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Big Bear, California

Big Bear, California is known as a top destination for outdoor adventurers. With its scenic mountains, lakes, and trails, it offers a variety of top activities and attractions. Hiking, fishing, and camping are popular options. For a unique experience, take a trip to the Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain, which is a luge-style cart ride down the mountain. For a more relaxing experience, visit Big Bear Lake to take in the views while kayaking or paddle boarding. If you’re looking for something more adventurous, explore the San Bernardino National Forest, where you can go mountain biking, rock climbing, and horseback riding. There are also plenty of must-visit attractions in the area, like the Big Bear Solar Observatory and the Big Bear Discovery Center. With so many activities and attractions, Big Bear, California is the perfect place to explore nature and have an unforgettable adventure.

Top Spots in and near Big Bear

  • Big Bear, California

    Alpine Pedal Path

    5.0
    5.08 mi / 292 ft gain
    Alpine Pedal Path is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Big Bear Lake, California.
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  • Big Bear, California

    Explore Van Dusen Cabin

    4.0
    This is a great day trip to spend in the mountains. from Highway 18 at the Big Bear Dam you turn left onto highway 38 around the north shore of Big Bear. Continue till you see the sign Van Dusen Rd and turn left. The paved road takes you through residential neighborhoods where the dirt road begin...
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  • Big Bear, California

    Rock Climb Holcomb Valley

    5.0
    Most of the drive to Holcomb Valley is done on regular paved roads until about the last hour when you get above Big Bear Lake and you start your journey on dirt roads. The road is extremely bumpy and has lots of pot holes but there are generally quite a few cars up there that don't have 4 wheel d...
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  • Big Bear, California

    Camp at Holcomb Valley Campground

    This campground is awesome! With great views, plenty of space and clean bathrooms it'll have you in for a treat! Whether it be a multiple day trip or just one night this campground is awesome. Read below for information if you are looking for a trip in the mountains! Cost: This campground is a bi...
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  • Big Bear, California

    Hike the Cougar Crest Trail

    5.0
    6.7 mi / 938 ft gain
    On the north side of Big Bear Lake, just off the 38, you will find a turn off for the Cougar Crest Trail. The parking lot is well marked, and signs for the trailhead are easy to spot. Parking is not an issue if you come in later in the afternoon, but the hike can get crowded during peak hours. Fo...
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  • Big Bear Lake, California

    Mountain Bike Pine Knot Trail in Big Bear

    5.0
    6 mi / 1413 ft gain
    Park at the free parking lot behind the village off of Knickerbocker Rd between Village Drive and Pedder Road. Ride up Knickerbocker Rd towards the mountain. Look out for the fire service road 2N08 that veers left and uphill. The first 2 miles is challenging steep uphill, but beautiful nonetheles...
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  • San Bernardino County, California

    Off-Road Jacoby Canyon

    2.9 mi
    This is now my favorite trail in the San Bernardino National Forest. Ranging from desert scenes at the bottom and pine trees at the top, you experience such high levels of outdoors feel you can't resist. This trail has so many awesome spots for camping and off-roading that it has a great mix for ...
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  • Big Bear Lake, California

    Snowshoe to Grand View Point

    6.1 mi / 1200 ft gain
    Grand View Point is accessed via Pine Knot Trail, a 6.5 mile out and back hiking trail located at the Aspen Glen Picnic Area, 1 mile from Big Bear Village. With its close proximity to town, Pine Knot Trail is popular in the summer with mountain bikers and the trailhead is often crowded in the win...
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  • Fawnskin, California

    Grays Peak Trail

    1.0
    6.95 mi / 1293 ft gain
    This is a fairly easy mountain peak to climb.  The trailhead is easily accessible right off of Hwy 38 by the town of Fawnskin.  There is a large National Forest sign noting the parking area to Grays Peak Trail.  Note that parking in this lot requires either a day pass or a California Adventure pa...
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  • Fawnskin, California

    Castle Rock Trail at Big Bear Lake

    4.5
    2.7 mi / 719 ft gain
    Follow the directions to the trail head, and park on the side of the road. You will see a sign that says Castle Rock Trail, and the path is directly behind that sign. The hike up to the peak is steep, sandy, and very rocky, so shoes with good traction is recommended. There are also lots of oak a...
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  • Angelus Oaks, California

    Winter Hike Around Jenks Lake

    4.0
    0.77 mi / 49 ft gain
    If you want to experience beauty and solitude in SoCal look no further than Jenks Lake. Not too far from Big Bear Lake, but secluded enough to keep most away in the winter, Jenks Lake is a small but lovely alpine lake near HWY 38 in Angelus Oaks. Driving to the lake is beautiful in itself as HWY...
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  • Angelus Oaks, California

    South Fork to Dollar Lake Trail

    11.3 mi / 449 ft gain
    South Fork to Dollar Lake Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Banning, California.
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  • Angelus Oaks, California

    San Bernardino Peak

    3.0
    15.82 mi / 4911 ft gain
    The San Bernadino Peak Trail out of Angelus Oaks is a very challenging hike, which can either be done as a day hike or an overnight trip. Free permits are required for day hiking and overnights in the San Gorgonio Wilderness. These permits can be accessed via Sgwa.org/permits.  If you choose to ...
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  • Forest Falls, California

    Summit Mt. San Bernardino from Angelus Oaks

    16 mi / 4775 ft gain
    The trailhead is somewhat 'interesting' to get to given the dirt roads are in questionable shape and some of the roads in Angelus Oaks are not easily identifiable but I didn't have any problems finding it by closely following Google Maps.    Trailhead parking requires an Adventure Pass parking pe...
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  • Forest Falls, California

    Vivian Creek Trail to San Gorgonio Peak

    17.83 mi / 5627 ft gain
    Vivian Creek Trail to San Gorgonio Peak is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Forest Falls, California.
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  • Forest Falls, California

    Summit Mt. San Gorgonio

    4.7
    17 mi / 5840 ft gain
    A hiking permit is required to hike in the San Gorgonio Wilderness. Apply for the permit early as the Vivian Creek Trail is the second most popular trailhead for the area and quotas fill up in advance. The permits are free and the entire process can be handled via fax or mail. All the information...
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Camping and Lodging in Big Bear

Tanglewood Group Camp
3N79

Tanglewood Group Camp

Pineknot
Big Bear Lake, California

Pineknot

Green Spot Equestrian Group Camp
Big Bear, California

Green Spot Equestrian Group Camp

Serrano
San Bernardino County, California

Serrano

Deer Group Camp
Big Bear Lake, California

Deer Group Camp

San Gorgonio
Angelus Oaks, California

San Gorgonio

Guides, Insights and Stories from Big Bear

Photo Essay: One Day in Joshua Tree National Park

Photo Essay: One Day in Joshua Tree National Park

Kevin Tangney

5 Things to Know Before Adventuring in Joshua Tree National Park

5 Things to Know Before Adventuring in Joshua Tree National Park

Brynn Schmidt

Check out these Native American businesses in CA

Check out these Native American businesses in CA

The Outbound Collective

Do Not Eat Hot Wings Before Hiking

Do Not Eat Hot Wings Before Hiking

Aaron Rickel Jones

Two Native-owned and -operated organizations to support in CA

Two Native-owned and -operated organizations to support in CA

The Outbound Collective