Big Bear Lake: Water Sports, Trails and Winter Sports

When looking for a hotel in Big Bear Lake, it helps to first consider which season and activities you want to shape your stay. Seasonal water activities are a main draw at the lake, along with biking trails and winter sports, which may depend on the weather and conditions. This lets you tailor your choice of activities to your planned travel dates, without assuming that all offerings are available year-round.

Lake Activities and Fishing

Big Bear Lake is a man-made freshwater lake, seven miles long and half a mile wide. From spring through fall, sightseeing cruises, fishing, boating, jet skiing and kayaking are available there. Scenic tour boats operate daily; their schedules may vary by season. If you are planning a trip, check the schedule before you travel.

The marinas on the lake offer seasonal rentals of pontoon boats, fishing boats, kayaks, jet skis and stand-up paddleboards. The type of activity you are looking for can guide your plans: rentals and tour boats are different options for getting out on the water, while fishing offers a focus of its own. The lake is known for rainbow trout fishing. Fishing charters help beginners learn to fish.

Boulder Bay Park has specific requirements for launching watercraft: hand-carried, human-powered watercraft may be launched from the shoreline only after inspection and approval by the Municipal Water District. Inspection and approval requirements may change, so check the current rules before launching.

Trails by the Lake and in the Parks

For cycling, the Alpine Pedal Path offers a fully paved 2.5-mile, one-way route along the north shore of Big Bear Lake. It provides views of the ski resorts and the lake. The Knickerbocker Creek Multi-Use Trail, by contrast, is half a mile long and designated as a paved bike path; it provides non-motorized access to the Village and the lakeshore.

The 1,100-foot Happy Hills Trail is an accessible, paved path along a creek, with picnic areas and a restroom facility. Check accessibility and facilities on site. The Stanfield Marsh Boardwalk, an extension of the Alpine Pedal Path, passes through the Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve.

The parks also offer a range of places to visit. Boulder Bay Park has picnic tables, a pavilion, open space, a winding path and restroom facilities. Rotary Park has a play area for children.

Choosing Winter Sports Based on Conditions

Winter sports are available at Snow Summit from November through April, weather and conditions permitting. The resort has plenty of beginner terrain both in the base area and on top-to-bottom runs. Bear Mountain is geared more toward visitors to its terrain parks, but also offers groomed runs for beginners and experts. Check operating conditions for the winter days you are planning.

History, Wildlife and Getting Around

The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is a rehabilitation facility for injured, orphaned and human-imprinted wild animals. The Gold Fever Trail is a starting point for a three-hour self-guided tour through historic Holcomb Valley. On the tour, visitors learn about Big Bear’s gold-mining history and enjoy the views. Polique Canyon Road leads to the tour.

At Veteran's Park, a Memorial Archway with family markers commemorates former members of the armed forces. An annual Memorial Day ceremony is held there; check the date before your trip. For local information, the Big Bear Visitors Center offers free Wi-Fi, public restrooms, brochures, interactive maps and trip-planning kiosks. Along with excursions, it provides practical resources for planning your day.

In Big Bear Valley, the night sky is dark enough to see constellations, meteor showers and even the Milky Way.

Explore more destinations: Redlands, Chino, Fort Irwin, Victorville, Twentynine Palms, Apple Valley, Montclair, Highland

For the broader travel overview: San Bernardino.