Big Bear Super Bloom! Go Belly up over the rarest super bloom on Earth!
If the opening title didn’t bring you in, were not really sure what else would. So we can guess that you are curious about the claim stated in the title above right? Let’s be honest, we are all obsessed with the Big Bear Super Bloom and all of the gorgeous flowers it has brought to life here in Big Bear Lake. In case your new to the term “superbloom” it roughly means an outbreak of flowers that is out of the normal. A typical super bloom only happens here in California about once every decade but we have been lucky enough to have 2 in the last 3 years. Big Bear is no exception for this spectacular event. This is one of Big Bear’s best things to do right now!
First let us talk about why you will not see these flowers by just walking by like you would for some other variety of plants. The reason that you have to lay down on your “belly” to see these flowers is because they grow very close to the ground and you can really get the best view of their beauty from this ground level. Do not be afraid to get up close and personal with the rare natural beauties. The reason that these type of floral varieties grow so close to the ground is because of the harsh environment that they have to grow in. They typically only root themselves about 1-2’ inches into the ground. It is believed by many scientists that these flowers show just how life will always find a way to survive in even the hardest of terrains and environments.
Time to get into a little background and history on how the rarest super bloom on earth came to be here in Big Bear. Nearly 10,000 years ago scientists believe that the Big Bear area was a glacier. The terrain that is found at Pebble Plain is said to have been there dating back to the Pleistocene period, you know, when the Saber Tooth tigers and Woolly Mammoths roamed the earth. In this specific area of the Pebble Plain terrain you can experience the rarest super bloom on Earth, right here in Big Bear Lake.
Now along with those rare flowers are some that are definitely unique in their own right. Out of the 18 plus floral variation all throughout the Bear Valley. Not too many people know that Big Bear is home to a place so unique that it is the only kind of its type in the world. Big Bear is home to 10 floral species that are only available right here in Big Bear Lake. Some even have a few tricks up their sleeves. Take for example the Lupines, give them a whiff and to your surprise you will smell the sweet smell of grape soda! Some other popular varieties to name a few are Parish’s Daisy, Bear Valley Wooley Pod, Indian Paint Brush, & Western Wallflower.
Now we don’t like to brag but we can sort of read minds and we can bet your wanting to go and experience this amazing event. Well you are in luck because we have all of the information you where you go to view these beauties. Destination Big Bear has all of your Super Bloom details on how to get you the very best locations to go to view this natural and ultra rare phenomenon. Listed below is all the information you will need to experience this event.
Wildflower Walks through the unique Pebble Plain terrain.
165 Dixie Lee Lane, Big Bear CA, 92314
Guided walks are:
May 11th & 25th, June 8th & 22nd
Start time: 11:30 a.m.
This walk is a ½ mile loop and is FREE to enjoy. Please bring good hiking boots & pack a lunch. There are restrooms and parking available at the site.
40971 North Shore Drive/Hwy 38, Fawnskin, CA 92333
FREE nature walks:
Saturdays starting at 1:00 p.m. & Sundays starting at 2:00 p.m.
This nature walks are not strenuous and would be great for kids and adults alike. The nature walk itself is a guided 30 minute walk. Please feel free to reach out the Discovery center if you have any questions at 909-382-2790
Champion Lodgepole Pine Trail
At this location you will find a gorgeous meadow abundant with flowers.
LENGTH: From Forest Road 2N11, 1 Mile (Round Trip).
- CLASSIFICATION: Easy.
- WHAT YOU NEED: An Adventure Pass to park your car in the forest -these can be purchased at the Discovery Center, Ranger Station and various other stores in Big Bear Lake.
- WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING: Comfortable walking shoes – a hat – sunglasses – water – snacks – camera.
- HOW TO GET THERE: From the west end of Big Bear Lake Village, drive south west to Mill Creek Road, continue about 1/4 mile, follow Mill Creek Rd (2N10) left after it intersects with Tulip Lane. This road is paved for about one mile and then becomes dirt. Follow the 2N10 road until you reach 2N11, then bear left and follow the Champion Lodgepole signs to the parking area at the beginning of the hiking trail. The last half mile of the road is very rough but you can make it in a 2-wheel drive if you go slow.
As always when entering into any protected national forest, remember to leave any area as you found it. We love our plant and want to let all of the following generations with a beautiful clean and flourishing Big Bear area. It begins with all of us and our continued efforts to keep our Earth green. Happy flower hunting!