Big Bear Hiking Trails
Trails here range from a flat boardwalk over a marsh to a climb up to a granite viewpoint, and the altitude changes how all of them feel: at 6,750 feet, an easy mile is not quite the easy mile it is at sea level.
Each trail below is drawn on the map as an actual route rather than a dropped pin — so you can see where it goes before you decide to drive to the trailhead.
Hiking trails
Real climbs with real elevation. Start earlier than you would at sea level, carry more water than feels necessary, and check the forecast — mountain weather here changes fast.
Cougar Crest Trail
Distance 5 mi round trip · Elevation gain ~800 ft · Difficulty Moderate · Time 2–2.5 hr · High point ~7,600 ft · Type Out-and-back
The north shore classic — and your gateway to the Pacific Crest Trail.
Castle Rock Trail
Distance 1.6 mi round trip · Elevation gain 534 ft · Difficulty Moderate · Time 1–1.5 hr · Type Out-and-back
A short, steep climb to the best view of the lake.
Pine Knot Trail
Distance 7.4 mi round trip to Grand View Point · Elevation gain 1,167 ft · Difficulty Moderate · Time 3.5–4 hr · High point ~7,700 ft · Type Out-and-back
Climb through the pines to Grand View Point and San Gorgonio.
Walking and paved paths
Flatter, shorter and mostly hard-surfaced — the routes that work with a stroller, a slow afternoon, or lungs still adjusting to the altitude.
Alpine Pedal Path
Distance 5.3 mi round trip · Elevation gain ~300 ft · Difficulty Easy · Time 1.5–2 hr · Surface Paved · Type Out-and-back · Accessible Yes — strollers & wheelchairs
Flat, paved, and the easiest lake views in Big Bear.
Pedal Path Loop
Distance 1.3 mi loop · Elevation gain 59 ft · Difficulty Easy · Time 0.5–1 hr · Surface Paved · Type Loop · Accessible Yes — strollers & wheelchairs
The short lakeshore lap at Meadows Edge — flat, paved, everyone welcome.
Woodland Interpretive Trail
Distance 1.6 mi loop · Elevation gain ~300 ft (mostly flat) · Difficulty Easy · Time 45 min–1 hr · Type Loop · Interpretive 16 numbered posts
An easy interpretive loop — great for kids, great for a quick leg-stretch.
Stanfield Preserve Boardwalk
Distance 1.5 mi round trip · Elevation gain 26 ft · Difficulty Easy · Time 0.5–1 hr · Surface Boardwalk · Type Out-and-back
A flat boardwalk out over Stanfield Marsh — prime birding and big lake views.
Before you go
- Big Bear sits at roughly 6,750 feet. Altitude makes an easy trail harder than its distance suggests, especially on your first day up.
- Many trailheads in the San Bernardino National Forest require a parking pass. Requirements change — confirm what is currently needed before you drive out.
- Closures happen for weather, fire and maintenance. Check current trail status with the Forest Service rather than trusting any guide, including this one.
Keep exploring
Things to Do in Big Bear
A local guide to the best things to do in Big Bear Lake — the lake, hiking, family days out, restaurants and events, each one plotted on our interactive map.
Big Bear Lake Activities
What to do on Big Bear Lake — marinas, boat rentals, fishing and shoreline parks, mapped by the local team behind The Big Bear Experience.
Dog-Friendly Things to Do in Big Bear
Where you can actually bring a dog in Big Bear Lake — dog parks, dog-friendly stops and shoreline, based on policies we record per place rather than assume.