While many people are sad that winter is coming to a close in Big Bear because of the end to the skiing and snowboarding season, there are an equal number of people that are thrilled that spring is here! While Big Bear’s world-renowned ski resorts are throwing in the towel, spring brings with it a whole new world of beauty and possibilities. Discover the beauty of spring as never before during a Big Bear vacation. Check out the Big Bear water activities below:
Fun for Days
As the winter ice and snow is thawing, everyone is eager to take advantage of the lake again. One of the best ways to do this is take part in the Big Bear water activities, by fishing, as this is one of the best destinations in California for catching Rainbow Trout. The season open on April 1st, and this is when you will surely experience the most success. Fish right from the shore as you soak up that spring sunshine, or take it to the next level by renting a boat or booking a fishing charter. You can learn about these options at a few places like Big Bear Marina on the south side of the lake. You can buy the gear you need, and rent a kayak, boat or paddleboard from the marina and fish or just have fun out on the water. Or brave the cool (cold really) water and do some waterskiing or wakeboarding.
You can also find a whole lot of fun on the foothills and mountains that surround the lake. As there is a good chance there will be some snow left, but temperatures will be warming up, this is the perfect time for inner tubing and sledding on countless hills. And if the snow is gone, just grab your hiking boots. The San Bernardino National Forest offers a multitude of hiking opportunities. You can stay close and hike around the lake or take one of the wooded trails deeper in the forest. There are trails for every level, ADA fully accessible trails, and dog-friendly trails. For an easy hike, try the Alpine Pedal Path, an accessible, paved path that runs along the north shore of the lake and is the perfect family hike, or the Woodland Interpretive Trail with a self-guided tour and information on the botany, geology, and wildlife in the area. For a little more exercise, take the Castle Rock Trail. This intermediate/difficult trail is one of Big Bear’s most popular trails and has a lovely waterfall.
Big Bear is a mountain biker’s paradise! With over 100 miles of single-track, backcountry trails and service roads for bikers to explore. Pick up an area map of trails, or head to Summit Bike Park at Big Bear Mountain Resort.
If those single tracks aren’t enough for you, maybe a little off-roading will do the trick. There are plenty of trails in the area for dirt bikes, ATV or 4×4 road warriors, for a wide variety of skill levels. Two of the most popular off-road trails in Big Bear for beginners to intermediates are the Gold Fever Trail and the Butler Peak Fire Lookout Road. Just check the San Bernardino National Forest website for a complete guide of the OHV road and trails in the area.
One of the best ways to explore and experience the beauty here is by taking a horseback ride through the lush wilderness of Big Bear. And even if the mountain is closed for skiing, you can still take the Snow Summit ski lift to the top of the mountain to experience beauty unlike you can anywhere else.
Of course, spring is the time for wildflowers to start blooming, for migrating birds to make their way across the country and for all those hibernating animals to start emerging from their winter sleep. It’s time for the Indian paintbrush, fireweed, lemon lily, and lupines to cover the meadows with their bright colorful blooms while those bald eagle eggs start hatching and cute bear cubs learn to hunt.
Take a Tour of Big Bear
To view the best scenery, you can hike to the top (or near the top) of one of the nearby mountain peaks, or take a shortcut. Take a helicopter ride for amazing aerial views of the lake, surrounding mountains, local landmarks, the Mojave Desert (it’s easy to forget it’s close by), the San Gorgonio Mountains and the Santa Ana Canyon. Or just stay on the lake. There are several sightseeing boat tours (including paddleboats, a paddlewheel boat, and a pirate ship) available or you can book a private, guided boat or kayak tour.
Things to Do in Big Bear This Weekend
There is nothing that can make or break a vacation quite like where you stay. You want a place that is in a location that allows you to take advantage of the things that most interest you on a vacation. You also want a place that provides the comforts of a home with amenities that pamper like a resort. With amazing services and a wide variety of pet-friendly vacation homes in Big Bear available, Big Bear Cabins can put you in the vacation home of your dreams like no one else can. This is the single most important decision you will make when it comes to maximizing the fun and things to do in Big Bear this weekend or whenever you are on your Big Bear vacation.
When you know a little bit about what makes the area so special, and you know the right place to find a vacation home, it is simply impossible to not have a vacation that you will remember forever!
