Hiking and Mountain Biking Trails

The National Forest surrounding the Big Bear Valley offers hundreds of miles of some of the most beautiful and serene hiking and mountain-biking trails in all of Southern California. Trail types range from easy family day hikes to extended and more challenging backpacking expeditions. Some trails offer both.
Big Bear Valley is also home to 39 of the 2,650 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail that takes backpackers from the border of Mexico to the border of Canada, while our local sections of it also make for ideal day hikes.

Click on map for printable enlargement

NOTE: If you plan to park your vehicle in the forest or at many of the trailheads, you will need to purchase an Adventure Pass and display it in your vehicle when parked. You can buy the pass at the Discovery Center, other Forest Service offices, or at many businesses throughout the Big Bear Valley.

THE ALPINE PEDAL PATH
3.5 miles long; very easy.
The Alpine Pedal Path is an asphalt path that wanders along the north shore of Big Bear Lake. It is easily accessible for hikers, skaters, joggers and even strollers and wheelchairs. It starts at Stanfield Cutoff and ends at the Discovery Center.

CHAMPION LODGEPOLE PINE TRAIL
.6-mile round trip; easy.
The Lodgepole Pine Trail is on the south side of the lake and is a gentle walk down a path along a stream, ending up at the Champion Lodgepole Pine, one of the largest known Lodgepoles in California. Begin by driving up Mill Creek Road (Forest Road 2N10) for 4.5 miles, turn right on 2N11 and continue 1 mile to the trailhead.

THE WOODLAND TRAIL
1.5-mile loop; easy.
This is a unique nature trail with 20 posted stops. Pick up a pamphlet at the entrance and take the self-guided tour where you will learn about botany, geology and the wildlife of this dry woodland area. You can leave your car in the parking lot if you exhibit an Adventure Pass.

THE GRANDVIEW LOOP BIKE TRAIL
9 miles; low intermediate.
A very popular novice ride that starts by taking the Snow Summit Scenic Sky Chair. This ride has a 3-mile "roller coaster" ride to Grandview Point Junction. There you have the option to ride 2.5 miles to Grandview Point where the view is beautiful and well worth the extra time. You eventually end up back at Snow Summit.

GROUT BAY BIKE TRAIL
13 miles; intermediate.
This trail starts with a short paved climb from the Fawnskin fire station up to 3N14. Continue 2.5 miles to Hanna Flat campground. From there, Grout Bay Trail starts at the back of the campsite and starts climbing. The trail climbs
and descends and you will end your ride back in Fawnskin.

JOHN BULL LOOP BIKE TRAIL
14.9 miles; intermediate.
Start at the base of Van Dusen Canyon (3N09). It's a nice 3.4-mile warm-up climb to Holcomb Valley, flattening out after a while, but then becoming steep, rutted and sandy. Following this loop will return you to your car.

COUGAR CREST TRAIL
4-5.5 miles; moderate to difficult.
The Cougar Crest Trail starts .6 mile west of the Discovery Center on Hwy. 38. You will need an Adventure Pass to park in the Trailhead parking area. On the Cougar Crest Trail you will walk through a wide variety of natural environments. The first mile is a gentle uphill climb, but after a mile or so you will realize you are gaining altitude. The Cougar Crest Trail ends at the juncture of the world famous 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail.

For much more information on the above-mentioned trails and those listed in the matrix below, and for a huge selection of maps and hiking guides, visit the Big Bear Discovery Center. The information specialists will be glad to give you expert advice and assistance. Enjoy the mountains and the Forest and please leave the trails in better shape than you found them. The San Bernardino National Forest has the highest concentration of endangered plant species in the United States; therefore, please keep your dog on a six-foot leash and keep yourself on the paths.

RT = Round Trip

HIKING TIPS:

• Before starting even on a casual hike, take an inventory of your equipment. Have the proper footwear. Blisters and sore legs will greatly distract from your adventure in the great outdoors.

• The Big Bear Valley is in many places high desert, so take plenty of fluids since there is very little access to drinking water on these trails. The only water that is safe to drink at recreation sites is from developed systems. Open water is too easily contaminated to be considered potable. Water from springs. Lakes, ponds and streams should be treated prior to drinking. Even clear water should be boiled at least 15 minutes before drinking.

• At this altitude the air has very little ozone to protect you from the harmful rays of the sun, therefore, a hat is imperative. And, if you are fair-skinned, sun-block is also important.

• Many experienced trekkers carry a small survival kit with them. This often contains a windbreaker, a small first aid kit, a metal mirror, a police whistle, matches, a pocket flashlight, some high-enery snacks and a sheet of plastic or a thermal blanket in case the weather changes or they are forced to spend the night in the woods.

• Always let someone you trust know where you are going and when you expect to be back. Also, it is never wise to hike alone. Find out when the sun sets and allow yourself plenty of time to get back before dark.

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	Amphitheater Tours Calendar Forest Information Volunteers Environmental Education Hiking and Biking Picnics and Camping Contact Us	Home \| Back Hiking and Mountain Biking Trails The National Forest surrounding the Big Bear Valley offers hundreds of miles of some of the most beautiful and serene hiking and mountain-biking trails in all of Southern California. Trail types range from easy family day hikes to extended and more challenging backpacking expeditions. Some trails offer both. Big Bear Valley is also home to 39 of the 2,650 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail that takes backpackers from the border of Mexico to the border of Canada, while our local sections of it also make for ideal day hikes. Click on map for printable enlargement NOTE: If you plan to park your vehicle in the forest or at many of the trailheads, you will need to purchase an Adventure Pass and display it in your vehicle when parked. You can buy the pass at the Discovery Center, other Forest Service offices, or at many businesses throughout the Big Bear Valley. THE ALPINE PEDAL PATH 3.5 miles long; very easy. The Alpine Pedal Path is an asphalt path that wanders along the north shore of Big Bear Lake. It is easily accessible for hikers, skaters, joggers and even strollers and wheelchairs. It starts at Stanfield Cutoff and ends at the Discovery Center. CHAMPION LODGEPOLE PINE TRAIL .6-mile round trip; easy. The Lodgepole Pine Trail is on the south side of the lake and is a gentle walk down a path along a stream, ending up at the Champion Lodgepole Pine, one of the largest known Lodgepoles in California. Begin by driving up Mill Creek Road (Forest Road 2N10) for 4.5 miles, turn right on 2N11 and continue 1 mile to the trailhead. THE WOODLAND TRAIL 1.5-mile loop; easy. This is a unique nature trail with 20 posted stops. Pick up a pamphlet at the entrance and take the self-guided tour where you will learn about botany, geology and the wildlife of this dry woodland area. You can leave your car in the parking lot if you exhibit an Adventure Pass. THE GRANDVIEW LOOP BIKE TRAIL 9 miles; low intermediate. A very popular novice ride that starts by taking the Snow Summit Scenic Sky Chair. This ride has a 3-mile "roller coaster" ride to Grandview Point Junction. There you have the option to ride 2.5 miles to Grandview Point where the view is beautiful and well worth the extra time. You eventually end up back at Snow Summit. GROUT BAY BIKE TRAIL 13 miles; intermediate. This trail starts with a short paved climb from the Fawnskin fire station up to 3N14. Continue 2.5 miles to Hanna Flat campground. From there, Grout Bay Trail starts at the back of the campsite and starts climbing. The trail climbs and descends and you will end your ride back in Fawnskin. JOHN BULL LOOP BIKE TRAIL 14.9 miles; intermediate. Start at the base of Van Dusen Canyon (3N09). It's a nice 3.4-mile warm-up climb to Holcomb Valley, flattening out after a while, but then becoming steep, rutted and sandy. Following this loop will return you to your car. COUGAR CREST TRAIL 4-5.5 miles; moderate to difficult. The Cougar Crest Trail starts .6 mile west of the Discovery Center on Hwy. 38. You will need an Adventure Pass to park in the Trailhead parking area. On the Cougar Crest Trail you will walk through a wide variety of natural environments. The first mile is a gentle uphill climb, but after a mile or so you will realize you are gaining altitude. The Cougar Crest Trail ends at the juncture of the world famous 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail. For much more information on the above-mentioned trails and those listed in the matrix below, and for a huge selection of maps and hiking guides, visit the Big Bear Discovery Center. The information specialists will be glad to give you expert advice and assistance. Enjoy the mountains and the Forest and please leave the trails in better shape than you found them. The San Bernardino National Forest has the highest concentration of endangered plant species in the United States; therefore, please keep your dog on a six-foot leash and keep yourself on the paths. RT = Round Trip HIKING TIPS: • Before starting even on a casual hike, take an inventory of your equipment. Have the proper footwear. Blisters and sore legs will greatly distract from your adventure in the great outdoors. • The Big Bear Valley is in many places high desert, so take plenty of fluids since there is very little access to drinking water on these trails. The only water that is safe to drink at recreation sites is from developed systems. Open water is too easily contaminated to be considered potable. Water from springs. Lakes, ponds and streams should be treated prior to drinking. Even clear water should be boiled at least 15 minutes before drinking. • At this altitude the air has very little ozone to protect you from the harmful rays of the sun, therefore, a hat is imperative. And, if you are fair-skinned, sun-block is also important. • Many experienced trekkers carry a small survival kit with them. This often contains a windbreaker, a small first aid kit, a metal mirror, a police whistle, matches, a pocket flashlight, some high-enery snacks and a sheet of plastic or a thermal blanket in case the weather changes or they are forced to spend the night in the woods. • Always let someone you trust know where you are going and when you expect to be back. Also, it is never wise to hike alone. Find out when the sun sets and allow yourself plenty of time to get back before dark.