Photographer’s Guide to Big Bear
Big Bear, CA, is a haven for photographers, offering stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unique photo opportunities year-round. Whether you’re capturing the tranquility of the lake, the grandeur of the mountains, or the vibrant wildlife, there’s no shortage of opportunities for breathtaking photography. This guide covers the best places in Big Bear for photography, perfect for wildlife shots, drone footage, and capturing the beauty of nature.
Best Spots for Capturing Wildlife
Big Bear is home to a variety of wildlife, making it ideal for nature photographers. The Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve is a peaceful location where photographers can capture birds like great blue herons, ducks, and bald eagles during the winter months. The preserve’s calm environment and reflective water surfaces create stunning natural backdrops.
Another excellent location for wildlife photography is the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. Home to rescued animals like black bears, mountain lions, and bald eagles, it provides an opportunity to capture native animals up close in a natural setting. If you’re looking to photograph wild bald eagles in their natural habitat, Big Bear Lake is one of the best spots, especially during winter when the eagles come to nest.
Best Places for Drone Photography
Big Bear’s diverse landscapes provide stunning opportunities for drone photography. Boulder Bay Park is one of the most picturesque spots in the area, offering sweeping views of the lake, boulders, and surrounding forest. The calm waters and rock formations make for breathtaking aerial shots.
For an even more expansive view, the summit of Castle Rock Trail offers panoramic vistas of Big Bear Lake and the surrounding mountains. This location is ideal for drone enthusiasts who want to capture the vastness of the forest and lake from above. Another favorite for drone photography is Skyline Trail, which runs along the ridgeline and provides dramatic aerial perspectives of the San Bernardino Mountains and Big Bear Lake.
Best Spots to Photograph the Lake
Big Bear Lake is the crown jewel of the area, offering countless opportunities for stunning lake shots. Boulder Bay Park is a favorite for capturing reflections of the boulders and trees on the water’s surface, especially at sunset. The combination of the bay’s natural beauty and its peaceful atmosphere makes it a prime spot for lake photography.
The Stanfield Cutoff is another excellent location for panoramic lake shots. The boardwalk that runs over the marsh provides unique angles for wide-angle shots of the lake, especially when paired with early morning light or the golden hues of sunset. For photographers seeking a quieter spot, Juniper Point on the north shore offers unobstructed views of the lake and the distant mountains, perfect for landscape shots.
Best Spots to Photograph the Ski Slopes
During the winter months, Big Bear transforms into a snowy wonderland, offering excellent opportunities for capturing ski action shots and snow-covered landscapes. Snow Summit Ski Resort is a top destination for winter sports photography, with picturesque views of skiers and snowboarders descending the mountain. The snow-covered slopes and ski lifts provide ample opportunities for dynamic winter shots.
Bear Mountain Resort is another fantastic spot for ski slope photography, especially for action-packed shots of advanced terrain. The expansive views of the forest and mountains blanketed in snow make for stunning winter landscapes, particularly in the early morning light after a fresh snowfall.
Best Spots to Capture Mountain & Forest Landscapes
Big Bear’s towering mountains and dense forests are a dream for landscape photographers. The summit of Castle Rock Trail provides sweeping views of the mountains, valleys, and forests below, making it one of the most scenic locations in the area. The trail’s rocky outcrops and panoramic views are especially stunning during sunrise or sunset when the light creates dramatic shadows across the landscape.
The San Bernardino National Forest offers endless opportunities to capture the beauty of the surrounding mountains, towering pine trees, and rugged terrain. Bluff Lake Reserve is another hidden gem for landscape photography. The peaceful lake, meadows, and wildflowers provide a tranquil setting, while the surrounding mountains add depth to your photos.
Big Bear, CA, offers countless opportunities for photographers to capture the beauty of nature, wildlife, and unique landscapes. Whether you’re looking for drone shots of the lake, wildlife photography in the marshes, or sweeping views of the mountains, this guide provides the perfect starting point for your next photography adventure. Be sure to visit these iconic spots to capture the magic of Big Bear through your lens.