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 Make a splash into Big Bear Lake, Southern California's premier alpine getaway. Fun is the top priority at this "timberland playground" with a refreshing seven mile long lake, deep blue skies, mild temperatures, lots of sunshine, and vast amounts of aquatic sports.
The variety of fun in the sun at Big Bear Lake ranges from action-packed to easy-going. Visitors can be found racing across the lake on waverunners or jet skis, kayaking or canoeing along the lake's coves and inlets, skimming the water on skis or wakeboards, or sailing with a little help from the constant lake breezes. Another one-of-kind experience is parasailing at 7000' to experience a completely different perspective of Big Bear Valley's vast beauty. Instruction is offered for most water sports at all skill levels.
For the less adventurous, narrated lake tours are offered onboard the Big Bear Queen paddlewheel boat or the Spanish galleon replica, the Big Bear Pirate Ship. Meadow Park Swim Beach is open daily and has protected areas for children to enjoy splashing in the clear lake waters. Adjacent, there are play areas for volleyball, tennis and barbecues.
 The success rate for catching fish in Big Bear Lake is tremendous. Big Bear Lake is a first-rate trout fishery because its depths allow trout to thrive, even in the heat of summer. Therefore, it is one of only a handful of Southern California lakes to get planted with rainbow trout. The Department of Fish and Game regularly stock the lake from April to October with approximately 2000 lbs. of rainbow trout every two weeks.
Several marinas offer boat rentals, bait, tackle and licenses, docks and repair services. Launch ramps are found at all marinas and the north shore public ramps. Mountain bikers from around the globe come to Big Bear Valley to experience a sport created for the mountains! This world-class mountain biking region has more than one hundred miles of trails and Forest Service roads to satisfy bikers of all ages and skill levels. Hikers find an abundance of hiking opportunities. Some of the more notable trails are the Cougar Crest Trail, Pineknot Trail, Champion Lodgepole Pine Trail, Castle Rock Trail, Sugarloaf National Recreation Trail, Grays Peak Trail and The Woodland Trail. Hikers and bikers wanting more convenient access enjoy a relaxing ride up to the 8200' summit on the Snow Summit Scenic Sky Chair, a great place to get a straight-on view of San Gorgonio. There are plenty of world-class, cross-country trails designated for experienced bikers, moderate trails for intermediate riders, or beginner-friendly trails with easier riding terrains for the less experienced.
Backcountry off-roading is an enjoyable way to explore scenic Big Bear Valley and the hundreds of miles of surrounding national forest. Big Bear Off-Road Adventures takes visitors on backcountry tours into areas normally seen only by hikers.
 Another way to explore Big Bear's peaceful winter setting is by horseback. A relaxing ride into the wilderness is a splendid way to connect with nature and enjoy the pleasantries of the fresh mountain air.
These exciting trips range in duration from a couple of hours to a full day's adventure to historic Holcomb Valley, Butler Peak and Rose Mine. A visit to Moonridge Animal Park makes for great family fun. Open weekends year-round and daily throughout the summer, the 11-acre Park serves as temporary quarters for orphaned and injured wildlife until they can be returned to their natural habitat. Permanent "residents" include a family of Grizzly bears, bobcats, wolves, mountain lion and snow leopard, as well as dozens of smaller animals, such as coyotes, foxes, eagles and other birds. A pair of bison, reflecting the ancient wildlife of the region, also lives at the Park. Both guided and self-guided tours are available and provide an excellent first-hand look into mountain wildlife and the delicate balance of nature.
Adjacent to Moonridge Animal Park, golfers find their own alpine paradise at Bear Mountain Golf Course, 9-holes of mountain meadows, streams and challenging fairways. Open May through November; this regulation course is located at the base of Bear Mountain Ski Resort. Balls fly higher and farther at Bear Mountain Golf Course.
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