San Bernardino Mountains, California
Big Bear Lake is a four-season mountain destination. It offers boating in summer and snow sports in winter. Compare tours and prepare for high-altitude conditions.
5.0 from 58 traveller reviews on Viator
Tickets & tours
Select from local hikes, Jeep excursions, and seasonal snow play.
Most bookedI've been an outdoor adventure guide in Big Bear for the last five years. I've been exploring all the best hiking trails in the Big Bear Valley for the last 20 years....
Top ratedBluff Lake is a hidden Big Bear secret. It's one of the most gorgeous areas in Big Bear Lake. So many people who are Big Bear locals don't even know it's here, hidden...
Small groupTake a break from the hustle & bustle of the cities with Big Bear's original picnic queen. Enjoy our gourmet picnic snack lunch in a scenic locals secret location in the...
Explore
Learn about the trails, lake activities, and winter sports.
3 spotsLocal Hiking TrailsScenic paths through the San Bernardino National Forest.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
3 spotsLake & MarinasThe central hub for boat rentals, paddle sports, and relaxing cruises.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
3 spotsWinter & AlpineSnow sports, mountain biking, and interactive nature exhibits.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
Snow chains are required in all vehicles between November 1 and April 30.
Winter driving laws apply regardless of current weather conditions.
Plan your visit
Plan for at least one full day. A weekend allows time for hiking and lake activities.
Visit June to August for boating. December to March is the peak season for skiing.
Drive 2 to 3 hours from Los Angeles via Highway 330, 18, or 38.
Lake access is free. Parking at National Forest trailheads requires a $5 daily Adventure Pass.
Big Bear Lake sits at 6,743 feet in the San Bernardino Mountains. It is a major outdoor recreation hub in Southern California. The lake spans 7 miles in length and offers 22 miles of mostly accessible shoreline.
The area transforms throughout the year. Summer brings boaters and hikers to the water and Local Hiking Trails. Winter draws skiers and snowboarders to the local resorts. You can learn more in our Summer vs Winter guide.
Over 5 million people visit annually. Proper preparation is essential for mountain driving and high-altitude activities.
We list established local guides and authorized tour companies.
We separate summer water activities from winter snow excursions.
We detail exactly what gear is provided and what you must bring.
From Viator
58 reviews of the family nature hike on Viator
Great hike for a family of four wanting to experience the mountains and take some great photos! Amber was an enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide, providing lots of information about the area. A stress free way to hike with family.
Amber was a great guide and photographer! I came to Big Bear on a solo trip, so that was an added bonus. She was very friendly and knowledgeable of the area. She provided beautiful views of Big Bear Lake and input of fun things to do while in Big Bear! If you want something off the beaten path, she's a great person to go to.
Beautiful area! It was great to have a local to drive and give context on the history of the area. I would go back in the spring for the wildflowers.
Amber is just an excellent tour guide! She has lived here all her life and knows all about the trees and the animals and the seasons and explains everything beautifully. We would definitely go with her on another tour.
We had a wonderful time, the tour was a great experience with the tour guide. She was outstanding and very nice person. I would definitely recommend it.
We had a great time! I grew up spending summer vacations in Big Bear but she showed us an area of Big Bear I didn’t even know about! It was fun and relaxing.
Amber was the perfect guide for our family, especially our inquisitive son. She shared about mountain vegetation and the local trails.
We came up to Big Bear from Palm Desert and wanted to hike but didn't want to go alone. Amber is an excellent guide and has a wealth of local knowledge. The hiking trail was absolutely gorgeous and halfway through we had a stunning view of the lake!
Highly recommend! The hike was the perfect level for our group. The lunch was amazing - refreshing, fresh, home made, delicious.
Travel tips
Adventure Pass GuideFind out where you need a $5 Adventure Pass to park in Big Bear.Read Winter Chain RulesLearn the winter driving laws and snow chain requirements for your trip to Big Bear Lake.Read Best Time to VisitCompare Big Bear's busy summer and winter peaks with quieter seasons.Read 
Family ActivitiesPlan a family trip to Big Bear Lake with all-ages activities.Read 
Summer vs WinterCompare winter snow sports with summer boating and hiking.Read 
Miss Liberty TourDetails on the 90-minute narrated paddlewheel cruise on Big Bear Lake.Read Yes. You must carry snow chains in your vehicle between November 1 and April 30. This is legally required regardless of the weather. Read more in our Winter Chain Rules guide.
Yes, if you park at a National Forest trailhead. The pass costs $5 daily or $30 annually. See Adventure Pass Guide for details on where to buy it.
Yes, swimming is allowed in designated areas. However, you cannot swim off rental boats. The
It depends on your interests. Winter is best for skiing (December to March). Summer is ideal for boating and kayaking (June to August).
Big Bear Lake is about 100 miles from Los Angeles. The drive typically takes 2 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and route.
Yes, there are active bear populations in the San Bernardino Mountains. You must secure your trash and never feed the wildlife.
Book your tours and pack for changing alpine conditions.
