Activities in Big Bear Lake
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Skiing
With an 8000ft ridge rising above the lake's southern side, Big Bear usually gets snow between mid-December and March or April and has two ski mountains, Bear Mountain and Snow Summit. Bear Mountain, the higher of the two has a vertical drop of 1665ft (1200ft at Snow Summit), and is an all-mountain freestyle park with 150 jumps, 80 jibs and two pipes across 195 acres.
At Snow Summit the focus is more on traditional downhill skiing with trails for all levels of experience, although boarders are welcome too. More than two thirds of the trails are for intermediate and advanced skiers, and there's night skiing as well. Altogether the mountains are laced by over 60 runs and se…
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Hiking
In summer, people trade their ski boots for hiking boots and hit the forest trails. If you only have time for one short hike, make it the Castle Rock Trail, which is 2.4-mile round-trip and offers superb views. The first half-mile is pretty steep but the trail flattens out somewhat after that. The trailhead is off Hwy 18 on the western end of the lake.
Also popular is the moderate Cougar Crest Trail (5 miles round-trip), starting near the Discovery Center, which links up with the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) after about 2 miles and offers views of the lake and Holcomb Valley. Most people continue east for another half mile to the top of Bertha Peak (8502ft) for a 360° view o…
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Mountain-Biking
Big Bear is mountain-biking mecca with over 100 miles of trails for cross-country adventure. It hosts several pro and amateur races each year. A good place to get your feet in gear is along the aptly named 9-mile Grandview Loop which starts at the top of Snow Summit, easily reached via the Scenic Sky Chair. One of the best single-track rides is the intermediate 13-mile Grout Bay Trail, which starts on the north shore.
For more experienced bikers, Holcomb Valley, Delamar Mountain and Van Duesen Canyon off Hwy 38 are popular destinations.
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Tours
Take a 20-mile self-guided tour through the Holcomb Valley, the site of Southern California's biggest Gold Rush in the early 1860s on the Gold Fever Trail. The dirt road is negotiable by mountain-bikes and practically all vehicles. Budget two to four hours, stops included. The Big Bear Discovery Center has a free pamphlet describing 12 sites of interest along this route.
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Water Sports
In summer, Big Bear Lake provides a cool respite from the heat. Swim Beach, near the village, has lifeguards and is popular with families. For a little more privacy, rent a boat, kayak or waverunner and get out on the water. A pretty destination is Boulder Bay near the lake's western end.
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Cantrell Guide Service
Big Bear Lake teems with fish, but catching them is not always easy. Those bent on success should sign up with Cantrell Guide Service, which guarantees anglers their catch - or your money back. You'll need a fishing license, available at sporting stores around town.
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Off-Road Adventures
Take the interpretive Off-Road Adventures tour if you prefer to let someone else do the driving. The company offers other tour options as well.
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Holloway's
Boat rentals are available at several marinas, including Holloway's, about 1 mile west of the village.
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Bear Valley Bikes
Bear Valley Bikes, near the Alpine Slide, is a good rental place.
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