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Choose Your Sport

Curate your own training.

Two runners jog up a trail during the Kodiak 100 race in Big Bear Lake.

Running & Trails

Big Bear is a mecca for high-altitude runners looking to increase their VO₂ max and mental toughness. With over 100 miles of trail access, runners train here for races like the Kodiak 100 and Holcomb Valley Trail Run. Olympians and elite ultrarunners regularly use the terrain to prep for international events. The combination of pine-scented air, soft soil, and serious elevation gain makes it both grueling and gorgeous.

Where To Train

  • Alpine Pedal Path: Warm-ups & Base Miles
  • Castle Rock Trail: Increased Elevation & Scenic Views
  • Pine Knot Trail: Endurance runs upwards of 7,000 ft
  • Holcomb Valley: Rocky & Rugged terrain - race prep & foot placement training

Gear Up

Recovery

Three hikers pass a tall pine tree on a hike in Big Bear Lake. It's a clear, sunny day and the green forest surrounds them.
Mountain bikers speed down the Snow Summit Bike Park
A mountain biker descends a steep turn at Summit Bike Park in Big Bear, CA. Colorful wildflowers sit in the foreground.

High Altitude Cycling

At 6,700+ feet, Big Bear offers some of the most rigorous and rewarding cycling routes in California. Tour de Big Bear attracts thousands of cyclists annually, and pro teams, including Olympic hopefuls and world-class riders, train here before races like Tour of California and Leadville. Snow Summit's lift-serviced bike park and the Skyline Trail provide serious downhill and endurance conditioning.

Where To Train

  • Summit Blvd: Incline at higher elevation
  • Mill Creek Road: Bike handling training, gravel & elevation gain
  • Snow Summit Bike Park: Downhill & endurance riding
  • Towne Trail + Skyline Trail: Mountain bike warmups with bending routes

Gear Up

Recovery

Fishing

Big Bear Lake isn’t just scenic—it’s strategic. Anglers from all over compete in high-stakes events like Fishing for 50K and Trout Fest. The mix of species (trout, bass, carp) and the skill required to succeed at elevation make this a thinking-person’s fishing ground. The altitude challenges your stamina while the size of the lake rewards those who adapt quickly.

Where To Train

  • Marinas & Alpine Pedal Path: Pier casting and shoreline conditioning
  • Boulder Bay: Fly fishing
  • Meadow's Edge: Bow fishing and youth practice

Gear Up

Recovery

  • Lakeside picnics
  • North Pole Fudge Co.
  • The Village
a man holding a freshly caught trout while fishing on a sunny day in Big Bear Lake
A wading angler patiently awaits his catch big bear lake

Boxing & Martial Arts

Big Bear has long been a legendary training ground for world-class fighters. Champions like Oscar De La Hoya and Gennady “GGG” Golovkin trained here at high elevation to increase endurance and sharpen focus. The thinner air forces fighters to push their limits, making even simple cardio more demanding—and effective.

Where To Train

  • High Altitude Training Center: Boxing, Jiu-jitsu, and strength programs
  • Boxing Yard Training Camp: Known for hosting high-level boxers
  • DIY Altitude Training: Shadowboxing and jump rope

Gear Up

  • Big 5: Wraps, gloves, pads
  • Local Trainers: Connect via Bear Valley Fitness or Facebook martial arts groups

Recovery

a person hiking past rock formations on a sunny day during the Highlander Adventure hiking event in Big Bear
A hiker looks out over a valley during a Highlander hiking event.

Hiking & Trekking

Big Bear’s access to the Pacific Crest Trail, San Bernardino National Forest, and remote backcountry makes it a dream for hikers and trekkers.Highlander Adventure Race calls this home for a reason—it's one of the few places in Southern California where you can summit, scramble, and soak in alpine views without leaving the region. The diversity of terrain from meadows to granite pinnacles builds both physical and mental strength.

Where To Train

  • Pacific Crest Trail: Multi-day endurance training
  • Butler Peak Fire Lookout: Altitude gain & 360* landscape views
  • Castle Rock + Cougar Crest Trail: Stair-like climbs & views
  • Holcomb Valley: Bouldering and route mapping

Gear Up

Recovery

  • Forest Bathing at Bluff Lake Reserve
  • Vegan orientated meal bowls at Tea & Coffee Exchange
  • Stretch and journal at Boulder Bay Park

Lake Watersports

Big Bear’s alpine lake is Southern California’s best-kept secret for open-water swim training and paddle conditioning. The water sits at altitude, offering resistance and respiratory training in one. Athletes training for triathlons, paddleboard races, or distance swims love the quiet coves, low boat traffic, and clear waters. There's nothing like gliding across a glassy lake at 7,000 feet.

Where To Train

  • Swim Zones: Designated lake areas for open-water swimming practice
  • Kayak / SUP: Balance, core, and shoulder workouts
  • Paddling Circuit from Veterans Park to Gilner Point

Gear Up

  • Captain John's Marina / Big Bear Marina: SUP, Kayak rentals
  • Getboards Ride Shop: Watersports apparel and GoPro-ready mounts

Recovery

  • Floating yoga & meditation sessions
  • Frusion Juice & Coffee Bar
  • Sunset soak at The Lodge at Big Bear
A man on a jet ski enjoying a sunny summer day on Big Bear Lake
A man smiles as he paddles a yellow kayak on the water at Big Bear Lake.
A blue Jeep drives through Big Bear forestry
The views are incredible along off-road Jeep excursions

Off-Road & Motocross

From legendary Jeep trails like Gold Mountain to rugged endurance rides like the Monster Energy Downhill and SoCal Dual Series, Big Bear is a motor enthusiast’s playground. The mix of elevation, rock gardens, and national forest access allows for highly technical and varied training. Even Moto GP scouts the area for extreme sport potential—where altitude and adrenaline meet.

Where To Train

  • Cactus Flats to Holcomb Valley Loop: Technical elevation
  • Gold Mountain Trail: Classic & Iconic Jeep trail with challenging terrain
  • Summit to Burns Canyon Loop: Long-distance off road handling endurance

Gear Up

Recovery

Family & Youth Fitness

What makes Big Bear special for youth and families isn’t just the safetyor scenery—it’s the built-in adventure. From kid-friendly trails and bike parks to events like the Memorial Day Fun Run, Big Bear lets families experience athleticism together at altitude. It’s where mini athletes can learn to hike, ride, and fish while parents enjoy guided experiences or wellness options nearby.

Where To Train

  • Meadow Park: Fun run loops, safe play zones, and sports courts
  • Pedal Path + Stanfield Marsh Loop: Easy terrain for all ages
  • Alpine Zoo: Educational & physical activity for kids

Gear Up

  • Village shops: Outdoor games, family-friendly apparel

Recovery

Grizzlies at the Zoo
View of The Village from Pine Knot Ave and Big Bear Boulevard
Elevate your vacation in Big Bear with yoga and fitness
A green pine forest leads to a blue lake. The sun is shining and the skies are clear.

Wellness, Yoga, & Recovery

Big Bear is where breath deepens and time slows. The natural setting itself is therapeutic—clear skies, tall trees, and wide-open trails. Wellness seekers find their rhythm here with sunrise yoga, forest bathing, and recovery-focused experiences at places like Mystic Moto and The Yoga Room. Recovery isn’t an afterthought—it’s part of the altitude
journey.

Where To Train

  • Yoga Facilities: Group and private classes
  • Mystic Moto: Sound baths, breathwork, crystal ceremonies

Lodging Partners

  • Marina Riviera: Lakefront views and proximity to calm trails
  • Serrano Campground: Nature-first recharge spots

Where To Refuel

  • Grizzly Manor
  • Amangela's
  • Tea & Coffee Exchange