Biking In Big Bear
Big Bear is not just a winter destination—it’s also a top spot for biking enthusiasts. Whether you’re into adrenaline-pumping mountain biking or prefer a leisurely family ride along the lake, Big Bear offers a range of trails and biking activities for all skill levels. In this guide, we’ll cover the best biking trails and activities, including mountain biking trails, family-friendly paths, the types of bikes you’ll need, and the best places to rent gear in the area.
Mountain Biking in Big Bear
Big Bear is famous for its epic mountain biking terrain, offering trails that range from beginner-friendly to advanced. The area’s high-altitude trails and rugged terrain make it a go-to spot for mountain biking in Southern California.
Skyline Trail
The Skyline Trail is one of the most popular mountain biking trails in Big Bear. It runs parallel to the top of Snow Summit and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and lake.
• Location: Access the trail from Snow Summit or the Forest Service Road 2N10.
•Difficulty Level: Moderate to Hard
•Type of Bike Needed: Full-suspension mountain bike recommended for the rocky, technical sections.
•What to Expect: The trail spans over 15 miles round trip and features a mix of singletrack and fire road. Expect steep climbs, rocky descents, and incredible views. It’s best suited for experienced mountain bikers.
Snow Summit Bike Park
Snow Summit Bike Park offers downhill mountain biking trails accessed via the resort’s chairlifts. It’s Southern California’s premier lift-served bike park, with trails for all levels.
•Location: 880 Summit Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
•Difficulty Level: Beginner to Advanced
•Type of Bike Needed: Downhill or full-suspension mountain bike is ideal.
•What to Expect: The bike park offers trails that range from green beginner runs to black diamond expert trails, complete with jumps, berms, and flow trails. The chairlift makes it easy to get back to the top after each run, so you can focus on enjoying the ride.
•Rental Info: Snow Summit offers bike rentals, including downhill and full-suspension mountain bikes. Check out their rental options here.
Pine Knot Trail
For a longer ride with moderate difficulty, Pine Knot Trail is a popular choice among mountain bikers. It’s a 6.9-mile trail with rewarding views at Grand View Point.
•Location: The trailhead starts at Aspen Glen Picnic Area, located off Mill Creek Road.
•Difficulty Level: Moderate
•Type of Bike Needed: Hardtail or full-suspension mountain bike.
•What to Expect: The trail features a steady climb through forested terrain before reaching an incredible panoramic view at Grand View Point. This trail is great for riders looking for a scenic adventure.
Family-Friendly and Kid-Friendly Biking Spots
Big Bear also offers plenty of biking trails and areas perfect for families and kids, providing easier terrain and scenic routes.
Alpine Pedal Path
The Alpine Pedal Path is a paved, multi-use trail that runs along the north shore of Big Bear Lake, offering stunning lake views and a relaxing ride.
• Location: The trail begins at Stanfield Cutoff on the north shore of Big Bear Lake.
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Type of Bike Needed: Any type of bike will work here, from cruiser bikes to kids’ bikes.
• What to Expect: The 5-mile round-trip trail is flat, making it perfect for families and younger kids. It’s also accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, and there are picnic spots along the way for a mid-ride break.
North Shore Bike Path
This beginner-friendly trail provides another excellent option for families. The North Shore Bike Path runs through scenic meadows and forests.
• Location: The trail starts at the Serrano Campground on the north shore of Big Bear Lake.
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Type of Bike Needed: Suitable for cruisers, mountain bikes, or hybrid bikes.
• What to Expect: The 2.5-mile path is an easy ride with plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the views. It’s ideal for younger children learning to ride.
Top Bike Rental Shops in Big Bear
If you need to rent a bike, Big Bear has several excellent shops offering a wide variety of bikes, from full-suspension mountain bikes to kid-friendly options.
Located in Big Bear Village, Getboards offers mountain bike rentals, cruiser bikes, and accessories. They also provide discounted rental packages when booked online, making them a great option for all types of riders.
Specializing in mountain bike rentals, Bear Valley Bikes is perfect for more experienced riders. They offer full-suspension mountain bikes and a variety of gear for your biking adventure.
Chains Required is another excellent shop that provides mountain bike rentals, repairs, and sales. Their location is convenient for those planning to ride in the Snow Summit Bike Park or other nearby trails.
Best Biking for All Levels
• Beginner-Friendly Trails
Trails like the Alpine Pedal Path and North Shore Bike Path are ideal for beginners and families looking for scenic, easy rides. These trails are great for kids or those who prefer leisurely biking experiences.
• Intermediate Trails
Pine Knot Trail offers moderate terrain with beautiful views, perfect for riders who are ready for a challenge but not looking for the most intense mountain biking experience.
• Advanced Mountain Biking
Snow Summit Bike Park and the Skyline Trail are the best options for experienced bikers looking for steep descents, technical singletrack, and jumps.
Big Bear Lake, CA, is a top destination for biking enthusiasts, offering everything from family-friendly lake rides to challenging mountain biking trails. With a wide variety of trails for all levels and plenty of rental options, it’s an excellent place to get outside and explore on two wheels. Whether you’re seeking the adrenaline of downhill mountain biking at Snow Summit or a relaxing family ride along the Alpine Pedal Path, Big Bear has something for everyone.