Big Bear Lake
Southern California’s primo mountain escape
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA HAS LONG been famous for its golden beaches and glittery Hollywood movies and TV shows. Less renowned but equally vibrant are the places Socal residents and visitors in the know go to find outdoor fun. From fishing and swimming to skiing and snowboarding, the mountains of San Bernardino County, especially in and around Big Bear Lake, offer year-round alpine action.
Nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles and 150 miles northeast of San Diego, the Big Bear Lake area is easily reached by three different roads. Once visitors arrive they find a fine place to unwind, thanks to the clean mountain air, 300 days of sunshine a year, gorgeous reservoir lake and abundant scenic views.
Summer Fun
Summertime is prime time to enjoy miles of hiking trails around manmade, sevenmile-long Big Bear Lake reservoir or rent a boat, waterski, hire a Jeep for off-road driving, go paddle boarding, kayaking, parasailing and fish for rainbow trout. You can take off-road Segway tours and helicopter tours. Fourth of July features spectacular fireworks above the lake. There’s family fun at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, where 85 species of injured or orphaned wildlife are rehabilitated before release; it’s one of only two American alpine zoos. If all this tuckers you out, take the Scenic Sky Chair at Big Bear Mountain Resort to 8,200-foot Snow Summit, kick back at the Skyline Taphouse and drink it all in.
Fall Colors
In autumn, crisp, comfortably cool air blankets the area and brings out the fall colors. From mid-september through October, locals and visitors alike flock to Oktoberfest, held in the spacious Big Bear Lake Convention Center. German food is served, German bands play oompah tunes (think tubas) and German beer is on tap.
Winter Snowplay
Skiing and snowboarding rule in winter. Elevations range from 6,700 feet to 10,000 feet and the region clocks a yearly average of 100 inches of snow at Big Bear Mountain Resort and aptly named Snow Summit. Alpine Slide, in the Magic Mountain Recreation Area, offers a quarter-mile long concrete bobsled experience.
Spring Adventure Season
Warming springtime temperatures bring a profusion of delicate wildflowers and the lake opens up for excellent fishing. Popular outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing, zip-lining and mountain biking return after winter’s hibernation. It’s also a good time to go off-roading via jeep through Holcomb Valley.