Top 10 Outdoor Activities in Big Bear Lake
by Aventura on September 05, 2022
Photo: Divanov | Big Bear Lake, California
Big Bear is a great place to camp, hike, backpack, and enjoy all the wonders of the outdoors. From waterfalls to wildlife viewing to just plain relaxing on the lake, Big Bear has something for everyone.
Whether you're a seasoned outdoorsman or a first-time camper, Big Bear Lake has a lot to offer. With hundreds of miles of trails, lakes, and rivers, there's no shortage of things to do. Whether you're looking for a relaxing weekend away or an epic journey through the wilderness, we've got you covered.
In this article, you will find an in-depth review of some of the most popular activities to do in Big Bear.
Things to do in Big Bear
Big Bear is one of the most beautiful places in California, and there are some incredible adventures to be had here. You can't go wrong with a trip to Big Bear, California. This stunning mountain town is the perfect place to get away from it all—and we mean that in the best way possible.
Whether you're looking for a hiking trail or a camping trip, we've got 8 exciting adventures that will take you outside and away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
1. Ski at Big Bear Mountain Resort
In winter months, skiers and snowboarders looking for some of the most accessible slopes in Southern California need go no further than Big Bear Mountain Resort, which is a must-visit if you're spending the winter in Big Bear. There are two parts to the resort, one on Bear Mountain and another on Snow Summit. Across their combined 400 acres of terrain, skiers and snowboarders may choose from 26 lifts and 55 different routes. There is a tubing area at the ski resort, with tracks that stretch out to 300 feet in length and are perfect for the whole family. Climbing walls, Euro bungee trampolines, zip lines, a nine-hole golf course, and more are all available throughout the warmer months.
Photo: Eugene Domejes | Big Bear Mountain Resort
2. Mtn Bike at Summit Bike Park
Come summer, mountain bikers flock to Summit Bike Park to enjoy a variety of downhill trails and access to over 60 miles of cross-country trails with the sun-splashed San Bernardino Mountains and picturesque lake views as your backdrop. Summit Bike Park's lift access, gravity-fed trails offer a variety of singletrack trails that require minimal pedaling or braking. The park features a diverse mix of natural and man-made features – including step-ups, berms, and bridges – that will challenge riders of all ability levels.
Photo: Big Bear Mtn Resort | Big Bear Lake, California
3. Enjoy some water sports at the lake
In the spring, summer, and fall, you may visit any of the marinas around Big Bear Lake to rent boats, Jet Skis, and other sorts of watercraft. This freshwater lake is seven miles long and is great for a day of trout fishing aboard a chartered boat. You might also spend the day lounging, swimming, or shore fishing at a beach.
4. Get a Tour of Big Bear
If you’re visiting Big Bear Lake and want to get a good overview, a Big Bear Outdoor Tour is a great option. You’ll start with a ride up to the highest point in the San Bernardino National Forest, where you will be treated to incredible views of the entire valley. From there, your tour guide will take you on a narrated tour around the lake itself, showing you some of the most popular spots along the way.
5. Hike Cougar Crest Trail
The 5-mile trail starts at the base of Ski Run Road and travels up to the top of a mountain ridge where you can see panoramic views of Big Bear Lake below. The trail is fairly easy with very little elevation gain, but it does get steep in some areas along the way. Several spur trails branch off from this one which makes it easy to customize your hike based on your abilities or time constraints.
6. Explore Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain
The Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain is a great place for families to have fun any time of the year. Take the chairlift to the peak in the warmer months, then slide down. You can also ride the exciting mountain coaster, go-kart around, play mini-golf on an 18-hole course, slide down an alpine waterslide, and get your heart racing on the Soaring Eagle, which launches you 100 feet into the air at 28 miles per hour. A tubing hill is available in the recreation area during the winter months, and it features an upward magic carpet lift that is coated in plexiglass to make the ride more pleasant. Even if it hasn't snowed when you visit Big Bear in October or November, you may still go tubing since the resort begins artificially creating snow at that time.
7. Hike to Lake Gregory
Lake Gregory is an easy hike that’s perfect for families with young children or anyone who wants a little exercise without much effort. The trailhead is located near the corner of Highway 18 and Pine Knot Avenue behind the ski resort village (the same area where you can rent jet skis). From there, it’s just over one mile downhill on the paved road to the lakefront. There are many other trails around the lake as well as picnic areas, so plan on spending an entire day exploring this beautiful area!
You can find a sand beach, a large water slide, and an inflatable water park at Lake Gregory, all while being surrounded by towering cedar pine trees.
The lake, which encompasses 84 acres and is a reservoir for the municipality of Crestline, can be found at an elevation of 4528 feet inside the San Bernardino Mountains. The whole family can enjoy the many fun outdoor pursuits available, such as hiking, fishing, swimming, and kayaking.
8. Take a Zipline Tour
A zipline tour with Big Bear’s Action Tours is an excellent way to see the beautiful Big Bear mountain range from above. The tour takes you through some of the most breathtakingly scenic spots in the mountains. This tour includes 9 ziplines, one suspension bridge, and a short hike at the beginning and end of your tour. You will be harnessed up and zip across the canyons on high-speed ziplines, reaching speeds up to 40mph! The guides make sure you get safely onto each platform and they provide an incredible amount of information about the area as well as tips on how to best photograph your trip. It's a great experience for people who want an adrenaline rush without having to worry about getting hurt or making it through difficult obstacles like climbing walls or walking along narrow paths with steep drop-offs below them. Even kids as young as 7 years old can participate on this tour if they're tall enough.
For the adult crowd, you may want to check out the “Zip & Sip” Tour add-on. After your zipline adventure you’ll head to Barrel 33 in the Village to enjoy a wine flight of six tastings specially chosen from over 70 California wines! Or opt for four pours of California craft beer.
9. Visit Big Bear Alpine Zoo
If you're looking for an adventure that's fun for the whole family, look no further than the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. The zoo was originally established in 1959 to provide a haven for injured and imprinted animals, and it's since grown into one of only two alpine zoos in the United States. Their rehabilitation center provides wounded, orphaned, and imprinted wildlife with a secure sanctuary, either temporarily while they recuperate, or permanently if they are unable to live on their own in the wild.
10. Hike Castle Rock Trail
This 2.7 mile out and back trail is one of Big Bear’s most popular local hikes. Taking an average of about 1 hour and 40 minutes, many visitors like to add this adventure into their weekend activities given its quick access from town, beautiful views of the lake, moderate difficulty and dog-friendliness. Parking can get a little tricky, so be prepared to find a place to park in the neighborhood nearby and walk in 5 or 10 minutes to the trailhead.
Photo: Jack Armstrong | Big Bear Lake
Closing Thoughts
A favorite of Southern Californians looking for a weekend escape, the allure of the wilderness, the thrill of high elevation and an opportunity to explore the beauty of nature are all reasons to head up to Big Bear for some fun in the sun. But if you're looking for something a little different from what you'd find at other local destinations, Big Bear offers some exciting adventures to do that will leave you feeling satisfied and refreshed.
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