Horseback Riding in Big Bear
If you want to experience the San Bernardino National Forest and the sweeping landscapes of the Big Bear Valley the way early explorers did, taking a guided tour from the saddle is hard to beat. Whether you’re looking for classic mountain trail rides or a family-friendly ranch atmosphere, Big Bear offers wonderful options for riders of all skill levels.
Location: 46475 Pioneertown Rd, Big Bear City, CA
Best For: Classic guided trail rides, scenic high-desert transitions, and family outings.
The Experience: Operating in the Big Bear area for over 25 years, Baldwin Lake Stables sits on the east end of the valley where the pavement ends and the alpine wilderness begins.
Situated close to the Pacific Crest Trail and the high desert transition zones, they offer 1-, 2-, and 3-hour trail rides, half-day excursions, and popular sunset rides. The terrain ranges from light-to-moderate forest paths to open valley views.
If you have younger kids in tow, they also feature an on-site petting zoo with goats, pigs, and alpacas.
Location: 1635 Shay Rd, Big Bear City, CA
Best For: Immersive ranch experiences, community events, pony rides, and premier equine boarding.
The Experience: As one of Big Bear City’s newer equestrian destinations, Starlight Equestrian Ranch brings vibrant new energy to the mountain’s horse community.
Run with a deep passion for the equestrian lifestyle, the ranch offers guided trail rides, pony rides for little ones, and interactive “Barn Buddies” animal experiences.
Beyond trail rides, Starlight hosts family-friendly seasonal celebrations, wellness gatherings, and provides top-tier boarding services for travelers looking to bring their own horses to the mountains.
Bringing Your Own Horse to Big Bear: What You Need to Know
If you are an equestrian traveler looking to bring your own horse along for a mountain getaway, planning ahead is essential. While Big Bear offers incredible access to miles of scenic national forest trails, bringing your horse requires proper logistics.
Can you keep a horse at a vacation rental cabin?
- Strictly Prohibited at Standard Cabins: Standard vacation rental cabins and residential properties in Big Bear do not permit livestock or horses on-site. Local zoning laws, neighborhood HOAs, and short-term rental regulations strictly ban keeping horses at standard rental homes.
- Where to Board Instead: To safely house your horse during your trip, you will need to utilize professional local boarding facilities.
Where to Board Your Horse During Your Stay
Facilities like Starlight Equestrian Ranch offer premier, short-term horse boarding so you can enjoy your cabin vacation while knowing your horse is receiving top-tier care. Their boarding services include:
- Comfortable Stabling: Options ranging from heated box stalls with private runs to pipe stalls with loafing sheds.
- Full Daily Care: Regular feeding, daily stall mucking, and fly control.
- Top-Tier Amenities: Access to riding arenas, round pens, wash racks, and secure tack storage.
- Direct Trail Access: Convenient access to local alpine and meadow trails right from the facility.
Tip: If you plan to bring your horse, be sure to reserve your boarding stable stall well in advance of booking your vacation rental cabin!
Big Bear Cabin Rentals
To book your Destination Big Bear Cabin Rental, call (909) 752-0234. Destination Big Bear has cabins conveniently located near Bear Mountain Golf Course, Snow Summit, Big Bear Mountain, Big Bear Village, and Big Bear Lake. We have cabins for every budget from cheap cabin rentals to luxury cabin rentals. Ask about pet-friendly cabins and activities to do in Big Bear Lake.
