The hike is so so so gorgeous! The Big Bear magazine labeled it as easy & I guess relatively…read morespeaking it is, but when it's 95-100 F it's not the easiest thing in the WORLD. Kids can do it though, so, fine, it's easy. Gorgeous wildflowers along the way. Many scenic moments to take photographs or stand & enjoy the scenery. Stunning trees & flowers. When we got to the actual lake (super ready in our bathing suits), it smelled like manure. Unsure why. So we didn't end up swimming, but we turned around & got to see more of the hike instead of missing out on the end of the hike by going back the same exact way (since we walked across the beach area). Definitely recommend, especially if you're pushing a stroller or have children! We saw many families and people getting exercise.

I have walked and ridden this bike path hundreds of times. Fun fact: if you walk from Big Bear…read moreShores resort to Stanfield and back you will have logged approximately 800 steps! Whether you stroll this path or ride it, you will witness nature at its pinnacle. From the gorgeous lake, towering pines, colorful wildflowers and snowcapped mountains, the Good Lord did not skimp when it comes to eye candy. Just this morning I caught a glimpse of three coyotes frolicking in the lake. I saw ducks, rabbits, chipmunks, squirrels, and a variety of birds all enjoying the beautiful lake they call home. These peaceful surroundings beckon me every time I visit Big Bear. Be sure to visit this glorious path!

After years of not being able to hike this trail (snow, ice, no parking, fires, etc.), I was…read morefinally able to do it! Huzzah for the new parking lot, which has quite a few parking spots, a bathroom, and easy access to the trailhead. Don't let the posted distance of the trailhead fool you - it's very easy to make this hike longer than anticipated. The trail markers are these caged rocks, and sometimes we lost track of them and had to guess. There are also a lot of places to scramble up rocks, which was so much fun. Once we found the sign for Castle Rock, my son (6 yo) and I took a look up, then climbed all the way to the top. The view from the top was amazing! Very much worth it. We took a different rock scrambling path to climb down, so there are options if you decide to climb up. With all of our meandering, scrambling, and just general shenanigans, we finished in about 3 hours feeling pretty accomplished.

This review is for Champion Lodgepole via Castle Rock Trail which was a ~4.8 miles round trip that…read moretook ~3 hours to complete. This was another stunning forest hike near Big Bear Lake, California. With the new parking lot, the beginning of the trail has changed. The first mile or so was a steep incline on dirt and some rocks. This part of the trail could be tricky to follow so try looking for the stack of rocks! After exiting Castle Rock Trail, it was mostly a flat dirt path that takes you to the Bluff Mesa Trail and then towards the Bluff Lake! On the way back down on Castle Rock Trail will reward you with some views of Big Bear Lake! There is now a new parking lot with at least 25 parking spaces available. No more street parking. Restroom available at the parking lot. Short video of the hike for those interested! https://youtu.be/4a_Q0hZUk7k

Bears play a pivotal role in my life: they are one of my spirit animals, my name means "Little…read moreBear" in Latin which is also a pet name moniker, I have a tattoo with a bear and another of the Ursa Minor constellation, my deceased father was obsessed with bears, etc. When I was a teenager before evening living in the state of California (which obviously has its own bear connection); I was obsessed with MTV just like every other hot-blooded teenage girl. One year, MTV production went to Big Bear for a winter skiing getaway. I was instantly drawn to Big Bear per the name and somehow felt my soul tugged (the same as to the entire state which is why I moved here nearly two decades ago). I vowed to someday visit Big Bear. I am also one of the proud members of the 'Eagle Fam' who is faithfully devoted to the world-famous bald eagle couple Jackie & Shadow watching their nest cam every day. My adult vow, added to the teen one regarding visiting, was to see Jackie and Shadow's nest in real life sans camera. Well, the day has come and Little Bear has finally visited Big Bear! If those of us living in Los Angeles aren't spoiled enough; we have the amazing San Bernadino Mountain range village of Big Bear just a two-hour drive away where we can escape the hustle-bustle of stressful LA and enjoy the alpine splendor that is Big Bear. Big Bear is known for its skiing season but is also a summer retreat with cabin life, hiking, boating, fishing, zip lines, shopping, etc; 7000+ feet above sea level surrounded by pine trees and mountains that kiss the sky. Even the drive to Big Bear is glorious on the winding road up the mountain that famously reveals Big Bear and its centerpiece model the lake in the distance glittering blue surrounded by mountains. Big Bear is breath-taking even before you formally arrive. As an Angelino, the energy and vibe of Big Bear can't be ignored. Not only is the air clean and devoid of smog, but it is peaceful, slow-paced and calming: a genuine retreat that feels worlds away from the LA proper. At the center of it all is the main showpiece: Big Bear Lake, itself. The lake is 7 miles in circumference but manages to appear sweepingly larger and is surrounded by cabins, boat docks, shopping, skiing, hiking trails, Big Bear Village (the central mountain tourist-y district) and the commercialized village center with everything from Vons, Starbucks, Dollar Tree, Marshalls and Grocery Bargain Outlet to nearby Big Bear Courthouse, post office and library. The lake is the prom queen of Big Bear. If you're thinking that it is probably just any old lake; you are sorely mistaken as it is a thing of beauty. As a Jackie and Shadow fan club member; I went to the Captain John's Marina/Dana Point Park shoreline Fawnskin section of Big Bear Lake which is the official, legal viewing point of the bald eagle nest (the land directly surrounding the nest and their famous roost trees is federally protected especially during nesting season and is a criminal act to trespass). Bring binoculars because looking up from the ground is further optically then from the nest cam in reverse. While I was there, Jackie was on the nest with the two babies but I was hoping to catch Shadow, the King of Big Bear either fishing or flying-in. I had waited and just when I literally verbally stated, "Shadow show yourself!"; I kid you not that he flew right over from the other side of the lake and soared above in circles only approximately 60 feet above for a minute in duration. I cried and this was one of the most magical moments of my life and a true spiritual encounter with the celebrity Shad Daddy. Big Bear is also magical in that even in the skiing off-season of April when I visited; a snowstorm hit and the pine trees and lake turned into a Christmas Card. Even I, this Los Angeles sun girl who loves heat and hates the cold; had snowflakes in my eyes and felt like a child surrounded by magic dust has I haven't truly been in snowfall in 17 years. A very dire and controversial topic effecting Big Bear at the time of this review is the fight against land developers who purchased the 'Moon Camp' parcel of land very close to the nest and want to bulldoze over 2k trees, create 50 boat slips and luxury housing even though there is NO housing shortage in Big Bear. The developers have agreed to sell Moon Camp to the Friends of Big Bear nonprofit/San Bernadino Trust for the hefty sum of $10 mil by July 31st to save Moon Camp and forever protect Jackie and Shadow's home area. The cause has gone worldwide viral and at the time of this review is up to $3 mil in donations (failure is not an option and financing will be the next step is $10 mil isn't reached). Big Bear Lake and the entire mountainous retreat city now hold a piece of my heart and I am chomping at the bit to return. This peaceful and heavenly mountaintop lake and city is the must-see of all Angelinos whether for skiing, boating or visiting the King and Queen, Jackie and Shadow.

Year round fun and beauty - not just the winter! Big Bear offers so many different activities that…read moreis sure to please. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, someone who enjoys shopping, eating, or enjoying a slower pace vacation with your family pet, Big Bear offers it. Some activities our family makes sure to enjoy for our Big Bear visits have been: Holloway's Marina to rent a dog friendly pontoon boat to enjoy lunch on the lake (they also offer Pirate Ship Charters), popping over to The Village to stroll with our dog and do a little shopping and eat some good foods (there's also many good food places outside of The Village - like the Grizzly Manor Cafe and Blanca and Pierres!), visiting the Big Bear Discovery Center, strolling along the Stanfield Marsh Boardwalk, and horseback riding at Baldwin Lake Stables. In July, Big Bear puts on their "Fireworks Spectacular" which explodes over Big Bear Lake every July 4th and is FREE to spectators. A helpful tip: always check for road closures and road conditions before visiting/leaving and on the day of your travels. CalTrans has not been reliable, but Big Bear's website (Big Bear Mountain Resort dot com) has been. Just click on the "Road Conditions" tab and it'll take you to a page listing real time road updates and conditions. Enjoy beautiful Big Bear!

This is a simple, beginner-friendly trail that's perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy a "hike"…read morewithout venturing into the deep wilderness or breaking much of a sweat. It's essentially a 1.5-mile loop in a pleasant forest setting - nice enough scenery, but as far as mountain trails go, don't expect anything too amazing. That said, it serves its purpose well. It's easy to walk, reasonably well maintained, and accessible for just about anyone. The trail is mostly level with only minor uphill and downhill sections, so there's no real elevation gain to speak of. Since it's so short, you're never far from the parking lot or the highway around Big Bear Lake, which is right there, so it feels very safe and low-commitment. This is a decent option for families with young kids, older folks, or anyone just looking to stretch their legs and get a little fresh air after being cooped up in the car. It won't challenge experienced hikers, but if you're in the Big Bear area and want to take a quick, easy stroll through the trees, it scratches that itch nicely. 3.79 stars rounded up to 4.

The Woodland trail is about 1.5 mile loop with some lookout points…read more When it is cold outside and a lot of the trails have frozen patches including the woodland trail. The difference is that this trail is relatively flat and it's hard to skid. Parking out front and you must bring your parks pass or buy a day pass. The National Parks pass also works. They do come in the lots and check for a pass. Park on the street at your own risk. People tend to speed when they can out there. There is also a bathroom at the parking lot too. It's not a bad hike at all and easy to do.

We have a place at Snow Summit that backs right up to the trail. It's a beautiful way you can start…read morethe day and go into town for breakfast. At 8am on a Saturday in July it was very quiet and gorgeous views, not too hot yet. I saw just a handful of hikers. I had been warned about the number of bikers whizzing by. On my way back at 10:30 there were indeed loads of bikers headed to snow summit. I have to say though, without exception, they all were gracious and said good morning and alerted me they were approaching. In turn I politely stepped to the side. It's all about sharing the road or trail and maybe go out early to avoid bikes. On another visit my husband and I took our French Mastiff for an evening walk and had him off leash. BAD idea! First of all evening is feeding time for lots of wildlife. Second, we didn't have him on leash. At one point we couldn't see him and called out. From around a bush comes our dog flanked by two female wolves three inches taller than him. We were able to coerce him away and get him on leash but it was a super scary situation. If he had been a small dog I'm not sure what would have happened.

Easy access to this trail. We went from the end of Summit…read moreBlvd passing by the back of Snow Summit Townhouse Rentals. But from the other direction trailhead is at the junction of Forest Ranger Rd and 2N08 2.8 mile out and back. 300+ ft elevation. So little up/down hills. You can see Big Bear Lake at one point of the trail. Came during the fall after a small snowfall. Note: there may be some bikers on this trail as it converges with the bottom of a mountain biking only path.

Great dog friendly walk that leads to additional trails. The main paved area is a very short…read morehike(0.2 miles), but you continue on an unpaved trail which gets quite steep. Both the paved and dirt trail are pretty well shaded

Happy Hills Trail is one of 3 trails maintained by Big Bear City within City limits, along with…read more Knickerbocker Trail and Rathbun Creek Trail. It opened 7 years ago in 2017, and is a paved .2 mile trail (.4 miles out and back). The trailhead is at the northwest end of the Civic Center parking lot. It runs along a creek, and there are several picnic areas and a restroom. The end of the paved trail connects to the Pine Knot and Cabin 89 (semi-groomed but unpaved) trails with elevation gains and huge boulders. We have been wanting to check it out, so came by today on a sunny, brisk autumn morning. They were having a free nature inspired Halloween yoga event for little kids this morning - so sweet! The Pine Knot and Cabin 89 trails were closed now (Oct. '24) due to the Line Fire, but very nice walk!

Definitely a better view of Big Bear Lake at Cougar Crest Trail than at Castle Rock Trail…read more Bertha Peak was about 7 miles round trip and took me a little over 3 hours to complete. The trail gets very rocky and there are some steep inclines in the last mile to the top. I personally wouldn't recommend Bertha Peak and would suggest doing the Cougar Crest Trail instead which was around 5.3 miles round trip (same exact trail to the peak). There was not a view at the peak that was any different from what you could see at lower elevation. If you want to torture yourself, go for that extra mileage to the peak.

This is a round trip of 7 miles from Cougar Crest Trail head to Bertha Peak…read more Elevation gain - 1310 ft Trail condition - Good Where to park - You can park at Discovery Center, 40971 N Shore Dr, Fawnskin, CA 92333 OR at the Cougar Crest Trail head parking lot. You will need ADVENTURE PASS if you park at the cougar crest trail head parking lot. The parking lot is a quarter mile BEFORE you get to the discovery center. Here is the exact location, 40802-40898 N Shore Dr, Big Bear City, CA 92314. About the trail - After you reached 2.5 miles from the trail head, you will see the intersection with Pacific Crest trail. Take the RIGHT lane that will lead you to the BERTHA PEAK. You will see BERTHA PK sign after you have passed about 0.3 miles. The final way to the peak is pretty steep and rough. I recommend to get trekking poles. You will see the amazing view of Big Bear lake from the top. Generally, it is a popular hike but not crowded. And it is good to be away from the city life and take a nice break here. Happy hiking !!!

Beautiful lake, not as big but big enough to rent row boats so you can get the most out of the…read morelake. Im not sure if it's a contact lake but if you're planning on putting on fishing waders, they are not allowed here . Lake can get grassy in the waters . I found a restroom located near the lake . Best times to come fish are in the early AM before the sun rises. Lake is small and anglers can fill it up where you are elbow to elbow with fisherman . I was told row boats are $20 an hour , parking is along the street which goes around the lake. Definitely a spot to fish and hike if you don't feel like going all the way up big bear or if the weather conditions are too harsh going up big bear.

Beautiful Day...trout were biting...brought home a few for a delicious dinner...highly recommendread more