Choose Your Sport
Welcome to Big Bear, SoCal's largest training arena for athletes across numerous sports and disciplines. Here in our high-elevation paradise, there's something to be gained for every athlete - find suitable training spots, get to know the gear experts, and take advantage of recovery options.
The game is on in Big Bear!
“Big Bear is where I really leveled up.” Dusty Henricksen, Youth Olympic gold medalist in Snowboarding Slopestyle
Build Your Training Plan
Trail and Distance Running
Big Bear is a haven for trail and distance runners looking to increase their VO₂ max and endurance. With over 100 miles of National Forest trails and paved roads, runners will find the best training grounds for their needs.
Gear Experts
Our local runners are ready to share their opinions on gear and get you running.
- The Yellow Post - 546 Pineknot Ave >>> website
Training Grounds
Find the right setting for your training day.
- Alpine Pedal Path - 6 miles round trip, fully paved, flat with mild elevation gain. Add a couple of extra miles when you add in Stanfield Cutoff and the Stanfield Marsh Boardwalk.
- Moonridge Loop - Encompasses Moonridge Rd, Goldmine Dr and Clubview Dr. Add a steep challenge when you climb Clubview to 2N10.
- Castle Rock Trail - 2.4 miles round trip, dirt single-track, steep and rocky with challenging elevation gain
- Cougar Crest - 5.5 miles round trip, dirt single-track, steep and rocky with challenging elevation gain
- Holcomb Valley - Holcomb Valley encompasses a large area north of Big Bear Valley. Start with a 4.2 mile - one way - route along Van Dusen Canyon Rd (3N09 fire road) to Holcomb Valley Campground.
Recovery Zone
Take time to relax, stretch out and meditate.
- Mountain Yoga Center - 41957 Big Bear Blvd #3 >>> website
- Elevations Day Spa (massage) - 42007 Fox Farm Rd #1 >>> website
- Soothing Canna Massage - 40585 Big Bear Blvd >>> website
- Big Bear High Altitude Training Center (cryotherapy) - 40679 Big Bear Blvd >>> website
Ask An Athlete
Mountain Biking
At over 6,000 feet, Big Bear offers some of the most rigorous yet rewarding cross-country and downhill biking routes in California. National Forest trails offer up 100+ miles of routes while Summit Bike Park's gravity fed trails test your physical and mental resolve.
Gear Experts
Test gear and get expert advice from local shop owners - some of who are professional cyclists themselves.
- Bear Valley Bikes - 40298 Big Bear Blvd >>> website
- Goldsmith's Sports - 42071 Big Bear Blvd >>> website
For bike repairs and tune-ups, we recommend asking for Derek at Bear Valley Bikes.
Training Grounds
Find the right setting for your training day.
- Bristlecone/Fern/Skyline - XC route - Starting from the Snow Summit parking lot, climb your way to one of Big Bear's newest - and most scenic - trails, Skyline. Skyline on its own runs approx. 15 miles one way.
- Grout Bay Loop - XC route - Starting from Hanna Flat Campground or Grout Bay Trailhead, this ever climbing loop takes you through changing landscapes, sandy terrain and some streams in the spring.
- Summit Bike Park - DH - Downhill routes vary from single-track off park grounds to downhill tracks on designated park property. Full face helmet plus body protection is recommended.
Recovery Zone
Take time to relax, stretch out and meditate.
- Mountain Yoga Center - 41957 Big Bear Blvd #3 >>> website
- Elevations Day Spa (massage) - 42007 Fox Farm Rd #1 >>> website
- Soothing Canna Massage - 40585 Big Bear Blvd >>> website
- Big Bear High Altitude Training Center (cryotherapy) - 40679 Big Bear Blvd >>> website
Ask An Athlete
Cycling
Big Bear's steep, winding roads call to cyclists eager for high-altitude punishment...er...challenges. Each year, Big Bear hosts the ever growing Tour de Big Bear with road rides from 25 miles to 100 miles across the valley and up and down the mountain roads.
Gear Experts
Test gear and get expert advice from local shop owners - some of who are professional cyclists themselves.
- Bear Valley Bikes - 40298 Big Bear Blvd >>> website
For bike repairs and tune-ups, we recommend asking for Derek at Bear Valley Bikes.
Training Grounds
Find the right setting for your training day. Be extremely mindful of cars while riding on highways and roads.
- Lake Loop - For intermediate cyclists, a ride around Big Bear Lake offers a 20+ mile journey. Riders will take Hwy 38 on the North Shore and Hwy 18 on the South Shore from the Dam to Stanfield Cutoff.
- Baldwin Loop - Add the Baldwin Loop from Stanfield Cutoff for an extra 20 mile trek around Baldwin Lake. This is a lengthy addition but adds no vertical climb. To add the Baldwin Loop, continue from Stanfield Cutoff and head east until you reach Baldwin Lake Road off of North Shore Dr or Shay Road at the end of Big Bear Blvd. Hwy 18 and Hwy 38 cross at Greenway Dr, study a map before heading out.
- Onyx Summit - Riders looking for a real challenge can add a 9-mile climb to Onyx Summit - at 8,443 ft altitude - on Hwy 38.
Recovery Zone
Take time to relax, stretch out and meditate.
- Mountain Yoga Center - 41957 Big Bear Blvd #3 >>> website
- Elevations Day Spa (massage) - 42007 Fox Farm Rd #1 >>> website
- Soothing Canna Massage - 40585 Big Bear Blvd >>> website
- Big Bear High Altitude Training Center (cryotherapy) - 40679 Big Bear Blvd >>> website
Ask An Athlete
Boxing & Martial Arts
Big Bear has long been a training ground for world-class fighters. Champions like Oscar De La Hoya and Gennady “GGG” Golovkin trained here taking advantage of the high elevation to increase endurance and sharpen focus.
Gear Experts
Big 5 Sporting Goods - 41385 Big Bear Blvd - 909-866-2730
Training Grounds
Big Bear High Altitude Training Center - 40679 Big Bear Blvd - 909.366.0050 >>> website
Recovery Zone
Take time to relax, stretch out and meditate.
- Mountain Yoga Center - 41957 Big Bear Blvd #3 >>> website
- Elevations Day Spa (massage) - 42007 Fox Farm Rd #1 >>> website
- Soothing Canna Massage - 40585 Big Bear Blvd >>> website
- Big Bear High Altitude Training Center (cryotherapy) - 40679 Big Bear Blvd >>> website
Ask An Athlete
Hiking & Trekking
Big Bear’s seemingly endless trails within the San Bernardino National Forest make it a dream for hikers and trekkers. HIGHLANDER Adventure returns each year for this very reason! Big Bear is one of the few places in Southern California where you can summit, scramble, and soak in alpine views without leaving the region.
Gear Experts
Browse carefully curated and real world tested hiking equipment designed by hikers for hikers.
- The Yellow Post - 546 Pineknot Ave >>> website
Training Grounds
Pick your preferred hiking challenge.
- Pacific Crest Trail - Multi-day endurance training built for those looking for a longer tougher trek.
- Butler Peak Fire Lookout - Altitude gain & 360* landscape views with this tough endurance test, both your physical strength and foot placement will be put to the test.
- Castle Rock + Cougar Crest Trail - Stair-like climbs & awe-inspiring views, perfect for working out multiple key areas in the calves and thighs with a reward of stunning views.
- Holcomb Valley - Bouldering and route mapping, an excellent choice for those hoping to practice their planning and work out their core muscles.
Recovery Zone
Take time to relax, stretch out and meditate.
- Mountain Yoga Center - 41957 Big Bear Blvd #3 >>> website
- Elevations Day Spa (massage) - 42007 Fox Farm Rd #1 >>> website
- Soothing Canna Massage - 40585 Big Bear Blvd >>> website
- Big Bear High Altitude Training Center (cryotherapy) - 40679 Big Bear Blvd >>> website
Ask An Athlete
Skateboarding
Drive down Big Bear Blvd and you may very well see the local skateboard crowd perfecting their jumps, slides, kickflips and more at Town Skate Park. Drive to the east end and catch even more avid skaters at Sugarloaf Skate Park. Big Bear is ripe with young talent and primed training grounds.
Gear Experts
Find local experts and get the gear best suited for your style.
- Attic Skate Shop - 909.969.4725 - 42698 Moonridge Rd >>> website
- Scotty's Boardhouse - 41440 Big Bear Blvd >>> website
- Blauer Ski & Board - 41177 Big Bear Blvd >>> website
Training Grounds
Find the right skate park for you
- Town Skate Park - With it's close proximity to the town and village this skate park is perfect for those looking to train their skills!
- Sugarloaf Park - Test your skills with ramps, rails, and half pipes - not to mention it's distance from the town makes for a more peaceful less traffic packed experience.
Recovery Zone
Take time to relax, stretch out and meditate.
- Mountain Yoga Center - 41957 Big Bear Blvd #3 >>> website
- Elevations Day Spa (massage) - 42007 Fox Farm Rd #1 >>> website
- Soothing Canna Massage - 40585 Big Bear Blvd >>> website
- Big Bear High Altitude Training Center (cryotherapy) - 40679 Big Bear Blvd >>> website
Ask An Athlete
Swimming & Watersports
Big Bear Lake is SoCal's best-kept secret for open-water swim training and paddle conditioning. Triathletes, open-water swimmers and paddleboard racers love the quiet coves and early morning glassy waters. Big Bear Lake is also a haven for sports like waterskiing and wakeboarding with two certified watersports schools with drivers and equipment.
Lake Permits & Info
For non-motorized and motorized water craft:
Your vessel must have a "Lake Permit" before launching. Permits can be acquired at the public launch ramps, the Big Bear Municipal Water District Office, or select marinas. Your vessel will need to be inspected prior to launch.
Swimming / Watersport Safety
With the exception of Swim Beach, Big Bear Lake does NOT have on-duty lifeguards. Swimming in the lake is permitted at your own risk within 50 feet of the shore or within 20 feet from a dock. If you are swimming while participating in water-sports, you must be wear a life vest.
Training Grounds
- Swim Beach - Designated lake area for open-water swimming practice.
- Kayak / SUP - Balance, core, and shoulder workouts built to test your physical endurance.
- Big Bear Watersports School - out of Pineknot Marina
- Designated Wakesports - out of Pleasure Point Marina
Recovery Zone
Take time to relax, stretch out and meditate.
- Mountain Yoga Center - 41957 Big Bear Blvd #3 >>> website
- Elevations Day Spa (massage) - 42007 Fox Farm Rd #1 >>> website
- Soothing Canna Massage - 40585 Big Bear Blvd >>> website
- Big Bear High Altitude Training Center (cryotherapy) - 40679 Big Bear Blvd >>> website
Ask An Athlete
Skiing & Snowboarding
Southern California's premier ski resorts are prepped daily with groomed runs, sculpted jumps and jibs, and challenging moguls. Each winter sees a host of winter sporting events like jump competitions, half pipe contests and alpine ski races. Welcome to Big Bear!
Gear Experts
Talk with local experts about the gear you need and what's new on the market.
- Goldsmith's Sports - 42071 Big Bear Blvd >>> website
Training Grounds
Find the perfect terrain for training jumps, jibs, alpine racing, moguls and more.
- Snow Summit Ski Resort - 880 Summit Blvd - 844-GO2-BEAR
- Bear Mountain Ski Resort - 43101 Goldmine Dr - 844-GO2-BEAR
Work with organized teams and programs while you're in town:
Recovery Zone
Take time to relax, stretch out and meditate.
- Mountain Yoga Center - 41957 Big Bear Blvd #3 >>> website
- Elevations Day Spa (massage) - 42007 Fox Farm Rd #1 >>> website
- Soothing Canna Massage - 40585 Big Bear Blvd >>> website
- Big Bear High Altitude Training Center (cryotherapy) - 40679 Big Bear Blvd >>> website