Next Stop: Big Bear Lake!

From Big Bear Mountain Resort

Road trippers! We have to say that there's never a bad time for a road trip, but if you're hitting the highways this summer, be sure to add a pin to Big Bear Lake, Southern California's mountain lake escape where outdoor recreation abounds at Big Bear Mountain Resort.

3 Routes:

Hwy. 330/Hwy. 18 through Running Springs
Hwy. 38 through Redlands
Hwy. 18 through Lucerne Valley

Twin Resorts:

Snow Summit is a summer activity hub for mountain biking (DH & XC), hiking, a Scenic Sky Chair, Basecamp activities (climbing wall, zip line, Euro Bungy, Grizzly Ridge Tube Park, Summit Mining Co.), and Bear Mountain Golf Course.

Closest Airports:

Big Bear Airport (4 miles / 6 km)*
Ontario International Airport (58 miles / 93 km)
Palm Springs International Airport (85 miles / 136 km)
John Wayne Airport, Orange County (92 miles / 148 km)
Palmdale Regional Airport (100 miles / 161 km)
Lox Angeles International Airport (118 miles / 190 km)
*Private and charter aircraft only.

Days You’ll Want To Spend: 2

Where To Stay: Big Bear has a wide selection of lodging options, from full-service hotels and luxury home rentals to more budget-friendly motels and private cabins. To explore lodging options, see here. Pro Tip: Lodging rates and availability are usually better Monday-Thursday and non-holiday dates. *Big Bear Mountain Resort does not own or operate any lodging properties.

DAY ONE

Your trail starts here. Take a leisure mountaintop lap with picturesque lake views or spend the day on an extensive network of Forest Service trails. As the mountain biking mecca of Southern California, Big Bear is a paradise for pedalers of all ages and abilities. Begin your biking adventure at Summit Bike Park to experience the thrill of 1,200 feet of downhill drop, featuring an exciting mix of trails, jumps, and man-made features, or explore over 60 miles of cross-country trails directly accessible from the base area. Be sure to mark your calendars for Sept. 23-26, when the Fox US Open of Mountain Biking is scheduled to return to the resort for the second year. Pro Tip: Summit Bike Park offers in-resort bike rentals and repairs so you can save time and get on the trails faster.

Get above it all. Sit back and relax during a mile-long ascent through the San Bernardino National Forest on the Scenic Sky Chair before arriving at the top of Snow Summit (elev. 8,200 feet). Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Big Bear Valley and San Gorgonio Mountain (elev. 11,503 feet), go on a self-guided tour of the Mountain Top Loop trail (1-mile round trip), or experience Big Bear’s only mountaintop dining at the Skyline Taphouse, featuring an outdoor BBQ, kids’ favorites. Pro Tip: Bundle and save by adding lunch to your Scenic Sky Chair ticket.

Explore more. Big Bear is home to some of Southern California’s best hiking. At Snow Summit, check out the Bobsled Trail for a top-to-bottom trek (2 miles one way), featuring breathtaking views of the valley, or take the Scenic Sky Chair to the top of the mountain and explore the Mountain Top Loop (1-mile round trip) for a more low-impact excursion. Pro Tip: Help us #CareForBear by properly disposing of trash you find and avoid disturbing wildlife you encounter during your hike. If you observe an animal that is injured/distressed, please keep your distance and report it to a resort employee immediately.

Basecamp activities. Snow Summit also offers several base area activities that are perfect for explorers and thrill-seekers of all ages, including a 30-foot climbing wall, Euro Bungee trampoline, summer tubing, gem mining, Quick Jump free fall, zip line, and the all-new Full Throttle STACYC course for kids. Pro Tip: Grab an Adventure Day Pass to get unlimited single-day access to all Basecamp activities.

Enjoy the benefits of playing at 7,000 feet with the sun-splashed San Bernardino Mountains as your backdrop.

DAY TWO

Make time for nine. Whether you’re a scratch golfer, new to the game, or somewhere in-between, Bear Mountain Golf Course offers a unique experience for players of all skill levels. Book your tee time in advance and enjoy the benefits of playing at 7,000 feet on an idyllic 9-hole course featuring a full-service pro shop, driving range, and practice area with the San Bernardino Mountains as your backdrop. Pro Tip: Check out the Clubhouse Grill for some fairway fare before or after your round. On-course ordering is also available daily.

Take some lake laps. During the summer, Big Bear Lake becomes a high-altitude oasis for watersports enthusiasts, with boating, fishing, and kayaking taking center stage. After you’ve had your fill of fun on the lake, stop by the Big Bear Village for some shopping, dining, live music, and more! Pro Tip: Book a lake tour on the Big Bear Queen or Big Bear Pirate Ship for a truly unique aquatic adventure.

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT EVERYTHING BIG BEAR HAS TO OFFER?
Check out the 2021 Visitors Center Magazine.