TOWNE TRAIL This trail makes for a pleasant woodland

trail etiquette TIPS for visitors HELP PRESERVE THE AREA’S NATURAL BEAUTY.

As an active participant in the Leave No Trace initiative, Big Bear asks all visitors to keep their impact to a minimum.

LEAVE WHAT YOU FIND

Leave rocks, plants, and other natural objects as you find them, and don’t touch any cultural or historic structures and artifacts you may come across.

RESPECT THE WILDLIFE

Do not approach or follow animals, and do not feed them — feeding wildlife can put their health at risk, alter natural behavior, and expose them to predators or danger.

BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHERS

Let everyone enjoy their time in the great outdoors. Keep loud voices and noises to a minimum, yield to other hikers, and step to the downhill side of the trail when encoun- tering other groups.

for the Gram

STANFIELD MARSH @silva.fermina

INTO THE WOODS

During spring, summer, and fall, the region turns into a must-visit destination overflowing with recreational diversions. Whether you’re a nature lover, adven- ture seeker, or adrenaline junkie, head to the woods for an epic experience.

Hike the trails in Big Bear Lake.

Climb the Mountains

Discover nature at its best in the forest surrounding Big Bear Lake.

With thousands of acres to explore, there’s always something more to see on Big Bear’s spectacular trails: lush forest canopies, incredible mountain views, re- markable wildlife. A hike around Big Bear Lake is a free way to experience nature at its best in every season.

Lace up those hiking boots, choose from one of the valley’s many trails, and get going. You can pick up a trail map at Big Bear Vistor Center or Big Bear Discovery Center and ask any of the friendly staff for recommendations and tips. Be sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, sturdy shoes, a hat, and most importantly an unbridled sense of adventure.

Hiking in the National Forest is free, but an Adventure Pass is required in order to park at or near trailheads. You can pick up a pass from the U.S. Forest Service or stop by the Big Bear Visitor Center or Dis- covery Center. If you have an America the Beautiful Pass through the National Parks Service, you are already good to go. You can even bring Fido with you, too — trails are dog-friendly.

Fancy four-wheelers over hiking boots? Big Bear has some of the best trails for off-roading in Cali- fornia, with three Jeep® Badge of Honor trails: Gold Mountain, Holcomb Creek, and John Bull.

LEE STOCKWELL BIG BEAR VISITORS BUREAU

Test your cycling prowess on Big Bear’s mountain biking trails.

SAM RICE

RIDE THE TRAILS

Big Bear is known for its mountain biking trails and single-tracks, ranging from beginner to expert-level. Ride up Snow Summit Bike Park’s chairlift with your bike to access trails on and off property, or take off on any designated trails.

MOUNTAIN BIKING

(At Snow Summit Bike Park) Trail: Going Green Level: Beginner Distance: 4 miles Features: Gentle sweeping berms, minimal pedaling or braking, and picturesque lake views.

Trail: Cabin 89 Trail Level: Intermediate Distance: 1.7 miles Features: Starting from the Aspen Glen Picnic Area, a short but thrilling ride featuring steep climbs and sharp corners. (At Snow Summit Bike Park) Trail: 10-Ply Level: Advanced Distance: 1 mile Features: Mix of technical single-track terrain and natural features, including drops and rock gardens.

Trail: Cougar Crest Trail Level: Difficult Distance: 4 miles Features: Gentle and steep climbs through a wide variety of environ- ments with views of the lake. Ends at the junction of the Pacific Crest Trail.

Enjoy an easy ride with the family on Alpine Pedal Path.

ROAD CYCLING

Trail: Alpine Pedal Path Level: Beginner Distance: 3.5 miles Features: Car-free, relax- ing lakeside cruise, perfect for family rides.

Trail: Lake Loop Level: Intermediate Distance: 15–20 miles Features: Hour-long pedal at a casual pace around the lake.

Trail: Onyx Summit Level: Advanced Distance: 9 miles Features: A popular ride among biking enthusiasts; ascend the highest altitude roadway in Southern Cali- fornia at 8,443 feet.

Did You Know?

Professional athletes from around the world have trained in Big Bear’s high altitudes, and the city has hosted its share of major cycling events such as the Amgen Tours of California.

Gear Up

Stop into any of these spots for your biking needs.

BEAR VALLEY BIKES 40298 Big Bear Blvd. Big Bear Lake 909.866.8000

GOLDSMITH’S BOARD AND SKI RENTAL 42071 Big Bear Blvd. Big Bear Lake 909.866.2728

PADDLES AND PEDALS 40545 North Shore Ln. Big Bear Lake 909.936.2907

SNOW SUMMIT BIKE PARK 880 Summit Blvd. Big Bear Lake 909.866.5841

FROM LEFT: BIG BEAR VISITORS BUREAU; SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

for the Gram

ALPINE PEDAL PATH @stacy_was_there

Hiking & Biking Map

1 ALPINE PEDAL PATH An asphalt path along Big Bear Lake’s north shore, it is easily accessible for hikers, bikers, skaters, joggers, strollers, and wheelchairs.

2 WOODLAND TRAIL Take the self-guided tour to learn about the woodland area’s botany, geology, and wildlife.

3 JOHN BULL LOOP BIKE TRAIL You’ll need stamina and some navigation skills for this challenging ride.

4 SNOW SUMMIT/GRAND VIEW LOOP BIKE TRAIL This popular novice trail starts with a three-mile ride up Snow Summit on the Scenic Sky Chair to Grandview Point Junction.

5 THE SKYLINE TRAIL This multi-use single-track offers spectacular views. Access the trail from the east on Club View Drive, or from the west at the junction of 2N10 and 2N17.

6 TOWNE TRAIL This trail makes for a pleasant woodland hike and can be easily accessed from Big Bear Village.

7 PINE KNOT TRAIL Hikers begin at Aspen Glen Picnic Area; mountain bikers can take the Scenic Sky Chair to 2N10 and fol- low the trail west to 1E01 for a thrilling single-track experience. 8 HAPPY HILLS TRAIL Starting at City Hall, this ADAcompliant route gives hikers a view of historical buildings and protected wildlife, plus numerous picnic tables along the trail.

9 CASTLE ROCK TRAIL One of Big Bear’s most popular trails, it begins one mile east of Big Bear Dam on Hwy. 18. (Note: Parking is limited.)

10 CHAMPION LODGEPOLE PINE TRAIL Located on the south side of the lake, this gentle walk follows a stream down to the Champion Lodgepole Pine, one of the largest known lodgepoles in the world.

11 GRAY’S PEAK TRAIL This dog-friendly hike offers scenic sights of Big Bear Lake below. The trail is closed from winter to spring for bald eagle nesting.

12 GROUT BAY BIKE TRAIL This trail begins with a short climb from the Fawnskin fire station up toward Hanna Flat campground.

13 COUGAR CREST TRAIL The trailhead is located .6 miles west of the Discovery Center on Hwy. 38. The trail ends at the junction of the 2,600-mile-long Pacific Crest Trail.

LEGEND

State Highway

Paved Road

Dirt Fire Road

Designated Fire

Road Trail

Bike Trail

Multi-Use Path or Trail

Hiking Trail Pacific

Crest National

Scenic Trail Pacific Crest National

Scenic Trail

Interpretive Trailhead

Watchable Wildlife

Ranger Station

Fire Station

Picnic Area

Adventure Pass

Required

PCT Access

Campground

Group Campground

Ecological Reserve

Fire Lookout Tower

Visitor Center

GREG FRANCO/LE CARTOGRAPHISTE PHOTO CREDITNICOLE KNOX Fun With Fido ESCAPE TO THE MOUNTAINS WITH YOUR POOCH BY YOUR SIDE.

Big Bear Lake is a dog-friendly destina- tion and visitors are encouraged to bring their well-behaved pups of all shapes and sizes along for the adventure.

Take your four-legged companion on a walk on any of the trails in the area for a bit of explorative sniffing in the woods, or check out the Bark Park at Meadow Park or

Erwin Lake Park

to meet other furry friends. And for those pups who can’t get enough of the water, play some catch or Frisbee at dogapproved sections of the shoreline. Just remember to pick up after Fido!