Experience Dark Sky Week in Big Bear

If you’re looking for unique things to do in Big Bear this spring, Dark Sky Week is one of the most memorable experiences you can have. Each year, Big Bear celebrates its naturally dark skies—something that’s becoming increasingly rare in Southern California. With minimal light pollution and high elevation, this is one of the best places to see thousands of stars, constellations, and even meteor showers with the naked eye.

Whether you’re visiting for the weekend or planning a longer stay, this is your chance to slow down, look up, and experience Big Bear in a completely different way.

A night sky with star trails over a lake and trees in SkyFest Big Bear event.

What is Dark Sky Week?

Dark Sky Week is a global initiative focused on protecting our night skies—and Big Bear is one of the few destinations in Southern California where you can truly experience it.
Throughout the week, visitors and locals are encouraged to:

Reduce light pollution
Spend time stargazing
Learn more about astronomy and the natural environment

It’s not just an event—it’s where you find yourself becoming an explorer of Big Bear’s nature, both on the ground and in the sky.

What You Can Experience During Dark Sky Week

Free Sidewalk Astronomy (by Barrel 33 in The Village)

Get up close with telescopes and learn from local experts as you explore the night sky. Events are weather permitting, Check here for cancellations.

Location: 40754 Village Dr.

2026 Dates & Times:

Private Guided Night Hikes

Step into the role of explorer with guided hikes under the stars—where you’ll experience Big Bear’s landscape in a completely different way after dark with Big Bear Hiking Adventure.

Lyrid Meteor Shower Peak

One of the best nights of the week to catch shooting stars.

2026 Stargazing and Must-Sees

Mark these fascinating astronomical events on your calendars and enjoy some time outdoors under the beautiful Big Bear night sky!

Meteor Showers:

April 22: Peak Lyrid meteor shower viewing
May 6: Peak Eta Aquarid meteor shower viewing
August 13: Peak Perseids meteor shower viewing
October 21: Peak Orionid meteor shower viewing
November 17: Peak Leonid meteor shower viewing
December 14: Peak Geminid meteor shower viewing

Eclipses

August 12: Total Solar Eclipse
August 28: Partial Lunar Eclipse

Big Bear Solar Observatory Tours (reservation required)

Tour the Big Bear Solar Observatory! Reservations are required, please call 909-866-5791 x210 or email norro@njit.edu or use the link below. Tours are FREE but donations are welcome.

Book with Online Form

Where to Stay for the Best Stargazing

To really experience Dark Sky Week, where you stay—and where you go—makes all the difference. Big Bear is surrounded by pockets of darker skies, and pairing the right location with the right cabin turns a simple night into something unforgettable. Cabins with decks, hot tubs, and open sky views make it easy to step outside and enjoy the stars without ever leaving your home base.

Here are some of the best places to stargaze—and the cabins nearby to match:

1. Holcomb Valley Road (Darkest Skies)

Located off North Shore Dr, this area sits far from the central valley and offers some of the darkest skies in Big Bear.

Stay nearby: MJ’s Hideaway
Tucked away from main roads with outdoor space that makes it easy to step outside and look up.

Covered Big Bear cabin patio with private hot tub, BBQ grill, and relaxing forest views

2. Woodland & Cougar Crest Trailheads (Fawnskin Area)

National forest trailheads with minimal light pollution and wide-open sky views (Adventure Pass required).

Stay nearby: Eagle Nest North
Step outside your cabin and straight into one of Big Bear’s darkest skies.

Big Bear mountain cabin deck with outdoor seating, hot tub, and peaceful forest surroundings

3. PCT Crossover on Hwy 18 (Scenic Turnout)

A quiet turnout along Hwy 18 toward Lucerne where the Pacific Crest Trail crosses—ideal for uninterrupted night sky viewing (be mindful of traffic).

Stay nearby: Lakeview-style homes near Boulder Bay like Shoney Bear Cabin
Stay close to one of Big Bear’s best stargazing corridors with easy access to this scenic route.

Big Bear cabin backyard with hot tub, fire pit, outdoor gazebo, and spacious patio area

4. Ranger Rd 2N08 / Towne Trail (Hidden Gem Hike)

Accessed from The Village, this steep trail leads to a clearing with expansive, open night sky views.

Stay nearby: Upper Moonridge homes like Edgar’s Hideaway
Elevated positioning with a balance of accessibility and reduced light pollution.

Spacious Big Bear cabin balcony with wooden deck seating and scenic mountain forest views

Book with confidence! Recognized by Airbnb for quality.

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