
2.4 miles round-trip- Intermediate/Difficult
Castle Rock Trail is Big Bear's most popular trail. Densely forested with boulder outcroppings and a seasonal waterfall, this is a gorgeous hike any time of year. The seasonal creek in the Spring and the autumn leaves in the Fall make this a favorite hiking trail for locals and visitors. Castle Rock itself is an impressive granite outcropping with panoramic views of Big Bear Lake.
You may get to watch rock climbers scaling the steeper side as you make your way around Castle Rock. This trail has a steep climb that will get your heart pumping for the first half-mile and then levels out as you make your way towards Castle Rock.
474 locals recommend
Castle Rock Trail 1W03
Big Bear Boulevard2.4 miles round-trip- Intermediate/Difficult
Castle Rock Trail is Big Bear's most popular trail. Densely forested with boulder outcroppings and a seasonal waterfall, this is a gorgeous hike any time of year. The seasonal creek in the Spring and the autumn leaves in the Fall make this a favorite hiking trail for locals and visitors. Castle Rock itself is an impressive granite outcropping with panoramic views of Big Bear Lake.
You may get to watch rock climbers scaling the steeper side as you make your way around Castle Rock. This trail has a steep climb that will get your heart pumping for the first half-mile and then levels out as you make your way towards Castle Rock.
Baldwin Lake Stables
46475 Pioneer Town RdLook for a volunteer to hear about the stories of every animal they save at the zoo!
723 locals recommend
Big Bear Alpine Zoo
42801 Club View DrLook for a volunteer to hear about the stories of every animal they save at the zoo!
Best service! super friendly and helpful staff and great price! Get 15% on rental with coupons in our cabins!
227 locals recommend
Getboards- Kayak, Sups & Bike Rentals
40905 Big Bear BlvdBest service! super friendly and helpful staff and great price! Get 15% on rental with coupons in our cabins!
Woodland Trail 1E23
41948 North Shore DriveCome to the Big Bear History Museum and see the
building blocks that have made History since it was
first recorded in the San Bernardino mountains.
Open May-Sep, Adult $5, Children under 14 are free, A MUST GO place at Big Bear!
79 locals recommend
Big Bear Valley Historical Museum
800 B Greenway DrCome to the Big Bear History Museum and see the
building blocks that have made History since it was
first recorded in the San Bernardino mountains.
Open May-Sep, Adult $5, Children under 14 are free, A MUST GO place at Big Bear!
Grocery Store
Vons
42170 Big Bear BlvdStater Bros. Markets
42171 Big Bear BlvdRestaurants
Peppercorn Grille
553 Pine Knot AveGet the Burger
42151 Big Bear Boulevard
The Barnstorm Restaurant
501 W Valley BlvdSweet Basil Bistro
40629 Big Bear BlvdGreat food, drink and quiet ambiance.
Oakside
40701 Village DrThe Captain's Anchorage
42148 Moonridge WayGrizzly Manor Cafe
41268 Big Bear BlvdLOCAL
Nottinghams Restaurant
40797 Big Bear BlvdTraveler advice
Ways to save
Ski and snowboard rentals
15% off on ski and snowboard rentals at Getboards: 40977 Big Bear Blvd.
Ways to save
Santana & Mavericks
Our guests get 15% off for food at Santana and Mavericks:
40771 Big Bear Blvd
What to pack
Pack List
1. Snow chains during snow season.
2. Vaseline, lotion and skin products for the dry weather in the mountains.
3. Sunscreen, sunglasses and hat.
4. Firewood. Can be purchased at local stores too.
Book before you go
Purchase lift tickets online
Limited amount of lift tickets available. Weekends always sold out. Purchase your lift tickets online ahead of time!
https://www.bigbearmountainresort.com/buy/lift-tickets
Drop-off and pick-up at the resort is free and easy. If you have someone in your group who can drive the skiers and snowboarders, parking tickets are not necessary.