Water and Trails by the Lake
Big Bear Lake is a man-made freshwater lake: it is seven miles long and half a mile wide. From spring through fall, boat tours, fishing, boating, jet skiing, and kayaking are available. The marinas seasonally rent pontoon boats, fishing boats, kayaks, jet skis, and stand-up paddleboards. Scenic tour boats also run daily; their schedules may change seasonally. So check current tour times before your trip and seasonal availability before renting.
The lake is known for rainbow trout fishing. Fishing charters help beginners learn to fish. This offers different ways to enjoy the water: a tour, a rental boat, or a day of fishing. Which option fits your itinerary also depends on what is available during the season.
There are trails along the shore of varying lengths and with different features. The fully paved Alpine Pedal Path runs along the north shore, is 2.5 miles long one way, and offers views of the ski resorts and the lake. The Stanfield Marsh Boardwalk passes through the Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve and extends the Alpine Pedal Path.
The paved Knickerbocker Creek Multi-Use Trail is half a mile long and provides non-motorized access to the Village and the lakeshore. The Happy Hills Trail is much shorter at 1,100 feet: this accessible, paved path runs alongside a creek and has picnic areas and a restroom facility. Check accessibility and facilities on site. The different trail lengths can help with planning without assuming a particular walking time.
Parks and Getting Around
Boulder Bay Park offers picnic tables, a pavilion, open areas, a winding path, and restrooms; these facilities may change over time. Hand-carried, muscle-powered watercraft may be launched from its shoreline after inspection and approval by the Municipal Water District. Requirements may change, so check the current rules before launching.
At Veteran's Park, a Memorial Archway with family markers honors former members of the armed forces. An annual Memorial Day ceremony is held there; check its date before your trip. Rotary Park has a playground area for children. The Big Bear Visitors Center offers free Wi-Fi, public restrooms, brochures, interactive maps, and trip-planning kiosks.
History, Wildlife, and the Night Sky
The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is a rehabilitation facility for injured, orphaned, and human-imprinted wildlife. For a historical look at the region, the Gold Fever Trail is a good starting point for a three-hour, self-guided tour of historic Holcomb Valley. Visitors can learn about Big Bear's gold-mining history and enjoy scenic views.
The night sky offers another way to experience the area: in Big Bear Valley, it is dark enough to see constellations, meteor showers, and even the Milky Way. This allows visitors to include historical discoveries and stargazing as different interests when planning their trip.
Winter Sports with Different Areas of Focus
Winter sports are available at Snow Summit from November through April, weather and conditions permitting. There is plenty of beginner terrain both in the base area and on runs from top to bottom. Bear Mountain is more geared toward visitors to the terrain parks, but also offers groomed runs for beginners and experts. So when choosing between the two, consider your preferred focus: beginner terrain at Snow Summit, or terrain parks and groomed runs for both of the stated ability levels at Bear Mountain.
When planning your trip, take seasonal water activities and weather-dependent winter sports conditions into account when choosing your travel dates. Check tour times, rental options, and the conditions for launching watercraft before the relevant activities.
Discover more destinations: Fort Irwin, Hesperia, Colton, Redlands, Fontana, Needles, Crestline, Big Bear City.
For the broader travel overview: San Bernardino.
