When the spring temperatures begin to melt away the winter snow, Big Bear comes to life. Snowboarders pack away their gear and unpack their hiking boots to take advantage of the beauty that springs forth when the snow melts away. The changing of the season brings amazing spring activities. Here is a guide to hit the best activities that Big Bear in spring has to offer
Alpine Pedal Path Trail
Hiking is one of the most interesting ways to take in springtime in Big Bear. One of the best trails to take is the Alpine Pedal Path Trail, which stretches along the north side of Big Bear Lake. This trail also connects just over a half a mile from the Big Bear Discovery Center and provides a well-paved loop. This easy yet beautiful trail is perfect for walking, jogging, biking or even skating through the warm spring weather. There are picnic spots on the path to really take advantage of the beauty that Big Bear offers. Stay long enough on the trail and you may even see a bald eagle fly through.
Emingers Mountain Nursery
Springtime is the quintessential season for growth and new beginnings. One of the best places to see this new springtime growth is the Emingers Mountain Nursery. Emingers Mountain Nursery is one of the oldest nurseries in Big Bear and houses experts on plants, flowers, and the various foliage that makes up the Big Bear habitat. The Nursery provides the perfect place to wander through lush gardens and springtime flowers. Along with the natural aspects of this nursery, you will find a shop full of garden and yard décor so that visitors can take a piece of beauty Big Bear in spring home with them.
Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve
Besides just wandering around outside just about anywhere in the area, there are specific things to do in Big Bear in spring we suggest if you are looking to see some animals or unique nature preserves. Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve provides the best of both worlds. This preserve was created to protect the natural beauty of Big Bear and support local wildlife. The marshy area tends to bring in numerous kinds of waterfowl year-round. This is a great place to observe the plant life of Big Bear rise up and provide a wonderful habitat to a variety of different animals.
Big Bear Discovery Center
If you are the kind of person that loves learning more about the places you visit, the Big Bear Discovery Center is for you. Opening in 1998, the Big Bear Discovery Center is the largest visitor’s center in the Big Bear Valley. This amazing information hub and museum hosts more than 190,000 yearly visitors and has exhibits, weekly programs, and eco-tours for guests to enjoy. Depending on the time of year you visit, guests can experience outdoor concerts, theater productions, and nighttime interpretive programs in the Big Bear Discovery Center Amphitheater. No matter what time of year you choose to visit the Big Bear Discovery Center, make sure that you check out their calendar of events to catch their most up-to-date list of amazing events.
Visit Holcomb Valley
Holcomb Valley is located in the San Bernardino Mountains about five miles north of Big Bear Lake. Holcomb Valley was the site of the most gold mines in Southern California during the gold rush and is registered as a California Historical Landmark. Many of the settlements that sprouted up during the gold rush were either abandoned completely after the gold rush or turned into ranch land. Holcomb Valley is full of fun abandoned towns to explore and ranch life to experience. There are even a few summer camps for kids in this area that have a load of fun activities to experience.
Helicopter Tours
Big Bear is a vast and beautiful area of the country that is amazing to explore, but there is only so much you can see by foot. One of the best ways to see the beauty of Big Bear is from above in a helicopter tour. There are several companies that run helicopter tours of the area, but most launch from Big Bear City airport. The trips around the area start at 15 minutes and go for as long as you desire (or at least as long as you can stand the height!). These trips are pretty affordable and start at around $35 per person. There is nothing quite like soaring over Big Bear and literally seeing spring jump up through the valley from this amazing vantage point. This is an activity that you really can’t miss.
Make your trip to Big Bear extra special by renting one of our cozy cabins in the area. Contact us to learn more and book a stay!
