Things to do in Big Bear Lake
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Morton Peak Fire Lookout
Jack Kerouac spent a summer as a forest fire lookout during the dharma-seeking days of 1950s American bohemia. Half a century later you too can get a taste of the experience during a night at the Morton Peak Fire Lookout in the San Bernardino Forest.
Back in 2001, the US Forest Service condemned the tower for demolition along with six others nearby. Loath to see a vital part of forest history disappear into memory, the San Bernardino National Forest Association corralled a league of volunteers who meticulously restored the lookouts and maintain them to this day. To help fund the project, they opened up the one on Morton Peak to the curious, stargazers and solitude-seekers…
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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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Rim of the World Dr
Big Bear is on the scenic Rim of the World Dr, a panorama-filled road that climbs, curves and meanders through the San Bernardino National Forest for about 87 miles from the town of San Bernardino. Past Big Bear it plunges back down through canyons and chaparral to Redlands. Views are spectacular on clear days and downright depressing on smoggy ones. The forest is hugely popular with weekend warriors, but from Monday to Thursday you'll often have trails and facilities to yourself and can also benefit from lower accommodation prices.
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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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Grizzly Manor Cafe
You'll feel like you're part of a backwoods sitcom at this buzzy locals' hangout, about a quarter mile east of the village, where the breakfasts are bear-sized, the staff irreverent, the walls covered with whacky stickers and the prices small.
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Butler Peak
A fun backcountry destination is Butler Peak a mountain top crowned by a historic fire lookout tower, from where you have tremendous panoramic views. You'll need a mountain-bike or high-clearance vehicle to get there, or join a guided tour.
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Old Country Inn
This place puts the accent on hearty American and German fare, although there's plenty of seafood to accommodate noncarnivores. You'll be dining under the mournful eyes of mounted stags and elk. Good breakfasts, too.
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Sonora Cantina
Next door to Old Country Inn, this restaurant brings the cheerful aesthetics of Mexico to the mountains and serves gussied-up staples (burritos and tacos) plus great fajitas and tequila lime chicken.
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Mandoline
The village's best eatery puts clever, globally inspired spins on pasta and grilled foods in a setting that combines antler chandeliers with hip black tablecloths without looking ridiculous.
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Alpine Slide
Great for families is the Alpine Slide, a small fun park with a water slide, wheeled downhill bobsled ride, go-cart track and miniature golf course.
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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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Vons
Self-caterers can stock up at Vons and Stater Bros, across from each other near the lake's eastern end.
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Stater Bros
Self-caterers can stock up at Vons and Stater Bros, across from each other near the lake's eastern end.
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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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Forest Farms
For fresh produce your best bet is Forest Farms, about 0.25 miles east 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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