A mountain lake in Southern California at 6,752 feet elevation, surrounded by San Bernardino National Forest with year-round skiing and water sports.
Big Bear Lake sits at 6,752 feet in the San Bernardino Mountains, two hours east of Los Angeles. You can ski down Grizzly Bowl's black diamond runs, paddle across the seven-mile lake in a kayak, or spot bald eagles Jackie and Shadow building their nests. The mountain town comes alive with night skiing until 8:30 PM at Bear Mountain, while summer days bring water skiers carving across the lake's calm morning waters.
Winter Sports at Bear Mountain and Snow Summit
Ski and snowboard across 748 acres at Big Bear Mountain Resort's two interconnected areas. At Bear Mountain, you'll find Southern California's only halfpipes and the high-speed Midway 6-seater lift. Snow Summit's runs give you lake views while you descend intermediate slopes. Both mountains light up their runs for night skiing until 8:30 PM on select dates. Learn tricks at terrain parks ranging from beginner boxes to advanced rails. For snow tubing, head to Big Bear Snow Play or Grizzly Ridge Tube Park, where magic carpet lifts carry you back uphill.
Summer Activities on Big Bear Lake
Launch your boat from multiple public ramps on North Shore's east and west ends. Marina rentals include speedboats for waterskiing, plus kayaks and paddleboards for exploring calm coves. Fish for rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and catfish - the east end of the lake typically yields more catches. Take Mountain Transit's regular bus service between marinas and launch points.
Wildlife Viewing and Natural Areas
Walk the San Bernardino National Forest trails, from the family-friendly 0.2-mile Woodland Trail to challenging 15-mile mountain loops. Watch white pelicans, great blue herons, and mergansers year-round from the Stanfield Cut-off viewing area. From late fall through spring, track bald eagles Jackie and Shadow building nests through the Discovery Center's live camera feed.
Transportation and Access
Drive to Big Bear Lake via three routes: Highway 330 from San Bernardino (66 miles), Highway 38 from Redlands (41 miles), or Highway 18 from Victorville (33 miles). Fly into Big Bear City Airport if you have a private plane or small aircraft. Get around the valley on Mountain Transit's free buses connecting The Village, ski resorts, and residential areas.
Events Throughout the Year
Join the highest-elevation beer garden in the United States at Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest, running consecutive weekends each fall at 7,000 feet. Dance to traditional German bands, eat at Bavarian food stations, and compete in stein-holding contests. In The Village, watch winter light displays, participate in summer fishing tournaments, or see Fourth of July fireworks reflect off the lake.
