Over 100 miles of trails — from easy lakeside walks to challenging alpine summits
Most trailheads in the San Bernardino National Forest require a National Forest Adventure Pass displayed on your vehicle. Day pass: $5 | Annual pass: $30. Available at local ranger stations, visitor centers, and some gas stations/stores in town. An America the Beautiful Interagency Pass ($80/yr) also works.
Big Bear's most iconic hike. Scramble up a massive granite boulder for 360° panoramic views of the entire valley and lake. The final stretch requires rock scrambling — wear grippy shoes. Best at sunrise or sunset. Trailhead on Hwy 18 near the dam.
Paved, flat, ADA-accessible path along the north shore of Big Bear Lake. Perfect for families, strollers, wheelchairs, bikes, and dogs on leash. Beautiful lake views the entire way. Connects to Stanfield Cutoff area. No Adventure Pass needed.
Starts at Aspen Glen Picnic Area near Snow Summit. Winds through mixed conifer forest to Grand View Point at 7,800 ft with stunning views of Big Bear Lake. Can extend to connect with other trails. Popular with trail runners.
A gentle nature interpretive trail with educational signs about local flora and fauna. Great for families with young children. Located near the Big Bear Discovery Center on the north shore. Flat, well-maintained, and shaded.
Epic summit hike to 10,649 ft — the highest point in the San Bernardino range. Views stretch to the Pacific Ocean on clear days. Full-day adventure for experienced hikers. Trailhead at Angelus Oaks. Requires free wilderness permit. Some do it as an overnight backpack.
Hike to the summit of Bertha Peak (8,201 ft) for spectacular 360° views of Big Bear Valley. Trail passes through pine and fir forest. Trailhead near the Big Bear Discovery Center. Less crowded than Castle Rock with equally impressive views.
Boardwalk trail through a scenic wetland area at the east end of Big Bear Lake. Excellent birdwatching — look for bald eagles in winter! Wheelchair accessible. Perfect for an easy morning walk. Connects to the Alpine Pedal Path.
Summit Sugarloaf Mountain (9,952 ft) for views of the entire Big Bear Valley, San Gorgonio, and the Mojave Desert. Long but not technical. Trail starts from Wildhorse Meadow. Less crowded than San Bernardino Peak. Great for a full-day outing.
Starts across from the Big Bear Discovery Center. Climbs through Jeffrey pine forest to connect with the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail). Good views of the lake from the upper sections. Dogs allowed on leash. Popular with locals.
Explore the site of Southern California's largest gold rush (1860). Loop through Holcomb Valley with historic mining artifacts and cabin ruins. Take Van Dusen Canyon Rd (2N09) north from Big Bear. Self-guided historical tour available at Discovery Center.
Short walk from the Big Bear Dam to Juniper Point with beautiful views of the lake and valley. Mostly flat with gentle grades. Great for a quick morning walk or evening stroll. Near the west end of town by the dam.
| Trail | Distance | Elevation Gain | Difficulty | Time | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Pedal Path | 3.4 mi | Flat | Easy | 1–1.5 hrs | Paved, ADA, dogs, bikes |
| Woodland Trail | 1.5 mi loop | 150 ft | Easy | 45 min | Interpretive, family |
| Stanfield Marsh | 2.0 mi loop | Flat | Easy | 1 hr | Boardwalk, birding, ADA |
| Dam to Juniper Point | 2.0 mi RT | 200 ft | Easy | 1 hr | Lake views, casual |
| Castle Rock | 2.6 mi RT | 800 ft | Moderate | 1.5–2 hrs | Panoramic views, scramble |
| Cougar Crest | 5.4 mi RT | 1,100 ft | Moderate | 2.5–3.5 hrs | PCT access, dogs, forest |
| Holcomb Valley | 4–8 mi | 600 ft | Moderate | 2–4 hrs | Gold rush history |
| Bertha Peak | 6.0 mi RT | 1,400 ft | Moderate | 3–4 hrs | 360° summit views |
| Pine Knot | 6.8 mi RT | 1,500 ft | Moderate | 3–4 hrs | Grand View Point |
| Sugarloaf Mtn | 11 mi RT | 2,600 ft | Hard | 5–7 hrs | 9,952 ft summit |
| San Bernardino Peak | 16 mi RT | 4,700 ft | Hard | 8–10 hrs | 10,649 ft, ocean views |