There are times when you just need to get away from everything and everyone and head out on your own. You’re looking for a beautiful destination, with plenty of things to do, and is safe for a solo traveler. Plus, somewhere with smaller vacation rentals that don’t skimp on the amenities just because they’re small. A Big Bear trip is the best choice for you.
Have Fun and Explore on Your Own
If this is your first trip to beautiful Big Bear, you may want to stop by the Big Bear Discovery Center first. Local area rangers can alert you to current road conditions, you can pick up free maps, and learn how to deal with bear encounters. They offer guided bird walks, wildflower tours and more too.
Depending on the season, you can head out on the lake, hike around it, or hit the slopes. Winter solo travelers can brave the cold and head to Big Bear Mountain Resort and Snow Summit and spend all day on the slopes skiing or snowboarding. Or if you want to avoid the crowds, rent a pair of snowshoes, get a good map, and head out into the backcountry, forging your own trail. If you’re not sure about heading out alone, join a guided snowshoe or cross-country skiing group that’s heading out.
Bring your own kayak, or rent one at the marina, then head out for a quiet day on the lake. You’ve come to Big Bear for a quieter, more secluded vacation, and there’s nothing more calming than paddling along the cool, alpine lake watching the bald eagles. If you’re an angler, try your hand at fishing from your kayak. Land a few bass or rainbow trout to grill out for dinner and you’re set.
There are plenty of hiking trails nearby too. Since you’re on your own, make sure to pack emergency gear just in case. An easy trail to start off with is the Alpine Pedal Path, or the popular Castle Rock hike, Pine Knot Trail and Bertha Peak Trail. Or if you’re ready to sweat a bit, hike the Cougar Crest Trail on the north side of the lake, or the Skyline Trail to the south. If you’re a biker, head to Summit Bike Park at Big Bear Mountain Resort. Big Bear has over 100 miles of single-track, back country trails and services roads for you to explore.
For solo adrenaline junkies, book a zipline adventure tour with Action Tours and speed through the tree tops on nine high-speed ziplines. Or, for a different perspective on things, take a helicopter tour for amazing views of Big Bear Lake, the Mojave Desert, San Gorgonio Mountains and the Santa Ana Canyon. Or take things easy and spend the afternoon cruising along the lake in a paddleboat or on the pirate ship!
Wildlife, Wildflowers, and More
For a Big Bear Lake vacation focusing on photographing the scenery, wildflowers and local wildlife, try the aforementioned Castle Rock Trail and Pine Knot Trail, and Stanfield Cutoff/East End of the Lake for colorful sunsets. The Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve has a nice elevated boardwalk leading over the marsh, plenty of birding opportunities and perfect sunsets.
Nearby Baldwin Lake Ecological Reserve provides the only habitat in the world for the one-of-a-kind Pebble Plains flower. These wildflowers are just a few millimeters high, but are worth getting down on your knees to photograph. Baldwin Lake is also a great place to photograph bald eagles. Bluff Lake Reserve is another great spot for wildflowers like wild columbine, Indian paintbrush, and lupines.
With over 250 bird species in the area, any time of year is good for bird watching! The most popular trail for birdwatching in Big Bear is the Pacific Crest Trail, which runs right by the lake and where you can spot common nighthawks, eared grebes, and bald eagles. A few more birding spots along the lake include Juniper Point, Sandalwood Marsh, Grout Bay, and Metcalf Bay.
And if you really do want to see a bear, but maybe not as you hike through the woods, visit Big Bear Alpine Zoo, where black bears, bald eagles, bison, artic foxes and a snow leopard have found a home.
Big Bear Lake Vacation Rentals for Solo Travelers
Book one of our cute, cozy cabins with a lake view, and you can spend your Big Bear trip out on the water or enjoying the water view. If you plan to spend most of your time hiking or biking, choose one of our vacation cabins closer to trail heads and single-tracks. Book a cabin closer to Big Bear Mountain Resort and you can be out on the slopes in minutes. And you can still get the amenities you want too, with hot tubs, fireplaces, and pet-friendly rentals. Give us a call today, and let us help you plan your solo journey to Big Bear.
