All around Big Bear Lake, California you will find some of the most incredible hiking trails and peaks in the state. You can lose hours in the wilderness exploring until your heart is content. Butler Peak is one such spot that is open for hikers; it is one of the more popular trails in the area. Butler Peak reaches a peak height of 8,535 feet and overlooks the surrounding forest area. Here is what you can expect from an exciting hike around Butler Peak:
The Unofficial, Easier Trail
The unofficial trail up to Butler Peak is one of the easier hiking trails in the area. Rated as a 2-2 difficulty hike, you will find it to be a fairly easy stroll up to the top. Even though it is rated as an easy hike, you can still expect 2.9 miles for the entirety of the trail, taking the average hiker around an hour and a half. Like the rest of the San Bernardino National Forest, Butler Peak saw some fire damage two years ago, but has been recovering since then. You can’t go wrong with a hike up Butler Peak.
Butler Peak Trail
If you are looking for a more difficult trail, then take the official Butler Peak Trail up and around the peak. You can easily access the back trail from Big Bear City and explore this moderately trafficked trail. It is recommended to access the trail from March to October during the best weather conditions and when the wildflowers are blooming. Feel free to bring your pup with you, as the trail is dog friendly as long as they remain on a leash. You will get 9.1 miles of amazing views and a gradual climb that will not be too difficult for most average hikers. If you do not mind the chilly temperatures during the winter months, you can enjoy incredible snowy views. Make sure you show up early as the parking area can fill up quick, leaving you to park a couple miles further away from this Big Bear Lake mountain trail.
Things to Do Nearby
While hiking to Butler Peak is sure to be an inspiring moment during your Big Bear getaway, visitors to this area are often thrilled with the sheer number of options available for fun in the great outdoors. When you’re here, be sure to add a few more stops to the itinerary to get the very most from your Big Bear adventure.
Visit the Big Bear Discovery Center
There’s something thrilling about taking to the many Big Bear trails independently but when you’re hoping to make the most of every trek available, you’ll want to be sure to stop by the Big Bear Discovery Center when you’re in town. The Big Bear Discovery Center is a great place to find yourself when you’re looking for insightful information on planning a family-friendly hike or are just looking to learn more about the area’s many plants, wildlife, and landscape. Nature tours can easily be set up through the Big Bear Discovery Center and this locale often hosts programs that are educational and informational for guests of all ages. The Big Bear Discovery Center is located at 40971 North Shore Drive and is open Thursday through Monday from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm. General information is available by calling 909-382-2790.
Take a Ride Down the Alpine Slide
You don’t have to be a winter visitor to Big Bear to enjoy the thrill of a bobsled experience at Magic Mountain. Big Bear’s own Alpine Slide is a family-friendly ride that gives guests the thrill of the slopes without the snow required. Teflon-runner equipped sleds can be piloted with a hand break down one of two concrete tracks. It takes about a minute and a half to reach the bottom from the top and curves and turns are yours for the enjoying along the way. The Alpine Slide is located at 800 Wildrose Lane and general information about the park can be found by contacting 909-866-4626. The cost of a ticket is $7 per ride but a 5-ride book of tickets is available for $30.
Attractions Nearby
The modern marvels of Big Bear make it a fun place to visit, but it’s also worth your time to explore and appreciate the past with a trip to the Big Bear Valley Historical Museum. Get a look at Big Bear of the past from the indigenous groups that called this area home up to the gold miners that turned the land into a settlement. The Big Bear Valley Historical Museum is located at 800 B Greenway Drive and admission is donation based.
Booking with Big Bear Cabins
For your next Big Bear Lake mountain vacation getaway, make sure to book with Big Bear Cabins. Our friendly staff will help you find the perfect cabin to stay at during your travels. All cabin rentals are a short distance away from all of the exciting attractions found around Big Bear Lake. Contact us today to help you pick out the perfect rental cabin and plan for your big getaway!
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