discovery center Archives | Big Bear Getaway

Jan 09 2023

MLK Weekend in Big Bear

Head to Big Bear for a memorable MLK weekend getaway! Check out our list of fun things to do, and plan your trip to the mountains today.

Things to Do MLK Weekend:

Snow Summit’s Grizzly Ridge Tube Park offers hours of winter fun for the whole family. Skip the hiking, and take a magic carpet ride to the top of the mountain, then glide down as fast as you can in one of their high-speed snow tubes.

Discovery Time

Learn all about winter in the mountains at Big Bear Discover Center. Kids of all ages will enjoy educational exhibits and hands-on activities regarding the natural environment.

Head to Snow Summit Ski Resort

Enjoy extended hours on the mountain for the holiday weekend.

Friday, Jan. 14
Snow Summit, 9am – 6pm
Bear Mountain, 9am – 4pm
Night Session, 3pm – 8:30pm

Saturday & Sunday, Jan. 15-16
Snow Summit, 8:30am – 6pm
Bear Mountain, 8:30am – 4pm
Night Session, 3pm – 8:30pm
Monday, Jan. 17
Snow Summit, 8:30am – 4pm
Bear Mountain, 8:30am – 4pm

Stop by The Village

Despite its cozy size, The Village offers a great variety of shops and restaurants with over 120 vendors to choose from. After strolling the shops, we love warming up with a glass of wine at family-friendly Barrel 33.

Winter Fun

The whole family will enjoy hours of fun at Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain. Experience what it’s like to ride on a bobsled, or take the magic carpet ride and enjoy a fun day of snow tubing. Cash only.

Hit the Lanes

The Bowling Barn has something for everyone including bowling, arcade games, a sports bar, and a full-service grill.

Book Your MLK Weekend Getaway with Us!

Our Big Bear vacation rentals provide easy access to Bear Mountain, Big Bear Lake, and Summit Slopes. Spend the days on the slopes, and enjoy evenings relaxing in front of the fire, or soaking in a hot tub. Book online or call today for best availability. We hope to see you on the slopes soon!

Oct 26 2022

Bird Watching in Big Bear: Bird Hotspots Near Big Bear Lake

If you’re a bird enthusiast, Big Bear is the perfect place for you to get your fix. With over 250 species of birds in the area, you’re sure to see plenty of feathered friends while you’re here. The best time to go bird-watching is during the spring and fall migration seasons. However, there are plenty of birds to be seen year-round.

Some of the birds you might see while bird watching in Big Bear include:

Cinnamon Teal
California Quail
Horned Grebe
Brown Pelican
American White Pelican
Great Engret
Black-crowned Night Heron
Bald Eagle
Cooper’s Hawk
Merlin
Spotted Owl
Mountain Plover
Olive-sided Flycatcher
Pinyon Jay
Cassin’s Finch

Be sure to bring your binoculars and a bird identification book so you can properly identify the birds you see. And, don’t forget to take plenty of pictures!

Download the Bird Watching Checklist from Chirp Nature Center

Before going birding in Big Bear, you need the bird checklist from Chirp Nature Center – a Big Bear based company.

Download Now

Birding Hotspots

Holcomb Valley
Baldwin Lake
Stanfield Marsh
Sandalwood Marsh
Juniper Point
Grout Bay
Metcalf Bay
Bluff Lake

Top 3 Best Trails to Spot Birds

Although you are likely to see a great many of your bird targets anywhere in Big Bear, the following trails have been identified to provide dependable birdwatching for birdwatchers new to Big Bear.

1. The Pacific Crest Trail

With some comfortable shoes and a few hours to spare, you can explore the Pacific Crest Trail and see some of Big Bear Valley’s most stunning scenery. The trail runs from Washington all the way down to Mexico, passing right by breathtaking Big Bear Lake. For bird enthusiasts, stop and watch for nesting Redhead Ducks, Ruddy Ducks, Eared Grebes, and Common Nighthawks around the lake area. And don’t forget to come back in winter to see bald eagles hunt and nest around Big Bear Lake’s shoreline.

2. The Woodland Trail

If you’re a nature lover but new to hiking, the Woodland Trail is perfect for you. This beginner-friendly hike is only 1.5 miles long, and it’s mostly flat with a few small hills. You might even see some wildlife like Nuttall’s Woodpeckers, Plain Titmice, or Band-tailed Pigeons!

3. Cougar Crest Trail

The six-mile-long Cougar Crest Trail begins just west of the Big Bear Discovery Center. As you travel upward on this trail, you may see some different bird species unique to California, including California Quails, Towhees, Thrashers, and Wrentits.

Have You Seen the Bald Eagle Live Cams on YouTube?

The Bald Eagle cams are provided by the Friends of Big Bear Valley.

Ready to Start Your Big Bear Birdwatching Adventure? Book with Big Bear Getaway Today!

We are a vacation rental company that has come to know what people come to Big Bear to do, and we help where we can. So, book one of our Big Bear cabins and vacation rentals today and get started on your birdwatching adventure in Big Bear! Chirp, Chirp, Chirp!

Aug 17 2022

Celebrate Labor Day Weekend in Big Bear!

Big Bear Lake is the perfect summer setting to make some Labor Day memories. Beat the heat and head to the mountains for a fun-filled holiday weekend.

Come enjoy some of Southern California’s best hiking and biking trails, plenty of family-friendly outdoor activities, and of course, all the fun to be had out on the lake!

Hit the Trails

Big Bear is home to miles and miles of National Forest trails. Grab a bike, or tie up your boot laces, and hit the trails. From easy strolls on paved paths to challenging hikes through changing terrains, there is a route for every ability.

Head for the Lake

Big Bear Lake has something for everyone – boat rentals, fishing, jet skiing, swimming, boat tours, and great spots for kayaking and stand-up paddle (SUP). Family and friends also love gathering for a picnic on the shoreline where you can relax amongst the scenic surroundings. Please be sure to help keep Big Bear clean and dispose of all your trash!

Family-Friendly Fun

Big Bear offers fun for the whole family with plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Play on the Tarzan Boat – a floating waterpark on the lake, or navigate a sled down a whizzing cement track, take a thrilling coaster ride on the Mineshaft Coaster, and twist and turn down a water slide at Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain, or race around the go-kart track, and fly through an ariel obstacle course at Big Bear Speedway & Ropes Course.

Historians of all ages will love discovering Big Bear’s rich mining history at Gold Rush Mining Adventures, Big Bear Discover Center, and Big Bear History Museum, or learning about local wildlife conservation at Big Bear Alpine Zoo.

Enjoy a Fireworks Show

Visit Big Bear is hosting the first ever fireworks show to celebrate Labor Day weekend!

Date: Sept 4, 2022
Time: TBD, after dark
Location: The fireworks barge is located off the shoreline from Pine Knot Marina.

The fireworks are visible from nearly everywhere in the City of Big Bear Lake with the best viewing areas along the shorelines, or from trails with views of the lake.

Where to Stay in Big Bear?

Ready to book your Labor Day weekend getaway? Stay with us in one of our Big Bear vacation rentals! We have everything you need to enjoy your time in the mountains, including cozy cabins, cottages, and luxurious lakefront estates. Some homes have hot tubs, and are pet-friendly, too! Come and join us as you enjoy the last days of summer! We can’t wait to see you out on the lake!

Jun 22 2022

Big Bear Lake Hiking

Located in Southern California, Big Bear Lake is a destination for all things hiking, fishing, snowboarding, and skiing. Visit the lake in all four seasons to enjoy the outdoors and stay active. Here are the best hiking trails for all skill levels.

Big Bear Hiking Trails

1. Pine Knot Trail to Grand View Point

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 6.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,158 feet

On average, hikers complete this out-and-back trail in just over 3 hours. People love this trail for hiking horseback riding, and mountain biking. Prepare to see others out and about when you’re in the area. We recommend hiking this trail in Big Bear Lake from March through November. If you decide to bring man’s best friend, make sure you have your pup on a lease.

2. Castle Rock Trail

Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Distance: 2.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 820 feet

This is one of (if not) the most popular trails in Big Bear Valley. You’re likely to see other people on the trail while exploring. And be ready for a challenge! There is a steep incline initially, and the trail has some rock scrambling toward the top. Once you’ve reached the top of the ridge, you’ll find granite outcrops and lake views.

3. Cougar Crest Trail

Map of Cougar Crest Trail, California 92314

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 5.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 895 feet

Hike this out-and-back trail in roughly 2.5 hours. Hikers love the following features:

Well-maintained
Family and dog-friendly
Not too crowded
Lots of shade
Great views

To start this hike, you can park for free at the Big Bear Discovery Center until 5 PM and then walk 0.6 miles to the trailhead.

4. Jenks Lake Trail

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 3.1 miles
Elevation: 488 feet

If you’re looking for a short and easy hike, this is a great option in Big Bear Lake, California. It’s both kid and dog-friendly (dogs must be leashed!). Hikers love to walk this out-and-back trail for a nice picnic. There are tables both in the sun and shade that allow you to break out the sandwiches, charcuterie board, or whatever you’ve packed as a reward. If you have loved ones who want to drive up to meet you after you’ve hiked, there’s also a parking lot that allows you to drive up the mountain.

5. Alpine Pedal Path

Difficulty: Very Easy
Distance: 5.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 298 feet

What designates this trail as “very easy”? For one, the trail is actually an asphalt path that winds around the north shore of Big Bear Lake. It has its gentle ups and downs, but it’s all manageable. If you’re looking for somewhere with gorgeous views to bring your stroller or your dog, this is the spot to be! Just beware of the bikers as it’s quite popular with the cycling community.

6. Skyline Trail

Difficulty: Hard
Distance: 15 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,535 feet

If you’re looking for the hardest, longest hike in the area, you’re barking up the right tree. The Skyline Trail is a favorite for trail runners, mountain bikers, and overnight backpackers because of its length of 15 miles (point to point). It’s one of the best in the Big Bear Lake area because it crosses so many of the top sights you want to see. If you choose to take this hike on, you’ll get views of forests, tarns, and so much more. This trail can also be used to access many of the other trails in the South Shore Trail System.

7. Sugarloaf Mountain Trail

Difficulty: Hard
Distance: 11.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 3,228 feet

Sugarloaf Mountain is an adventure from start to finish. Due to its length, you’ll be hiking all day, but that day will be filled with gorgeous views from the start of the trail all the way to the top of the summit. Just beware that you won’t get a 360-degree view at the top as some hikers expect. The summit is round and forested, but you’ll still get a spectacular view of the valley below. Rest assured — it’s worth it!

Big Bear Lake Hiking Trails Map

Are you searching for maps to use for your next trip to Big Bear Lake? Here are a few ways you can access the best hiking maps.

Visit Big Bear Visitor Center for physical maps
Download the AllTrails app. This is one of the most popular and well-known trail apps. It has over 200,000 trail maps with information on each trail (photos, reviews, etc.).
Screenshot this Big Bear Valley Trails map. This doesn’t provide a ton of in-depth detail, but it can give you a helpful overview of the area.

Final Thoughts

Enjoy your trip to Big Bear Lake! Remember to prepare for your hike in advance and follow the Leave No Trace Seven Principles to protect the environment.