Big Bear Hikes

Big Bear is one of the top hiking spots in Southern California. The area has everything from short family-friendly walks to all-day climbs with alpine views. Castle Rock Trail is the quick classic with a huge payoff, Pine Knot climbs through pines to Grand View Point, and Cougar Crest winds up toward Bertha Peak with sweeping lake panoramas. Whether you’re looking for a casual stroll or a tougher workout, these are the best Big Bear hikes to explore.

Best Big Bear Hikes

Cougar Crest Trail to Bertha Peak Hike Guide

Cougar Crest Trail to Bertha Peak Hike Guide

The Cougar Crest Trail, one of the most popular in Big Bear, CA, offers excellent views and beautiful wilderness for...

8 miles - Moderate

Hike the Castle Rock Trail (Big Bear) + Bluff Lake

Hike the Castle Rock Trail (Big Bear) + Bluff Lake

Hiking up the Castle Rock Trail to the viewpoint is tough, but thankfully short. Once you get to Castle Rock,...

1.6 miles - Moderate

Pineknot Trail to Grand View Point (Big Bear)

Pineknot Trail to Grand View Point (Big Bear)

While it isn't a hike to a high mountain summit, taking the serene and scenic Pineknot Trail up to Grand...

7.5 miles - Moderate

Sugarloaf Mountain Trail Guide - Big Bear

Sugarloaf Mountain Trail Guide - Big Bear

Although Sugarloaf Mountain, at 9952 feet, is the highest point in Big Bear Valley, this mountain peak is often overlooked...

12 miles - Hard

Big Bear Hike Map

HikeDist.ClimbEffortDogsPlace
Hike the Castle Rock Trail (Big Bear) + Bluff Lake1.6 miles570 ftModerateYBig Bear Lake
Lake Arrowhead Pinnacles Trail Hike4 miles1000 ftModerateYHesperia
Big Bear Aspen Grove Trail Hike4.8 miles770 ftModerateYAngelus Oaks
Deep Creek Hot Springs Hike5.6 miles1500 ftModerateYApple Valley
Hike Grays Peak Trail (Big Bear)7.2 miles1300 ftModerateYFawnskin
Pineknot Trail to Grand View Point (Big Bear)7.5 miles1200 ftModerateYBig Bear Lake
Cougar Crest Trail to Bertha Peak Hike Guide8 miles1450 ftModerateYBig Bear
Momyer Creek Trail to Dobbs Cabin12 miles3150 ftHardYForest Falls
Sugarloaf Mountain Trail Guide - Big Bear12 miles3360 ftHardYBig Bear
Big Bear Wild Burro Territory Hike12.5 miles2200 ftHardYBig Bear
Hike Keller Peak on the Exploration Trail12.5 miles2200 ftModerateYBig Bear
San Bernardino Peak Hike16 miles4670 ftHardYForest Falls
San Gorgonio Hike on the Vivian Creek Trail18 miles5470 ftVery HardYForest Falls
South Fork Trail to San Gorgonio Mountain19.5 miles4700 ftHardYAngelus Oaks

All Guides

Momyer Creek Trail to Dobbs Cabin

Momyer Creek Trail to Dobbs Cabin

Located in some of the most pristine wilderness of Southern California, the hike up Momyer Creek Trail to Dobbs Cabin...

12 miles - Hard

Big Bear Wild Burro Territory Hike

Big Bear Wild Burro Territory Hike

A hike through the Big Bear Wild Burro Territory, Located in the eastern San Bernardino Mountains, offers an excellent chance...

12.5 miles - Hard

Hike Grays Peak Trail (Big Bear)

Hike Grays Peak Trail (Big Bear)

Grays Peak Trail, one of the most popular hikes in the Big Bear Area, is not too tough, but plenty...

7.2 miles - Moderate

South Fork Trail to San Gorgonio Mountain

South Fork Trail to San Gorgonio Mountain

The South Fork Trail is one of the more popular routes to the San Gorgonio Mountain summit, and for a...

19.5 miles - Hard

San Gorgonio Hike on the Vivian Creek Trail

San Gorgonio Hike on the Vivian Creek Trail

Easily the most popular San Gorgonio hike route, the Vivian Creek Trail is an iconic adventure up to the highest...

18 miles - Very Hard

Hike Keller Peak on the Exploration Trail

Hike Keller Peak on the Exploration Trail

Off the radar of most hikers, the Exploration Trail to Keller Peak is a scenic adventure that's not too hard...

12.5 miles - Moderate

Sugarloaf Mountain Trail Guide - Big Bear

Sugarloaf Mountain Trail Guide - Big Bear

Although Sugarloaf Mountain, at 9952 feet, is the highest point in Big Bear Valley, this mountain peak is often overlooked...

12 miles - Hard

Hike the Castle Rock Trail (Big Bear) + Bluff Lake

Hike the Castle Rock Trail (Big Bear) + Bluff Lake

Hiking up the Castle Rock Trail to the viewpoint is tough, but thankfully short. Once you get to Castle Rock,...

1.6 miles - Moderate

Pineknot Trail to Grand View Point (Big Bear)

Pineknot Trail to Grand View Point (Big Bear)

While it isn't a hike to a high mountain summit, taking the serene and scenic Pineknot Trail up to Grand...

7.5 miles - Moderate

Cougar Crest Trail to Bertha Peak Hike Guide

Cougar Crest Trail to Bertha Peak Hike Guide

The Cougar Crest Trail, one of the most popular in Big Bear, CA, offers excellent views and beautiful wilderness for...

8 miles - Moderate

Big Bear Aspen Grove Trail Hike

Big Bear Aspen Grove Trail Hike

Hidden in a remote valley in the mountains around Big Bear, the Aspen Grove Trail offers a rare glimpse into...

4.8 miles - Moderate

Deep Creek Hot Springs Hike

Deep Creek Hot Springs Hike

Unlike the route from Bowen Ranch, this Deep Creek Hot Springs hike takes you on the free and less-traveled Bradford...

5.6 miles - Moderate

Lake Arrowhead Pinnacles Trail Hike

Lake Arrowhead Pinnacles Trail Hike

Feeling more like Joshua Tree than Lake Arrowhead, this short but tough hike to the summit of The Pinnacles rewards...

4 miles - Moderate

San Bernardino Peak Hike

San Bernardino Peak Hike

The San Bernardino Peak (10,649 feet) hike is tough but rewarding. The San Bernardino Mountains were named after San Bernardino Peak, which...

16 miles - Hard