Big Bear Hiking Trails
Your guide to recreational hiking trails in Big Bear.
Big Bear Lake has over 100 miles of hiking trails winding through the San Bernardino National Forest, some mellow, some tough, all worth exploring.
You’ll find everything from pine-covered paths to open ridgelines with big views, and quiet stretches that feel miles from anything. This guide gives you quick links to popular trails, local hiking events, and tips to help you get out there. If you're planning a trip, renting a cabin with Destination Big Bear means the trailhead might just be down the road.
Explore Big Bear HIKING TRAILS
Note: Dogs are welcome on most Big Bear trails, just keep them on a leash and be sure to pack out any waste.
Alpine Pedal Path
Alpine Pedal Path Length: 2.5 miles One Way Difficulty: Easy Hike This asphalt path meanders along the sparkling north […]
Sugarloaf National Recreation Trail
Sugarloaf National Recreation Trail Length: 10 miles Round Trip (1,200 feet elevation gain) Difficulty: Hard From the south end […]
Skyline Trail
Skyline Trail in Big Bear Length: 8.5 miles One Way (160 feet elevation gain) Difficulty: Moderate Skyline Trail begins […]
Siberia Creek Trail
Siberia Creek Trail Length: 18.2 Miles Round Trip (5,308 feet elevation gain) Difficulty: Hard On your way to or […]
Sand Canyon Road Viewpoint
Sand Canyon Road Viewpoint Length: 4.6 Miles Difficulty: Moderate The Sand Canyon Road Viewpoint Trail offers a moderate […]
Jenks Lake Trail
Jenks Lake Trail Length: 3.1 miles Difficulty: Easy Escape into the San Bernardino National Forest on this family‑friendly trail […]
Lassen Drive and Bow Canyon Loop
Lassen Drive and Bow Canyon Loop Length: 1.1 Miles Loop Difficulty: Easy The Lassen Drive and Bow Canyon […]
Cougar Crest Trail
Cougar Crest Trail Length: 4.8 mile Difficulty: Moderate The Cougar Crest Trail offers a peaceful yet rewarding hike […]
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 […]
Bertha Peak Trail
Bertha Peak Trail Length: 7.2 mile Difficulty: Moderate Bertha Peak Trail in Big Bear Lake is a 7.2-mile […]
Castle Rock Peak
Castle Rock Trail Length: 1.42 mile Difficulty: Moderate Castle Rock Trailhead is located just off Big Bear Blvd […]
Wildhorse Creek Trail
Wildhorse Creek Trail Length: 6.6 miles Difficulty: Hard Located in the San Bernardino National Forest, Wildhorse Creek Trail […]
Hanna flat Trail
Hanna Flat Trail Length: 7.8 miles Round Trip (50 feet elevation gain) Difficulty: Moderate Hanna Flat Trail begins between […]
Towne Trail
Towne Trail Length: 0.5 mile Difficulty: Easy This trail begins on Forest Road 2N08 east of Knickerbocker Road […]
Gray’s Peak Trial
Gray’s Peak Trial Length: 7 miles Round Trip (1,000 feet elevation gain Difficulty: Hard Gray’s Peak Trail is […]
Castle Rock Trail
Castle Rock Trail Big Bear Length: 1.1 miles east of the dam on Hwy 18 Difficulty: Moderate Castle […]
Champion Lodgepole Pine Trail
Champion Lodgepole Pine Trail Length: 1.4 miles round trip Difficulty: Moderate The Champion Lodgepole Pine Trailhead is located […]
The Woodland Trail
The Woodland Trail Length: 1.5 miles Difficulty: Easy The path starts and ends at the trailhead off Hwy […]
Nature Discovery Trail
Nature Discovery Trail Length: 0.5 mile Difficulty: Easy The Nature Discovery Trial is a 0.5 mile loop trail that […]
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Hiking in Big Bear FAQs: What to Know Before You Hit the Trails
Most trailheads, recreation areas, and parking lots in the Big Bear Valley require a valid Adventure Pass. Find more info HERE about the National Forest requirements before planning your next hiking or biking trip.
Adventure Passes are required for parking at any U.S. Forest trailheads and recreation areas. Daily Passes are available at the Big Bear Visitors Center. You may also use your America the Beautiful (National Park) Pass. Just leave it on your dashboard before you head out on the trail.
Answer: Absolutely—most Big Bear trails welcome leashed dogs, but always clean up after your pet and be mindful of wildlife and trail etiquette.
Answer: You can hike year-round—but for early spring warmth, winter snowshoeing, summer treks, and fall foliage, check trail conditions before heading out.
Answer: Remain calm, give the animal distance, make noise, back away slowly—not running—and carry bear spray in less-trafficked areas for added safety.
Answer: Try easy, shaded routes like the Woodland Interpretive Trail, Alpine Pedal Path, or sections of Pine Knot Trail—they’re short, scenic, and engaging for all ages.
Answer: Yes—look out for ranger-led nature walks, seasonal wildflower tours, and endurance trail events. Find the latest Big Bear Lake hiking events and guided hike listings right here at Destination Big Bear.
Answer: Always carry a paper map from the Visitor Center—cell service and GPS can drop out in the backcountry—and tell someone your route and ETA before you go. You can also see estimated trail length/hike times in our individual Big Bear Hiking Trails page.
Answer: Obey all current fire laws and regulations and follow Leave‑No‑Trace etiquette: pack out trash, stay on established trails, and respect wildlife and quiet zones.
Wildfires are a real threat to the Big Bear community and the San Bernardino National Forest. Unfortunately, most wildfires are the result of people being irresponsible and failing to follow fire prevention laws.
Answer: Black bears live in Big Bear, but sightings are rare. Keep pets leashed, never leave food out, hike in groups, and carry bear spray on remote trails as a precaution.
Answer: Yes—just be prepared. Keep dogs leashed, carry water and paw protection, avoid peak heat, and watch for signs of wildlife on the trail. Coyotes and bears are native, so awareness matters.
Answer: For easy access to Big Bear’s top trails, book a cabin with Destination Big Bear. We offer a wide range of vacation rentals—pet-friendly, lakefront, luxury, and trail-adjacent cabins—so you can relax close to the action and hit the trail early.
Big Bear HIKING EVENTS
Conquer The Wall – Big Bear
Conquer the Wall – Big Bear Lake’s Toughest Uphill Race Challenge Challenge your endurance, mindset, and legs at Conquer the […]
Kodiak Ultra Marathons
Kodiak Ultra Marathons Big Bear: An Iconic Trail Racing Experience The Kodiak Ultra Marathons bring some of the toughest trail […]
Holcomb Valley Trail Run: Your Next Thrilling Venture of Spring Season!
Holcomb Valley Trail Run: Your Next Thrilling Venture of Spring Season! Hey, adventure running friends! Spice up your endurance level […]
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July 10, 2025 Updated 2:10 PM