Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake is located in the middle of the San Bernardino National Forest. Parking within city limits does not require a permit. Parking in the forest areas surrounding the city requires the purchase of an Adventure Pass. Adventure Passes can be purchased at the Big Bear Discovery Center (see below) or any sporting goods store within the city.

History

Big Bear Lake, previously known as, Yuhaviat, was discovered by people of European origin back in 1845. Benjamin Davis Wilson and a crew of twenty men rode into Yuhaviat Valley chasing Native Americans that had been raiding their ranches in Riverside, CA. While in the valley, the men discovered that it was teeming with grizzly bear. Thus, Wilson came up with the name, Big Bear Lake, for the valley.
Before Big Bear Lake became a popular vacation spot, it was known as a gold mining mecca. In 1860, a bear tracker named William Holcomb discovered a creek filled with flakes of gold while tracking a bear's blood trail. Word soon got around that there was gold in the valley. From 1860 to 1875, Big Bear Lake was swarming with prospectors in search of gold.

Climate

The average maximum annual temperature for Big Bear Lake is 62.2 degrees Fahrenheit and the average minimum annual temperature is 31.7 degrees Fahrenheit. The average annual snowfall is 62.1 inches. During the winter months, temperatures usually range from 20 to 54 degrees Fahrenheit. And during the summer, it is anywhere between 40 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Visitor information

• Big Bear Visitor's Center

  address: 630 Bartlett Rd.
  Free Wi-Fi. Sells Adventure passes.

By car

Hwy 330 through Redlands - Easiest route from most Southern California locations.
Hwy 38 through Redlands - It is a bit longer, but is the most scenic.
Hwy 18 through Crestline/Running Springs - Shortest way if you are coming Hwy 210 Eastbound.
Hwy 18 through Apple Valley - Least amount of traffic, longest way (if you are coming from I-15 Northbound from Cajon Pass) and least amenities en route (just north of Big Bear at the Hwy 247 Junction, Lucerne Valley limited to gas and grocery only).
While travel time to Big Bear is quick, approaching Big Bear from the Inland Empire valley floor (near Sea Level to 1,000 ft. elevation) to Big Bear Lake/City (approx. 5,800-6,000 feet) requires a vehicle in good repair (rentals are fine) and favorable road conditions. Approach during considerable inclement weather (winter storms, heavy rainfall/landslide risk) is not advised.

By air

The nearest large airports are LA/Ontario International Airport and Palm Springs International Airport.
Big Bear City Airport is a general aviation airport on the east end of the lake. Tiedown rentals are available. Car rentals are also available.

By foot

The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is a well known trail that extends along the West coast of the United States, from Mexico to Canada. It passes through California, Oregon, and Washington State.

It is very easy to navigate Big Bear Lake by car. The city is very good about keeping the roads clean and free of snow in the winter. Big Bear Lake also has an incredible amount of hiking and biking trails available for public use. This can be a great way to explore the outdoors and also get where you need to go. The public is also free to use boats, jetskis, canoes, and other water apparatuses on the lake itself. The Mountain Area Regional Transit Authority (MARTA) is the primary public transportation provider for Big Bear Lake. It provides local and off-the-mountain bus services for its patrons.

• Big Bear Discovery Center

  phone: +1 909 866-3437
  address: 40971 North Shore Dr.
  The Discovery Center is museum and visitors center that provides information about the recreation opportunities in the forest surrounding the Lake. Adventure Passes are sold here.

• Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain

  - located in Big Bear Lake

Winter

Arcade In-door Fun, camping and RV parks, cross country skiing and snow shoeing, discovery center, hiking, horseback riding, laser tag indoor fun, off road tours, skiing and snowboarding, snow play, tours, trails, ziplining, and zoos.

• Bear Mountain Resort

  phone: +1 909 866-5766
  address: 43101 Goldmine Dr
  Whether just learning to ski or ride, refining skills or bringing professional style to the slopes, Bear Mountain has something for everyone. This nearly 200-acre winter playground offers the region's largest beginner area and the most progressive teaching terrain, equipment and techniques.

• Snow Summit Mountain Resort

  phone: +1 909 866-5766
  address: 880 Summit Blvd
  Whether it's wide open runs or fun terrain features, Snow Summit has it all. Ideal for everyday skiers and riders in search of a friendly, laid back winter playground.

Summer

Alpine slide, arcade in-door fun, biking, boating and water sports, camping and RV parks, discovery center, fishing, golf, hiking, horseback riding, jet boat rentals, jet skiing, kayaking and canoeing, laser tag in-door fun, marinas, mountain biking, museums, off road tours, paddleboarding, parasailing, tennis, trails, wakeboarding and waterskiing, ziplining, and zoos.

• Adventure Outpost at Bear City Discovery Center

  phone: +1 909 866-3437
  address: 40971 Hwy. 38/ North Shore Dr. Fawnskin
  Located in the Big Bear Discovery Center, you will find maps, field guides, books on hiking, biking and camping, Native American items souvenirs and more.

• Gallery of the American Landscape

  phone: +1 909 878-9214
  address: 40722 Village Dr
  Visit the world's first green gallery of master landscape photographer, Timothy Wolcott.

• Blauer's Board Shop

  phone: +1 909 866-5689
  address: 41177 Big Bear Blvd
  Top brand clothing, footwear, eyewear and wakeboards, inner tubes, bikes, and accessories for purchase or rent.

• Goldsmith's Boardhouse and Ski Rentals

  phone: +1 909 866-2728
  address: 42071 Big Bear Blvd
  Goldsmith's has outstanding lines of quality boards and skis for both sales and rentals. Snowshoe rentals and trail maps also available.

• Sugarloaf Mountain Traders

  phone: +1 909 584-8451
  address: 439 West Big Bear Blvd
  Small boutique located in Bear City sells vintage and new linens, trims, fabric, beads and buttons.

• Bear Valley Bikes

  phone: +1 909 866-8000
  address: 40298 Big Bear Blvd
  Bear Valley Bikes is a full service bike shop, which means you can rent from us, or we can fix your bike, find the part you're looking for, or just pick up some last-minute gear or trail maps.

• Yarn Designer's Boutique

  phone: +1 909 584-9715
  address: 439 West Big Bear Blvd
  Beautiful yarns to knit and crochet, classes, books, free patterns with yarn purchase and accessories.

• The Little Green House

  phone: +1 909 866-5352
  address: 559 Bonanza Trail
  We offer wedding and event coordinating. Specializing in custom bridal bouquets, custom ceremony and reception decorations, gourmet gift baskets and romantic in room set-up with roses and other romantic touches.

• Gold Pan Restaurant

  phone: +1 909 866-4310
  address: 39204 North Shore Dr, Fawnskin
  Cuisine Type: American. Amenities: Takeout, Bar

• Evergreen International

  phone: +1 909 878-5588
  address: 40771 Big Bear Blvd
  Cuisine Type: Steak/Seafood. Amenities: Takeout, Bar, Reservations Accepted, Banquets, Outdoor Seating, Pets Welcomed

• Bill Knick's Cafe

  phone: +1 909 866-1870
  address: 40971 North Shore Dr, Fawnskin
  Cuisine Type: American/Deli. Amenities: Outdoor Seating, Pets Allowed

• Captain's Anchorage

  phone: +1 909 866-3997
  address: 42148 Moonridge Way
  Cuisine Type: Steak/Seafood. Amenities: Bar, Reservations Accepted

• Big Bear Mountain Brewery

  phone: +1 909 866-2337
  address: 40260 Big Bear Blvd
  Cuisine Type: Continental/American. Amenities: Takeout, Bar, Entertainment, Outdoor Seating, Pets Welcomed

• Grizzly Manor Café

  phone: +1 909 866-6226
  address: 41268 Big Bear Blvd
  Cuisine Type: American. Amenities: Takeout

• Bistro at the Mansion

  phone: +1 909 878-9190
  address: 869 Knickerbocker
  Cuisine Type: Continental/Seafood/Steak. Amenities: Open Fri & Sat only, Reservations Recommended, Catering, Banquets, Outdoor Seating

• Noble Romans Pizza

  phone: +1 909 866-7499
  address: 40679 Big Bear Blvd
  Cuisine Type: American. Amenities: Takeout, Bar, Entertainment, Banquets

• Tiffany Lounge at Best Western

  phone: +1 909 866-6666
  address: 42200 Moonridge Rd
  Cuisine Type: Continental. Amenities: Bar, Catering, Banquets, Outdoor Seating, Pets Welcomed

• Diamond Lil's Saloon

  phone: +1 909 585-2005
  address: 501 Valley Blvd
  Cuisine Type: American. Amenities: Takeout, Bar

• Maggios Pizza

  phone: +1 909 866-8815
  address: 42160 Big Bear Blvd
  Cuisine Type: Italian. Amenities: Takeout

• Sugar Pine Bake Shop

  phone: +1 909 866-2300
  address: 40191 Big Bear Blvd
  Cuisine Type: Bakery. Amenities: Takeout, Online Orders, Catering, Delivery

• Himalayan Restaurant

  phone: +1 909 866-2907
  address: 672 Pine Knot Ave #2
  Cuisine Type: Nepalese/Indian. Amenities: Takeout, Bar, Delivery (within Village area)

• Sweet Basil Bistro

  phone: +1 909 866-9212
  address: 40629 Big Bear Blvd
  Cuisine Type: Fresh Italian. Amenities: Takeout, Bar, Catering

• Bear Belly Deli

  phone: +1 909 585-4266
  address: 42530 Moonridge Rd
  Cuisine Type: Deli. Amenities: Takeout, Catering, Outdoor Seating, Pets Allowed

• Nottinghams Restaurant

  phone: +1 909 866-4644
  address: 40797 Lakeview Dr
  Cuisine Type: American/Steak/Seafood. Amenities: Bar, Entertainment, Outdoor Seating

• Apples Bed and Breakfast

  phone: +1 909 866-0903
  address: 42430 Moonridge Road P.O. Box 7172

• Best Western Big Bear Lake Chateau

  phone: +1 909 866-6666
  address: 42200 Moonridge Rd

• Cienaga Creek Ranch

  address: Rainbow Ln

• The Lodge at Big Bear Lake

  address: 40650 Village Dr

• Motel 6 Big Bear

  phone: +1 909 585-6666
  address: 42899 Big Bear Blvd

• Pine Knot Guest Ranch

  address: 908 Pine Knot Avenue P.O. Box 3446

• Sleepy Forest Cottages

  phone: +1 909-866-7444
  address: 400 S Eureka Dr
  Secluded Jacuzzi cottages for 2, honeymoon cottages, family cabins and vacation homes. 5-minute walk from the lake and within 1 mile of Snow Summit Ski Resort and Big Bear Village.

• Big Bear Vacations

  address: 41693 Big Bear Blvd PO BOX 110410, Big Bear Lake, CA 94086

• Destination Big Bear Vacation Rentals

  phone: +1 909 752-0234
  address: 41922 Fox Farm Road, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
  Offers close to 400 cabins for rent that include hot tubs, internet, game tables, and most are pet-friendly. The cabins range widely in price.

Wildfires sometimes occur during the summer, when it is dry.

• Holcomb Valley

  address: North of
  Holcomb Valley was a boomtown during the Southern California goldrush and was very nearly the county seat of San Bernardino County. A driving tour brochure can be found at the Big Bear Discovery Center. Note: This tour is on well-graded dirt roads that should accommodate most passenger cars. Be cautious when conditions are wet as the roads may become muddy.