How to Get The Most Out of Your 24 Hour Trip to Big Bear

Big Bear Lake, California

Description

Nestled in the beautiful San Bernardino mountains, Big Bear is one of the most sought out destinations for Southern California residents looking to get away from the city life to unwind and reconnect with nature.

Most of us have busy schedules with little time leftover to relax. Sometimes taking even a few days off is out of the question. Here is a list of things to do in Big Bear when you only have 24 hours to spare.

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Features

Cycling

Hiking

Food Nearby

Lake

Scenic

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Mountain Bike Pine Knot Trail in Big Bear

Park at the free parking lot behind the village off of Knickerbocker Rd between Village Drive and Pedder Road. Ride up Knickerbocker Rd towards the mountain. Look out for the fire service road 2N08 that veers left and uphill. The first 2 miles is challenging steep uphill, but beautiful nonetheless. The next 2 miles are uphill but not as steep. Make the 1/4 mile big climb to Grandview Junction...

Snowshoe to Grand View Point

Grand View Point is accessed via Pine Knot Trail, a 6.5 mile out and back hiking trail located at the Aspen Glen Picnic Area, 1 mile from Big Bear Village. With its close proximity to town, Pine Knot Trail is popular in the summer with mountain bikers and the trailhead is often crowded in the winter with young families paying and sledding in the snow. But not to worry once on the trail you will...

Hike the Cougar Crest Trail

On the north side of Big Bear Lake, just off the 38, you will find a turn off for the Cougar Crest Trail. The parking lot is well marked, and signs for the trailhead are easy to spot. Parking is not an issue if you come in later in the afternoon, but the hike can get crowded during peak hours. Follow signs towards the Pacific Crest Trail (the Cougar Crest Trail links up with the PCT). The path ...

Alpine Pedal Path

Grays Peak Trail

This is a fairly easy mountain peak to climb. The trailhead is easily accessible right off of Hwy 38 by the town of Fawnskin. There is a large National Forest sign noting the parking area to Grays Peak Trail. Note that parking in this lot requires either a day pass or a California Adventure pass (either are easily obtainable from the nearby Big Bear Discovery Center). The trail is 3.5 miles...

Castle Rock Trail at Big Bear Lake

Follow the directions to the trail head, and park on the side of the road. You will see a sign that says Castle Rock Trail, and the path is directly behind that sign. The hike up to the peak is steep, sandy, and very rocky, so shoes with good traction is recommended. There are also lots of oak and pine trees in this trail, which offered ample shade. Just keep following the trail until you rea...