Big Bear, California at a glance

TL;DR:

• Two hours from Los Angeles, Big Bear is a year-round alpine escape.
  
• Drive in on SR-18, SR-38, or SR-330, and check Caltrans before you go.
  
• Summer brings boating, hikes, and bike parks. Winter brings two ski mountains.
  
• Lake use has clear rules, including marina-only rentals and size limits.
  
• Use our 2-day plan, packing list, and safety tips to keep your trip smooth.

Big Bear Lake sits high in the San Bernardino Mountains. At 6,759 feet, the town has crisp air, tall pines, and a seven mile lake ringed by trails. It is an easy weekend from Los Angeles or Palm Springs. Visit Big Bear calls it a four season mountain lake escape with hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and snow sports throughout the year.

When to go

Summer, June to early September. Warm days, cool nights, lake recreation, scenic sky chair rides, and lift served mountain biking at Snow Summit. Big Bear Mountain Resort listed daily summer operations starting June 6, 2025.

Fall, late September to November. Quieter trails, bright skies, fewer crowds. Nights get cold, so pack layers.

Winter, December to March. Snow Valley, Snow Summit, and Bear Mountain run terrain for all levels. Storms can be strong, so chain controls and road closures are possible.

Spring, April to May. Wildflowers, thawed trails, and marinas preparing to open. Visit Big Bear notes most marinas open from April to late May depending on conditions.

Getting there and driving safety

Three mountain highways climb to Big Bear.

• SR-18 from San Bernardino and through Running Springs.
  
• SR-330 connects from Highland up to SR-18.
  
• SR-38 from Redlands via Mill Creek and Angelus Oaks, a scenic option and a helpful alternative when other routes clog.
  

Road conditions can change fast in storms or after rockfall. Caltrans posts live updates for SR-18, SR-38, and SR-330. Check the Caltrans QuickMap or the road info page the morning you drive. As of 18 September 2025, Caltrans shows status by route and advises calling 1-800-427-7623 for recorded updates.

Winter driving tips. Carry approved tire chains, know how to install them, and keep speeds at or below posted chain control limits. Bring water, snacks, gloves, and a headlamp in case of delays.

Lake rules you should know

Big Bear Municipal Water District manages water activity. The rules are clear and enforced.

• Rentals must come from marinas on the lake. Third party or off lake rentals are not allowed to launch on Big Bear Lake.
  
• Boat size and zones. Maximum boat length is 26 feet. Manually propelled craft under 12 feet and float tubes must stay between the 5 MPH buoys and the shore.
  
• Permits and cards. Boats need a valid lake permit. Operators must follow California Boater Card requirements.
  
• Swimming. Allowed in summer at your own risk. No lifeguards. Stay within 50 feet of shore or within 20 feet of a private dock unless you are in a life vest as part of towed water sports.
  

These rules keep everyone safe on a busy alpine lake.

Top things to do by season

Summer highlights

• Take the Scenic Sky Chair. Ride from Snow Summit to 8,200 feet for views and short hikes. The lift runs seasonally, June through October, conditions allowing.
  
• Bike parks and trails. Snow Summit offers lift served downhill and access to cross country miles.
  
• Boating and paddling. Rent pontoon boats, fishing skiffs, kayaks, or SUPs from lake marinas. Scenic boat tours run daily in peak months.
  
• Hike classic routes. Castle Rock Trail for lake views, Alpine Pedal Path for a flat lakeside stroll, and Pine Knot Trail to Grand View Point.
  

Winter highlights

• Ski and ride three mountains. Snow Valley, Snow Summit, and Bear Mountain sit under Big Bear Mountain Resort. Terrain spans family greens to advanced parks.
  
• Snow play off the slopes. Try tubing hills and alpine slides in town. Book ahead on holiday weeks.
  
• Apres in The Village. Warm up with pizza, tacos, or a bakery stop along Pine Knot Avenue.
  

Year round picks

• Big Bear Alpine Zoo. A rehabilitation focused alpine zoo open most days.
  
• Stargazing and sunsets. Drive to Stanfield Marsh boardwalk or Boulder Bay Park for color over the water.
  

A simple 2-day itinerary

Day 1, summer or fall

• Morning, arrive via SR-38 to miss traffic, check in near The Village.
  
• Midday, rent kayaks from a marina and paddle coves near Boulder Bay.
  
• In the afternoon, ride the Scenic Sky Chair and walk the summit loop. Snack on the deck.
  
• Evening, stroll Pine Knot Avenue, then dinner with lake views.
  

Day 2

• Early, hike Castle Rock. Bring water, start before 9 a.m.
  
• Late morning, explore the Alpine Pedal Path by bike.
  
• Afternoon, beach time at Meadow Park shoreline or a guided boat tour.
  
• Depart by 4 p.m. to beat the mountain traffic.
  

Winter swap

• Day 1 on snow at Snow Summit. Book rentals and lessons in advance.
  
• Day 2 half day at Bear Mountain, then hot cocoa in The Village.
  
• Leave before the evening freeze. Check Caltrans for chain controls.
  

Where to stay and eat

• Lodging. Cabins, lakefront condos, and boutique hotels cluster around The Village and along the north shore. Book two nights on peak weekends.
  
• Food. Expect casual plates, pizza, tacos, and coffee bars. New spots continue to open, including lake view dining inside renovated hotels.
  

Quick rules and planning table

Pack this checklist

• Photo ID, insurance, and a printed or saved lodging confirmation.
  
• Layers, beanie, sun hat, sunscreen, lip balm, refillable bottle.
  
• Shoes with grip, warm socks, and a rain shell in shoulder months.
  
• Car kit, chains in winter, ice scraper, phone charger, headlamp.
  
• Reusable trash bag, leave no trace supplies.
  

Accessibility tips

• The Alpine Pedal Path is mostly flat and wide.
  
• Several marinas offer pontoon boats with shade and stable boarding.
  
• The Scenic Sky Chair loads slowly and staff can assist. Call ahead to confirm current options.
  

Responsible travel

Stay on marked trails, pack out trash, and respect quiet hours in neighborhoods. Observe no burn days and follow any fire restrictions from the San Bernardino National Forest and the city.

Why it matters

Big Bear is close, affordable, and full of easy wins. A little planning keeps you safe on the mountain roads, on the lifts, and on the lake. Clear rules, checked once before you go, turn a short trip into a smooth one. 

Sources:

• Visit Big Bear, Official travel site and seasonal info, https://www.bigbear.com/, accessed 2025-09-18
  
• Big Bear Municipal Water District, Lake rules, permits, and rental policy, https://www.bbmwd.com/rules-regulations and https://www.bbmwd.com/rentals, accessed 2025-09-18
  
• Caltrans, SR-18, SR-38, SR-330 road information and travel number, https://roads.dot.ca.gov/?roadnumber=18%2C38%2C330, accessed 2025-09-18