Cycling & Mountain Biking

Big Bear Lake is Southern California's mecca for cycling and mountain biking. With downhill trails and single-tracks ranging from beginner to expert, you're sure to find the perfect ride every time. Summit Bike Park's chairlift takes you and your bike to the top of the mountain to access trails both on and off the property. If you don't have your own bike, pick up a rental at Goldsmith's or Bear Valley Bikes.

Mountain Biking

Summit Bike Park

In the 1990s, Big Bear was a mecca for downhill mountain biking and hosted races including the NORBA National Championship Series. Big Bear’s downhill terrain has been ridden by professional riders and recreational weekend warriors alike.

Summit Bike Park was established in 2012 with a variety of set ups, banked turns, bridges, and new trails constantly in the works.

Two cyclists ride in Big Bear Lake through a thick pine forest. The sun shines on the bright green foliage and dirt trail.

Snow Summit Trail map featuring Big Bear Mountain bike trails — Click to Enlarge Map

Single-Track Riding

Big Bear sets itself apart with over 100 miles of cross-country, single-track, and Forest Service roads catering to riders of all skill levels. Ride them for fun or register for one of Big Bear's cross-country races like the Gran Fondo and Grizzly 100 hosted by Bear Valley Bikes.

Big Bear's more popular biking trail, Skyline Ridge (2N10), passes through Snow Summit and offers the most scenic views with San Gorgonio to the south and Big Bear Lake to the north. Other favorites like Grand View Loop and Plantation Trail are accessible from the Scenic Sky Chair. Study our Top Trails or pick up a map at our Big Bear Visitor Center and start planning your adventure!

Road Cycling

Big Bear attracts cyclists from across Southern California with its rigorous climbs and altitude. Our town has hosted major cycling events like the 2010 and 2012 Amgen Tours of California, and the annual Tour de Big Bear attracts thousands of cyclists each year. Local bike shops keep riders ready from bike service and repairs to equipment sales.

Beginner Rides

Beginner riders will love the paved Alpine Pedal Path that runs from Stanfield Cutoff to the Observatory along the northern shoreline for 3 1/2 miles. It's a perfect route for a relaxing, lakeside cruise without the hassle of cars!

Two cyclists wave during their Tour de Big Bear bike ride in Big Bear Lake, CA

Man cycling on North Shore road near Big Bear Lake while high-altitude training

Intermediate/Advanced Routes

For intermediate cyclists, a ride around Big Bear Lake offers a 20+ mile journey with epic scenery along the way. Riders should be extremely mindful of cars. Riders will take Hwy 38 on the North Shore and Hwy 18 on the South Shore from the Dam to Stanfield Cutoff.

At Stanfield Cutoff you can opt for an extra 20 mile trek around Baldwin Lake. This is a lengthy addition but doesn't add vertical climb. To add the Baldwin Loop, continue from Stanfield Cutoff and head east along the north or south shore roadways until you reach Baldwin Lake Road on the North Side or Shay Road on the South Side. Be aware that Hwy 18 and Hwy 38 cross at Greenway Dr. Study a map before heading out. Riders looking for a real challenge can add a 9-mile climb to Onyx Summit - at 8,443 ft altitude - on Hwy 38.