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If you’re interested in an amazing scenic getaway with several things to do in the great outdoors, Big Bear Lake in Southern California is the place for you. There are so many excellent hiking trails in Big Bear Lake that it’s hard to choose just a few, but we’ve narrowed down the best that everyone can enjoy.
Here are nine of the best hiking trails in Big Bear Lake, California, for everyone to enjoy:
- Happy Hills Trail
- Alpine Pedal Path
- Stanfield Marsh Boardwalk
- Towne Trail
- Castle Rock Trail
- Cougar Crest Trail
- Pine Knot Trail to Grand View Point
- Skyline Trail
- John Bull Loop Trail
Keep reading to check out our picks for the best hiking trails in Big Bear Lake that suit all ability levels. Also, each trail is an excellent way to explore the San Bernardino National Forest. Remember to park in the U.S. Forest Service trailheads, and you will require an Adventure Pass or an America the Beautiful Pass.
Finally, if you’re looking for a place to stay nearby, check out our vacation rental guide for Big Bear!
Table of Contents
Easy Hikes in Big Bear Lake
These hikes are designed for those who are not used to a lot of physical activity and aren’t able to go a long distance over mountainous terrain. They are also great if you don’t feel like taking on a more difficult hike.
When hiking, make sure you take proper precautions like wearing appropriate footwear, bringing enough water with you, and letting someone know where you’re going if you’re hiking alone. For more info on the essentials, read our guide on what to wear hiking.
1. Happy Hills Trail
The Happy Hills Trail makes the beautiful forests of Big Bear accessible to anyone.
This trail is just under half a mile (.80 km.) roundtrip and is fully asphalted, flat, and fenced the entire distance. Anyone of any age and ability level will enjoy this stroll through the trees.
It’s a wonderful, shady space, and visitors will be astounded at the sheer size of the many different kinds of trees that make up the forests in the Big Bear Lake area. The Happy Hills trail is also a great place to bring a picnic lunch, as there are many picnic tables along the path.
2. Alpine Pedal Path
Another asphalt trail perfect for the whole family is the Alpine Pedal Path.
This trail is suitable for hiking and riding, so it’s a great choice for families with kids who want to ride their bikes, which is why it is known as the Pedal Path. Because it’s a sealed path, it’s also a good option for those who are interested in exploring the natural beauty of the area but aren’t sure if they’re ready to head off the beaten track just yet.
The trail is a beautiful 5-mile (8 km.) roundtrip walk past the Big Bear Lake, through forests and meadows. It’s a lovely walk for any season because the scenery changes with the weather.
3. Stanfield Marsh Boardwalk
For a different kind of hike, why not check out the Stanfield Marsh Boardwalk?
This walk will take you through the Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve in a non-obtrusive way, letting you enjoy all of the scenery without worrying about disturbing anything. There is a lot to see, and you will be entranced by all of the beautiful wildlife on display.
This walk is less than two miles (3.2 km.) there and back and is easy for all members of the family. It’s best to get in early, though, as this walk is very popular and there is not a lot of parking available.
4. Towne Trail
The Towne Trail is a lovely walk at any time of the year, but it’s in fall that this hike really shines because the leaves of the towering trees in the forest turn to gold. It’s hard to believe that such a great trail can exist so close to a town, but it does.
The Towne Trail is a relatively easy walk suitable for most abilities, as it’s around two miles (3.2 km.) and only goes gradually uphill. There are many pleasant views along the way, mostly of Big Bear Lake.
You can bring your dogs on the trail as long as they are on a leash.
Moderate Difficulty Hikes in Big Bear Lake
If you are in better shape, or you need a slight physical challenge, why not give these trails a try? These hikes are slightly longer and go over more hilly terrain than the easier hikes do. Let’s take a look at some of them now.
5. Castle Rock Trail
The Castle Rock Trail is one of the best that the Big Bear Lake area has to offer.
The trail is beautiful, taking you through a gully and past a flowing stream, and is just over two miles (3.2 km.). However, it does require a moderate amount of fitness because it’s all uphill and downhill.
Castle Rock is a stunning natural feature in its own right, but so are the views at the top. The view of Big Bear Lake here is absolutely amazing. Keep in mind that you need an Adventure Pass or an America the Beautiful to park at the trailhead.
6. Cougar Crest Trail
The Cougar Crest Trail is another fantastic hike in Big Bear that will reward you with picturesque lake views at the end.
It’s longer and steeper than the Castle Rock trail, at four miles or 6.4 km. in total, making it a good choice for those who want to get a little bit more out of their hike. You need an Adventure Pass or an America the Beautiful Pass to park at the trailhead, but parking is available at the Discovery Centre that needs no permit.
7. Pine Knot Trail to Grand View Point
The Pine Knot Trail to Grand View Point is a very popular trail in the Big Bear area.
The trail is 7 miles (11.2 km.) long and takes you gradually uphill. As you travel up through the forest of the mountain, you will find plenty of benches along the way to rest and enjoy the view of Big Bear Lake along with the tranquillity of the forest.
You’ll need an Adventure Pass or an America the Beautiful pass to park at the trailhead but do be aware that parking is quite limited, and this is a popular trail.
8. Skyline Trail
The Skyline Trail is known to many as a mountain biking trail, but it’s open for hiking as well.
It is fifteen stunning miles (24 km.) along the ridge of Big Bear’s South Shore. On one side of the trail, you can look down at the crystal blue waters of the lake, and on the other side of the trail, see Mt. San Gorgonio.
If you don’t want to hike the full fifteen miles (24 km.), don’t worry, as there are plenty of connecting trails that lead back to town so you can shorten your trip.
Difficult Hikes in Big Bear Lake
The following trail is extremely difficult to hike, so you might want to be in great physical condition before you attempt it. Let’s take a look at the reason why.
9. John Bull Loop Trail
This is certainly not a trail for the fainthearted, but even though it’s a test of your skills, the John Bull Loop Trail is well worth it.
The trail is just under 15 miles (24 km.) altogether and requires the ability to navigate yourself. It’s best to write down the directions you’ll need before embarking, which can be found on the Big Bear Lake website.
The trail offers beautiful views of the lake along the way. A short detour along the John Bull Peak Spur Trail will reward you with amazing scenery in every direction and a picnic table to rest at.
