FOUR SEASONS OF ADVENTURE
“Cougar Crest Trail, about halfway up at the benches, provides some of the easiest and most beautiful vistas of the entire Big Bear Valley.”
Hit the trails on horseback with Baldwin Lake Stables.
—Randall Putz, City of Big Bear Lake mayor; owner of Chirp Nature Center
FLOWER POWER
TAKE THE PLUNGE Early March brings one of the town’s most popular fundraisers, the Polar Plunge. Brave the cold waters of Big Bear Lake, party with friends, and be freezin' for a reason as you support the regional Special Olympics. Lodging businesses offer special rates for participants.
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SP R IN G P LA Y LI ST
Scenic Mountain Expeditions Longer days and carpets of wildflowers mean spring has sprung. Sure, it’s time to put away the skis, but the good times don’t skip a beat. BY ERIC HISS - DA Y -
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ELEVATED EXPLORATIONS Get into vacay mode on a leisurely half-mile guided nature walk at the Big Bear Discovery Center. During the free one-hour tour, a friendly naturalist leads the way, sharing information about local wildlife. Next, two
wheels are one great way to experience Big Bear. No matter how you roll, local outfits like Bear Valley Bikes and Goldsmiths Sports have you covered, whether you just want to cruise the town, go on a road bike excursion, or take on a singletrack in one of the world’s top mountain-biking destinations. Board an afternoon Helicopter Big Bear tour for unrivaled mountaintop and lake views. After all the excitement, it’s time to wine, dine, and compare social posts at a beloved local institution such as Captains Anchorage.
VISIT BIG BEAR
Book a guided hike at Pebble Plain Ecological Reserve to see dazzling, hypnotic carpets of yellow, purple, and red flowers.
