Castle Rock Trail

Hiking trail · Big Bear Lake, California

A short, steep climb to the best view of the lake.

Distance
1.6 mi round trip
Elevation gain
534 ft
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
1–1.5 hr
Type
Out-and-back
The view over Big Bear Lake from the granite at the top of the Castle Rock trail

Short but it earns it — a steep first half-mile through big boulders and mature pines, leveling toward a massive granite formation high above Big Bear Lake. Scramble up the rock at the top for a panorama across the whole lake and valley. One of the most popular hikes in the valley, and one of the best payoff-to-effort ratios.

See the route on the map →

Trail conditions, closures and parking requirements change with weather and season, and this valley sits at about 6,750 feet — check current status with the San Bernardino National Forest before you drive to the trailhead.

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