Big Bear Lake, CA: Where Outdoor Fun Meets Relaxation

For a beautiful view of Big Bear Lake you can hike the Castle Rock Trail which takes you along a short but steep trail to a rocky crag overlooking the lake. Although the trail is only about 1.3 miles long it is quite challenging due to the rocky terrain and relatively rapid increase in elevation. You can try the trail by mountain bike or on horseback, but hiking is generally considered to be the best way to explore this single-track trail. You have the choice of starting from either the north trailhead off Hwy 18 or the south trailhead which is accessed off Forest Service Rd 2N10. Castle Rock Trail Video

Established in 1959 to rehabilitate animals which were injured during a devastation forest fire, the Big Bear Alpine Zoo at Moonridge is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and re-introducing injured and vulnerable wildlife back into their natural environments. In some instances certain animals cannot be returned to the wild and will find a permanent safe-house in the Zoo. Currently you can expect to see a wide variety of birds and animals (over 85 species) including an arctic fox, black bears, bob cats, coyotes, wolves, owls and many more. The best way to learn all about the fascinating animals is to join a docent-led tour of the zoo.

747 Club View Dr, Big Bear Lake, CA 92314, Phone: 909-584-1299

Located about two miles from Big Bear Dam, Boulder Bay Park is an outdoor recreational facility offering year-round activities. Many people simply come to have a picnic surrounded by natural beauty, while others come to enjoy hiking around the lake, canoeing and kayaking in summer and a good variety of snow-sports in winter. In spring and autumn you can take some wonderful photos of the park decked out in seasonal colors. If you would like to spend a few days in the area you can choose from a large variety of vacation rental homes, cabins and apartments located within easy access of all the action.

Boulder Bay Park, 39148 CA-18, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315, Phone: 909-866-9700

Big Bear Lake’s beautiful Alpine Pedal Path is a must-do activity when you are visiting Big Bear Lake. The paved path is suitable for walkers and cyclists of all fitness levels and you will often find entire families enjoying a stroll or cycle. The Pedal Path stretches for 3.2 miles from the Serrano Campground to the Stanfield Cutoff and there are benches along the way where you can stop to rest, do some bird watching (look out for bald eagles) and admire the beautiful vistas. At Juniper point there are BBQ’s and picnic tables – you can easily bring along a picnic and make a day of it. The path is also suitable for skaters and wheelchairs.

Alpine Pedal Path, 740 Stanfield Cutoff, Big Bear, CA 92314, Phone: 909-382-2790

Located in the San Bernardino National Forest, overlooking Big Bear Lake, the Cougar Crest Trail is a moderately challenging 2.4-mile (5.2 miles out and back) hiking or mountain-biking trail which leads up to the junction of the famous Pacific Crest Trail (no bikes allowed on the PCT). The trail passes through a variety of beautiful natural environments including lots of wild flowers and can be accessed via a paved path from the Big Bear Discovery Center or from the Cougar Crest Trailhead on North Shore Drive about half a mile west of the Discovery Center. This trail is best used from March to November.

Cougar Crest Trail, Big Bear, CA 92314

The San Bernardino National Forest has seven historic high-altitude fire lookout posts which you can visit for amazing views of the surrounding forests and Big Bear Lake. Butler Peak Fire Lookout is located at an elevation of 8,535ft which makes this one pretty difficult to access as there is often still deep snow as late as July. You will need a high-clearance vehicle to navigate the dirt road that leads you to the Peak. Your perseverance will be rewarded by magnificent views and a deep respect for those who used to man these extremely remote and critically important fire lookouts.

Butler Peak Fire Lookout, Forest Road 2N13C, San Bernardino National Forest, Big Bear, CA 92314

Pine Knot Trail is a popular and well-maintained Big Bear trail which is considered easy to moderate and would suit most hikers. You can enjoy the 6.2mile out-and-back trail on foot or by mountain bike or horseback, enjoying excellent views of Big Bear Lake. This is a very scenic forest trail which leads you from the Aspen Glen Picnic area to the Grandview Point where your efforts will be rewarded by great views out over the Santa Ana River Valley and San Gorgonio. After admiring the beautiful views you head back along the same route, part of which meanders alongside the creek. You can park at Aspen Glen Picnic Area.

Pine Knot Trail, Mill Creek Rd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

Nature lovers and birding enthusiasts will enjoy taking the time to visit the Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve, located on the corner of Stanfield Cutoff and Big Bear Boulevard. You can park near the wooden gazebo and take a little time to have a look at the informative wildlife posters. There are wooden boardwalks built out over the water and the marshes from which you have splendid views of all the wildlife which frequent the Preserve. The best time to visit is early evening (around sunset) during the wet season, when there are many different species to be seen and photographed.

Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve, Stanfield Cutoff and Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear lake, CA 92314

Action Zip Line Tours offers all thrill-seekers the chance to get your adrenalin pumping as take on the challenge of flying along no less than nine high-speed zip lines. You need to have a good head for heights on this one – you will be racing through the tree tops at elevations of up to 85ft and speeds which can reach 45mph. In total there are nine separate zip lines which range from 140 to 860 feet long. The first few are quite tame, but they get progressively faster and longer as you go along. Did we mention the suspension bridge? It’s just another little thrill to add to your ride.

Action Zip Line Tours, 40957 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, Ca 92315, Phone: 909-866-0390

Located at an elevation of 7,600 feet and surrounded by towering pines, flower meadows and quartz outcrops, the Bluff Lake Reserve protects and showcases a variety of rare and endangered plants, amphibians and insects as well as the birds which are attracted to them. This ecological reserve offers visitors the chance to observe nature in a serene environment far removed from the busy tourist areas of Big Bear Lake. You are welcome to bring along a picnic to enjoy and your four-legged friends are also welcome provided they are leashed and you pick up after them. There are designated hiking trails around the lake and many opportunities for photography and bird watching.

Bluff Lake Reserve, Mill Creek Rd, Angelus Oaks, CA 92305, Phone: 909-790-3698