Author: Varsha M

A trail sign points to "Jenks Lake Trail 1.1 M" on a sunny path in Big Bear.

Jenks Lake Trail

Jenks Lake Trail Length: 3.1 miles  Difficulty: Easy Escape into the San Bernardino National Forest on this family‑friendly trail alongside Frog Creek. Starting from Barton Flats Visitor Center, the path climbs gently for about a mile before reaching the serene Jenks...

A trail sign for Cougar Crest Trail sits on a dirt path overlooking Big Bear Lake and mountains.

Cougar Crest Trail

Cougar Crest Trail Length: 4.8 mile  Difficulty: Moderate The Cougar Crest Trail offers a peaceful yet rewarding hike through pine and oak forests with steady elevation gain and beautiful lake views. Starting near the Discovery Center, the trail gradually climbs...

A dirt path winds through sunlit pine trees in a Big Bear forest.

Bow Canyon to Moon Ridge Loop

Bow Canyon to Moon Ridge Loop Length: 2.3 miles  Difficulty: Moderate Begin at the Ridgecrest Drive trailhead (about 1 mile southeast of Bear Mountain Golf Course) . The loop climbs steadily northeast along forested trails, reaching scenic viewpoints atop Moon Ridge. On...

A panoramic view of Big Bear Lake and surrounding mountains from a hiking vantage point.

Bertha Peak Trail

Bertha Peak Trail Length: 7.2 mile  Difficulty: Moderate Bertha Peak Trail in Big Bear Lake is a 7.2-mile round-trip hike that climbs over 1,400 feet to reach an 8,201-foot summit. Starting near Cougar Crest Trailhead, this moderately challenging trail offers...

A clear view of Big Bear Lake and distant mountains framed by large rocks and trees.

Castle Rock Peak

Castle Rock Trail Length: 1.42 mile  Difficulty: Moderate Castle Rock Trailhead is located just off Big Bear Blvd (Hwy 18), about 1 mile east of Boulder Bay Park. Look for a small brown wooden trail sign on the south side...

A scenic view of mountains and valleys under a cloudy sky in Big Bear.

Wildhorse Creek Trail

Wildhorse Creek Trail Length: 6.6 miles  Difficulty: Hard Located in the San Bernardino National Forest, Wildhorse Creek Trail offers a challenging out-and-back hike with steady elevation gain through sparse oak forest. Though it doesn’t follow a creek, the trail rewards...