Summertime Activities in Big Bear

Photo by Bluegreenvacations

Hello, summer! The sun is out. Marinas are open. It's time to kick off lake season in Big Bear.

From June through August, the average temperature in Big Bear is around 78 degrees. Crowds are also lower in the beginning of summer so the tail end of spring is a magical time in Big Bear.

Whether you’re looking for some true down time with a new book and sun-filled porch naps or more endorphin-pumping adventures like mountain biking and ziplining, Big Bear is the best SoCal getaway.

HIKING

Whether you're hiking solo, with friends, or mini humans, AllTrails has 23 scenic trails in the Big Bear Lake area.

Photo by Bluegreenvacations

Here are the top 5 trails:

• Pine Knot Trail to Grand View Point

• Castle Rock Trail

• Cougar Crest Trail

• Bertha Peak Trail

• Castle Rock Peak

NOTE: An Adventure Pass is required for parking at trailheads. You can buy Daily Passes at the Big Bear Visitors Center. If you have an America the Beautiful (National Park) Pass, you do not need to buy an additional Adventure Pass. Just make sure to leave it on your dashboard!

BOATING

Are you a thrill-seeker looking to tube or jetski? Or are you wanting a more mellow stroll on the lake with a kayak or paddle board? Regardless of your speed, Big Bear has 6 marinas to make it easy to hop on any floating device and enjoy your day on the water.

• Big Bear Marina

• Holloway's Marina & RV Park

• Pleasure Point Marina

• North Shore Landing

• Pine Knot Marina

• Paddles & Pedals

Photo by Big Bear Marina

NOTE: All privately owned watercraft (including non-motorized types) must display permits. They can be purchased at any marina.

Have your own boat? The Public Launch Ramps are open for all vessels. Both ramps are located on the North Shore. While it’s free to bring your own boat, it will need to pass inspection for the Quagga mussel. You will also need a Lake Use Permit. Permits can be purchased for the day, multiple days, or year. Visit Big Bear Municipal Water District for more info.

FISHING

Fishing is a popular choice in Big Bear as the lake is stocked with tagged fish every year.

Photo by So Cal Fish Reports

What can you catch?

• Rainbow Trout

• Channel Catfish

• Panfish

• Largemouth Bass

Here are some of the best places to fish in Big Bear:

• East Ramp

• West Ramp

• Near the Big Bear Marina

• The triangle from Big Bear Marina to the Solar Observatory to Grout Bay

• Stanfield Road cutoff from Big Bear Boulevard to North Shore Drive,

• Along the bike path

• Boulder Bay

MOUNTAIN BIKING

Big Bear has over 60 miles of cross-country trails, with Summit Bike Park consisting of 12 downhill trails that range from modest gravity-fed runs to fast and flowy jump trails––no walking or bike carrying involved. Ride a chairlift to the top of Snow Summit (elevation 8,200 feet) and scream down the mountain with thrilling jumps, berms, and man-made features. There are also beginner trails (Going Green) for younger ages and adults looking for more of a cruise.

ZIPLINING

With 9 high-speed zipline runs reaching speeds of 35-50 mph, this should be on your bucket list!

OFF-ROADING

Big Bear Jeep Experience has something for everyone to enjoy. From mere sightseeing to advanced rock crawling.

Photo by Bigbear.com

Here are some top trails to try:

1. Gold Mountain Trail

2. Burns and Rattlesnake Canyons Trail

3. Big Pine Flat Trail

4. Dishpan Springs Trail

5. Gold Fever Trail

6. Knickerbocker

7. Van Dusen Canyon

8. Sand Canyon

9. Coxey Road

10. Delamar Mountain Road

11. Butler Peak

12. Coyote Trail

HELICOPTER TOURS

Helicopter Big Bear offers the best of the best when it comes to breathtaking views of big bear.