Big Bear Lake, California
Looking for the best hiking in Big Bear Lake? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Big Bear Lake. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near Big Bear Lake
-
Big Bear Lake, California
Grand View Point
6.9 mi / 1312 ft gainGrand View Point is accessed via Pine Knot Trail, a 6.5 mile out and back hiking trail located at the Aspen Glen Picnic Area, 1 mile from Big Bear Village. With its close proximity to town, Pine Knot Trail is popular in the summer with mountain bikers and the trailhead is often crowded in the win...Read more -
Big Bear, California
Cougar Crest Trail
5.05.57 mi / 892 ft gainOn the north side of Big Bear Lake, just off the 38, you will find a turn off for the Cougar Crest Trail. The parking lot is well marked, and signs for the trailhead are easy to spot. Parking is not an issue if you come in later in the afternoon, but the hike can get crowded during peak hours. Fo...Read more -
Big Bear, California
Alpine Pedal Path
5.05.08 mi / 292 ft gainAlpine Pedal Path is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Big Bear Lake, California.Read more -
Fawnskin, California
Grays Peak Trail
1.06.95 mi / 1293 ft gainThis is a fairly easy mountain peak to climb. The trailhead is easily accessible right off of Hwy 38 by the town of Fawnskin. There is a large National Forest sign noting the parking area to Grays Peak Trail. Note that parking in this lot requires either a day pass or a California Adventure pa...Read more -
Fawnskin, California
Castle Rock Trail at Big Bear Lake
4.52.7 mi / 719 ft gainFollow the directions to the trail head, and park on the side of the road. You will see a sign that says Castle Rock Trail, and the path is directly behind that sign. The hike up to the peak is steep, sandy, and very rocky, so shoes with good traction is recommended. There are also lots of oak a...Read more -
Big Bear, California
Holcomb Valley Campground
This campground is awesome! With great views, plenty of space and clean bathrooms it'll have you in for a treat! Whether it be a multiple day trip or just one night this campground is awesome. Read below for information if you are looking for a trip in the mountains! Cost: This campground is a ...Read more -
Big Bear, California
Rock Climb Holcomb Valley
5.0Most of the drive to Holcomb Valley is done on regular paved roads until about the last hour when you get above Big Bear Lake and you start your journey on dirt roads. The road is extremely bumpy and has lots of pot holes but there are generally quite a few cars up there that don't have 4 wheel d...Read more -
Angelus Oaks, California
Jenks Lake
4.00.77 mi / 49 ft gainIf you want to experience beauty and solitude in SoCal look no further than Jenks Lake. Not too far from Big Bear Lake, but secluded enough to keep most away in the winter, Jenks Lake is a small but lovely alpine lake near HWY 38 in Angelus Oaks. Driving to the lake is beautiful in itself as HWY...Read more -
Angelus Oaks, California
South Fork to Dollar Lake Trail
11.3 mi / 2999 ft gainSouth Fork to Dollar Lake Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Banning, California.Read more -
San Bernardino County, California
Off-Road Jacoby Canyon
2.9 miThis is now my favorite trail in the San Bernardino National Forest. Ranging from desert scenes at the bottom and pine trees at the top, you experience such high levels of outdoors feel you can't resist. This trail has so many awesome spots for camping and off-roading that it has a great mix for ...Read more -
Angelus Oaks, California
San Bernardino Peak
3.015.82 mi / 4911 ft gainThe San Bernadino Peak Trail out of Angelus Oaks is a very challenging hike, which can either be done as a day hike or an overnight trip. Free permits are required for day hiking and overnights in the San Gorgonio Wilderness. These permits can be accessed via Sgwa.org/permits. If you choose to ...Read more -
Forest Falls, California
Summit Mt. San Bernardino from Angelus Oaks
16 mi / 4775 ft gainThe trailhead is somewhat 'interesting' to get to given the dirt roads are in questionable shape and some of the roads in Angelus Oaks are not easily identifiable but I didn't have any problems finding it by closely following Google Maps. Trailhead parking requires an Adventure Pass parking pe...Read more -
Forest Falls, California
Mt. San Gorgonio via Vivian Creek
4.717.83 mi / 5627 ft gainA hiking permit is required to hike in the San Gorgonio Wilderness. Apply for the permit early as the Vivian Creek Trail is the second most popular trailhead for the area and quotas fill up in advance. The permits are free and the entire process can be handled via fax or mail. All the information...Read more -
San Bernardino County, California
Aztec Falls
3.31.23 mi / 16 ft gainFrom Lake Arrowhead, take the 173 to Hook Creek Road until you dead end onto Squint Ranch Road. Take a right at the first fork in the road, and park in the lot for Splinters Cabin. The dirt road can be a bit rocky and might not be the best for small cars. Once you're there, be sure to display you...Read more -
Apple Valley, California
Deep Creek Hot Springs
4.23.64 mi / 948 ft gainDeep Creek Hot Springs is nestled along the Mojave River at an elevation of 3,000 feet in the San Bernardino Mountains. This year-round mineral water retreat consists of three pools the size of large hot tubs, that range in temperature from around 96 degrees in the first pool to 102 in the third....Read more -
San Bernardino County, California
Deep Creek Hot Springs via Bradford Ridge
4.04.75 mi / 1335 ft gainLocated in the San Bernardino National Forest and part of the Pacific Crest Trail, the Deep Creek Hot Springs are a relaxing site for those of us without access to a Jacuzzi. There are at least 4 pools of hot (not just warm) water that you can soak in with your fellow neighbor (who may or may not...Read more