Big Bear Lake, California
Big Bear Lake in California is a must-visit for outdoor adventures. The Castle Rock Trail is a top choice for hiking, offering a moderate difficulty level and a scenic backdrop of the lake and surrounding forest. The trail is just over 2.6 miles round trip and is known for its large granite rock formation at the peak. Another top trail is Pine Knot Trail, which winds through a forest of pine and oak trees, leading to a vista point with panoramic views of the lake and mountains. For water activities, Big Bear Lake itself is a hub for fishing, boating, and jet-skiing. Nearby, the Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain offers year-round bobsledding. These are just a few of the best trails and outdoor activities available in and near Big Bear Lake.
Top Spots in and near Big Bear Lake
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Palm Springs, California
North Lykken Trail from W. Crescent Drive
1.67 mi / 906 ft gainNorth Lykken Trail from W. Crescent Drive is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Palm Springs, California.Read more -
Yucca Valley, California
Eureka Peak
5.00.47 mi / 82 ft gainAccessing Covington Flats in Joshua Tree National Park requires a high ground-clearance overland vehicle. Bring spare water and emergency tools incase of a breakdown. From Route 62 in Yucca Valley, CA take La Contenta Dr. South toward Joshua Tree. This is a backcountry entrance that does not hav...Read more -
Mountain Center, California
Tahquitz Peak via Devils Slide Trail
5.08.31 mi / 2238 ft gainTahquitz Peak via Devils Slide Trail is a moderately trafficked 8+ mile out and back trail located near Idyllwild, California. This trail is one of the most popular hikes in the San Jacinto area that features a fire lookout tower at the peak and amazing views of the valley below. At an elevation...Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Skyline Trail to Aerial Tramway Top Station
5.09.41 mi / 8238 ft gainSkyline Trail to Aerial Tramway Top Station is a point-to-point trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Palm Springs, California.Read more -
Mountain Center, California
Mount San Jacinto via Devil's Slide
4.514.57 mi / 4475 ft gainMt. San Jacinto is the second tallest peak in Southern California at 10,834’. Although this route requires a fair amount of work, the effort is more than rewarded by the expansive views, forest, meadows, and dramatic topography. You will need an Adventure Pass ($5/day) to park at Humber Park, as...Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Museum Trail
1.52 mi / 860 ft gainThe Museum Trail is a very steep climb with a 1,000 feet elevation gain in just one mile but has some great views of downtown Palm Springs. The hike starts behind the Palm Springs Art Museum. This trail can also access the Cactus to Clouds Trail that goes all the way to the top of Mt. San Jacinto...Read more -
Palm Springs, California
South Lykken Trail to Simonetta Kennett Viewpoint
3.66.45 mi / 1654 ft gainThe South Lykken Trail is the south half of the 9.5-mile Carl Lykken Trail, which weaves along a series of mountain ridges above downtown Palm Springs. Dogs are not permitted on this trail. This section of the trail runs 3.2 miles one-way. You will gain just over 1600ft of elevation at the high...Read more -
Palm Springs, California
South Carl Lykken Trail - North Section
3.42 mi / 1076 ft gainSouth Carl Lykken Trail - North Section is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Palm Springs, California.Read more -
Riverside County, California
Hike the Covington Crest Trail
4.2 mi / 200 ft gainAccessing Covington Flats in Joshua Tree National Park requires a high ground-clearance overland vehicle. In the summer months a standard car might make it to the parking lot after the 7.5 mile off-road drive, but should always be prepared for soft sand. Bring spare water and emergency tools inca...Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Araby and Berns Trail Loop
4.76 mi / 1293 ft gainAraby and Berns Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Palm Springs, California.Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Murray Hill via Araby Trail
5.08.85 mi / 2844 ft gainMurray Hill is the highest point in the surrounding trail system. You can access it from Araby Trail or anyone of the others in the area. It's about 9 miles round-trip and a healthy 2,850 vertical feet gain. From the top of the Shannon Trail bear right until you reach the Wildhorse Trailhead. Go...Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Araby Trail
4.58 mi / 1545 ft gainThis hike takes you up to Bob Hope’s massive mushroom shaped house. The neighborhood also includes a house where Steve McQueen lived and the Elrod House featured in the James Bond film “Diamonds are Forever”. It’s a fairly easy hike up to Bob’s but really climbs after you pass the estate. You c...Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Earl Henderson and Shannon Trail Loop
4.31 mi / 1257 ft gainThis is a short but sweet trail close to the Araby and Garstin Trails. Great views of Palm Springs and the San Jacinto Mountains. Parking area is off of Lansdale Street. From here, head down the Earl Henderson Trail and you will see where in connects with the Shannon Trail. You can choose to swit...Read more -
Hemet, California
Hike South Fork Trail
5.4 mi / 1056 ft gainBegin by following the unsigned but visible trail on the south side of the turnout. You climb steadily through bushes and past granite boulders. At half a mile, you pass over to the western slope of the hill where the trail bends southeast, providing your first look of the river valley far below....Read more -
Joshua Tree, California
Joshua Tree West Side Trail
4.03.22 mi / 302 ft gainJoshua Tree West Side Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Twentynine Palms, California.Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Murray Hill Loop
8.16 mi / 2260 ft gainMurray Hill Loop is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Palm Springs, California.Read more
