Best Hiking in Big Bear: Snow Summit Trails and Lake Views
Some of Southern California’s best hiking is in Big Bear, where you can walk from a resort base area straight into National Forest trails at 7,000 feet and higher. From the scenic loops at the top of Snow Summit to lake-view climbs like Castle Rock and Cougar Crest, the trails are cool in summer, golden in fall, and close enough to Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego for a weekend.
Our Big Bear cabin, Villa Grove, sits in Moonridge between the two ski resorts, and trail questions are the ones our guests ask most. Below are the hikes we recommend most often to our guests, with the practical tips that make a trail day go smoothly.
Which hiking trails are at Snow Summit and Bear Mountain?
Big Bear Mountain Resort, which runs both Snow Summit and Bear Mountain, opens its hiking trails to the public during summer operations, typically from late spring into October depending on weather. The trails are free; you only pay to ride the lift.
- Bobsled Trail is a roughly two-mile footpath built with the U.S. Forest Service that winds down through the forest under the chairlift at Snow Summit, with moderate grades and sweeping views across Big Bear Valley toward Mt. San Gorgonio, the tallest peak in Southern California.
- Mountain Top Loop is a one-mile loop at the summit that starts and ends near the View Haus. It is rated intermediate because of the footing, and families tend to love it most for the views.
- Scenic Sky Chair carries you to the top so you can hike down instead of up, or simply enjoy the ride and lunch with a view.
Trails are marked with white signs with blue text. Stay on them, since the bike park trails are built for speed and not meant for walkers.
What are the best lake-view hikes in Big Bear?
Beyond the resort, the National Forest trails around the lake are where Big Bear hiking shines.
- Castle Rock Trail is short and steep, climbing from the south shore to a rocky outcrop with one of the best views of the lake. It is popular with families and dog owners, and there are good viewpoints even if you stop short of the top.
- Cougar Crest Trail starts on the north shore near the Discovery Center and climbs steadily to a ridge that meets the Pacific Crest Trail, with wide views of the lake and valley. It is well maintained, dog-friendly and a satisfying half-day.
- Pine Knot Trail leaves from the Aspen Glen picnic area and climbs through the forest to Grand View Point.
- Woodland Trail on the north shore is an easy interpretive loop, good for small children or a gentle first day at altitude.
- Alpine Pedal Path is a paved lakeside path along the north shore, flat and stroller-friendly, with bald eagle sightings in the cooler months.
Most of these trailheads require an Adventure Pass to park. Day and annual passes are sold at the Big Bear Discovery Center and at shops around town.
When is the best season to hike in Big Bear?
Summer is the obvious answer, with daytime temperatures usually in the 70s while the cities below bake. September and October may be even better, with crisp air, thinner crowds and fall color in the aspens and oaks. Spring depends on the snowpack, and higher trails can hold snow into May. In winter, many of the same trails become snowshoe routes.
What should you bring on a Big Bear hike?
The altitude and dry air catch people off guard, so a little preparation goes a long way.
- Water, and more than you think. You lose moisture faster at elevation.
- Snacks. Pack out every wrapper.
- Sun protection. Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat, even on cloudy or cool days. The sun is intense up here.
- Closed-toe shoes with real tread. The resort trails and Castle Rock both have loose, rocky footing.
- Layers. Mornings are chilly, afternoons warm, and weather changes quickly.
- A map on your phone. The Big Bear Mountain Resort app has the resort trail map, and offline maps help where signal is spotty.
Start early; midday is the hottest part of the day.
Where should you stay for a hiking trip?
Moonridge puts you about as close to the trails as you can get without camping. Our cabin, Villa Grove, is 2.9 miles from both Bear Mountain and Snow Summit, and the Castle Rock and Pine Knot trailheads are a short drive. After a long day on the trail, the private hot tub under the pines is exactly what tired legs want, and the fireplace and fire pit make the cool evenings part of the fun. The cabin has three bedrooms and two baths and sleeps eight, with a fenced yard for one dog up to 60 pounds and a desk if you need to fit in a little work between hikes.
Frequently asked questions
Are the Snow Summit hiking trails free?
Yes. Hiking the resort trails is free during summer operations. You only pay if you choose to ride the Scenic Sky Chair.
Are Big Bear hiking trails dog-friendly?
Most National Forest trails, including Castle Rock, Cougar Crest and the Alpine Pedal Path, welcome leashed dogs. Check current rules for the resort trails before bringing a dog there.
Do I need an Adventure Pass to hike in Big Bear?
Most forest trailhead parking areas require one. Pick up a day or annual pass at the Big Bear Discovery Center or at shops in town.
How hard is the Castle Rock Trail?
It is short but steep and rocky, so it feels harder than its length suggests. Most reasonably fit families manage it with a few rest stops.
What elevation is Big Bear?
The lake sits around 6,750 feet and the surrounding trails climb well above 7,000 feet. Take the first day easy and drink plenty of water while you adjust.
Book your Big Bear cabin
If a weekend of trails and hot-tub evenings sounds like your kind of trip, we would be delighted to host you at Villa Grove. Booking direct through our site runs about 10 percent less than the big platforms, with no service fee, and you see the cancellation terms before you pay. There is a two-night minimum, and we are glad to help at (949) 407-7448.
Check dates and book on our Big Bear page.
Because there’s no place you’d rather be.
