Big Bear Lake Attractions
San Bernardino County
Location and importance
Big Bear Lake, on Highway 18, some 30mi/48km northeast of San Bernardino in the San Bernardino Mountains, is situated in the center of an increasingly popular area for summer and winter sports (swimming in the lake is prohibited) namely mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, skiing and sledding. Not far away is the start of the Gold Fever Trail, a car journey of some three hours through a number of places which still remain from the second Californian gold-rush in the years 1860 to 1875. A brochure giving more detailed descriptions is available free of charge from the Ranger Station, 4mi/6.5km east of Fawnskin, on Highway 38.
Location and importance
Big Bear Lake, on Highway 18, some 30mi/48km northeast of San Bernardino in the San Bernardino Mountains, is situated in the center of an increasingly popular area for summer and winter sports (swimming in the lake is prohibited) namely mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, skiing and sledding. Not far away is the start of the Gold Fever Trail, a car journey of some three hours through a number of places which still remain from the second Californian gold-rush in the years 1860 to 1875. A brochure giving more detailed descriptions is available free of charge from the Ranger Station, 4mi/6.5km east of Fawnskin, on Highway 38.
Alpine Slide
The Alpine Slide is located at the Magic Mountain Recreation Area in Big Bear Lake. The slide is the only authentic bobsled in California. Two quarter mile runs allow visitors the experience of a bobsled ride on their own sled. There is also a water slide, miniature golf and go karts. During the winter months, snow tubing is available.
Hours
April 19 to October 29
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 | 21:00 | 18:00 |
October 30 to April 18
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 |
Alpine Trout Lake Fishing Association
Big Bear Lake is a trophy rainbow trout fishery. The Lake is stocked by the California Department of Fish and Game.
The Fishing Association of Big Bear Lake puts on a Trout Fishing Classic every year in May.
The Fishing Association of Big Bear Lake puts on a Trout Fishing Classic every year in May.
Bear Mountain Ski Area
Bear Mountain ski area is located two miles from Big Bear Lake in the San Bernardino Forest. The hill features a 1,665 foot vertical drop and twelve lifts. There are almost 200 acres of skiable area including 32 trails as well as off-trail areas.
Moonridge Animal Park
Moonridge Animal Park in Big Bear Lake features grizzly bears and other animals from the area.
All values are in United States Dollars
Hours
May 1 to August 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
September 1 to April 30
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
Always closed on:
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
| Adult | $ 9.00 |
| Child 10 & under | $ 6.00 |
| Senior over 60 | $ 6.00 |
| Child 2 & under | FREE |
Parking
Free
Ski-Slopes
Ski-slopes in the immediate vicinity of Big Bear Lake are:
Snow Summit, 1mi/1.6km south of the lake, reached via a turn-off from Highway 18;
Goldmine, 2mi/3.2km southeast of the lake, reached via a turn-off from Highway 18.
Snow Forest, 0.5mi/800m away, on Pine Knot Avenue.
Snow Summit, 1mi/1.6km south of the lake, reached via a turn-off from Highway 18;
Goldmine, 2mi/3.2km southeast of the lake, reached via a turn-off from Highway 18.
Snow Forest, 0.5mi/800m away, on Pine Knot Avenue.
