Big Bear Lake, California is the prime mountain destination for Southern California locals. Nestled in the heart of the San Bernardino National Forest, it offers a wide variety of summer and winter activities alike!
It’s an outdoor enthusiasts playground with three ski resorts, year-round mountain biking, countless hiking trails, an expansive lake on which you can rent a boat or paddle board, and too many climbing areas to count. Big Bear Lake is my go-to weekend getaway from Los Angeles!
Here’s how I spend 3 days in Big Bear Lake, California!
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, designed to allow The Unremarkable Climber (me) to earn a small commission if you choose to book through them, at no extra cost to you. This really helps support the site and lets me know you find this information valuable! That being said, all of the experiences I recommend, commission based or not, are genuine recommendations for some of my favorite activities, so I hope you enjoy them as much as I have! Feel free to drop any questions in the message box below.
Day 1 of Your 3 Days in Big Bear: The Mountain
Wintertime Activities in Big Bear
The first day of your 3 days in Big Bear should be spent on the mountain! This is a mountain town, after all.
There are two local resorts, three mountains, and countless rental shops that offer skis and boards at reasonable rates.
Big Bear Mountain Resort is home to two separate ski areas: Snow Summit and Bear Mountain. Just 20 minutes down the road, there is a smaller resort called Snow Valley.
Which Resort to Visit: A Local's Perspective
Bear Mountain: Steepest terrain and best parks
Snow Summit: More family oriented, but still has a little bit of everything
Snow Valley: Further from town and lower elevation which lends itself to smaller crowds
My personal favorite is Bear Mountain because it seems easier to branch off to a small section of the mountain and avoid crowds, but all are good options.
Even if it isn’t snowing, each park has snow machines that run at night, so even warm, dry years will give you “spring conditions” all winter long. I’ve personally skied in snow pants and a light long sleeve in February.
Fresh snow is nice, but it’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make so that I can also climb and bike locally in the winter too!
Weekends, Powder Days, and Crowds
Powder days in Big Bear are few and far between, so if you get lucky, definitely hit the slopes!
One major thing to note is that powder days, especially weekend powder days, are BUSY. As in, parking lots fill and there is literally no where left to go by 9am busy.
Often, it takes hours to get up the hill if the roads even stay open because Californians cannot drive in snow, chains are required, and every road in town has stopped traffic. Actually, most weekends in winter are like this, but powder days are the worst.
If this isn’t your vibe but you’d like to include snow sports in your plan, I’d highly recommend going midweek, planning for an alpine start, or hitting the slopes late in the season.
Another option is finding accommodation within walking distance of the mountain, or taking advantage of night skiing on select days. The available runs are fewer and the snow isn’t perfect, but the crowds are usually almost nonexistent!
On the flip side, climbing and biking areas are usually empty in the winter, even on weekends, so if you have the flexibility, plan for those activities on the weekend days.
Summertime Activities in Big Bear
Although the crowds flock to Big Bear in the winter, the lifts are still running throughout the summer at Snow Summit and Snow Valley Bike Parks! Mountain bike, hike, or eat at the summit. As of summer 2023, one lift ticket will get you riding both parks for the day! Mountain bike trails range from beginner through advanced, and there are multiple rental locations only a quick ride to the lift. Additionally, the mountain is never too busy in the summer, so you rarely have to wait in lift lines.
A third notable mountain bike park in the area is Sky Park at Santa’s Village. Only 40 minutes away in Skyforest near Lake Arrowhead, this park offers trails for all levels, rentals, and other mystical activities. Not only can you ride the trails, but you can also participate in axe throwing, skating, and visiting with Santa all in the same day at this unique spot. There is no lift here, but the bike park is open year-round, which makes this a great option for warmer winter days as well.
Learn More
For more information including directions, lift tickets, and current conditions, click on the area of interest below!
Day 2 of Your 3 Days in Big Bear: Rock Climbing
I might be biased from all the time I’ve spent here, but Big Bear is one of my favorite climbing destinations in California, and I personally cannot spend 3 days in Big Bear without a little climbing! Unless it’s currently pouring or snowing, I’m going!
There is plenty of bouldering, sport climbing, and trad climbing all around the lake, but I tend to gravitate toward one area: Holcomb Valley.
Best Rock Climbing in Big Bear
Holcomb Valley Pinnacles
My favorite climbing area by far is Holcomb Valley Pinnacles. It is located approximately 30 minutes from town down fairly well maintained forest roads (I call the condition subrudoable—I own a Crosstrek).
Nestled in the trees, you cannot see anything but an expansive forest surrounding you when you top out on a climb.
Despite being 7000 feet in elevation, I’d consider it a year-round climbing destination, as the temperatures are in the 80s in the summer and hover just above freezing most days in the winter with occasional days in the 50s. There usually isn’t much fresh snowfall, so the dirt roads leading to the Pinnacles stay fairly snow-free and in decent condition for much of the winter, though a 4WD vehicle with some clearance is preferred as the puddles do get rather large.
There are many crags and over 300 climbs. Over half are under 5.10, which is perfect for the moderate climber. It is mainly known as a sport area, but boasts quite a few single pitch trad climbs mixed in as well as a few good boulders.
The rock is very featured granite with positive holds and few slabby areas thrown in for good measure. Don’t worry though, this isn’t Joshua Tree slab. I’ve completed a 5.5 slab with only my feet and elbows just for fun— a perfect place to practice!
For detailed information on approaches and climbs, guidebooks for the area can be found here.
My Favorite Routes at Holcomb Valley
The central pinnacles area is most popular, and for good reason. The towering pinnacles give the climber an unbeatable view over the treetops across Holcomb Valley!
My first sport lead climb was at this location: an exposed and vertical 5.7 called Bye Crackie. As nervous as I was, the view at the top was totally worth it! I’d also recommend the outstanding 5.8 next door called Coyotes at Sunset.
If you are looking for notable 5.10’s, my favorites are a 5.10a called Claim Jumper and a unique 5.10a called Powder Keg—a very beta-intensive climb that may or may not include slab, a massive roof, toe hooks, and a mandatory heel hook. For something even harder, Doc’s Holiday is a very fun 5.10d.
Holcomb Valley Pinnacles sees a lot of traffic and can get busy on weekends. However, there are so many climbs that you’re sure to find a free area!
The popularity also means that the hardware is replaced fairly regularly in popular areas, which is a huge bonus. Thank you to all that commit time and money to make all of us safer.
The anchors are most frequently hangers with chains, most of which have rap rings, and have been getting updated with mussy hooks in the popular areas for safer cleaning, but please don’t top rope through them!
Approach
You will drive for about 20-30 minutes on dirt forest roads before you arrive at the parking area. Check the guidebook or mountain project for specific directions.
Keep in mind you will lose cell service within the first 5 minutes, so make sure to figure out the way before your tires touch dirt.
During summer, I’d recommend driving down Van Dusen Canyon Road— the best maintained forest road. I frequently see 2-wheel-drive street cars make it without an issue. This road is only open from November through May. The others should be open year-round.
During the rest of the year, Polique will be your best bet. Although you can still make it there in an average vehicle under dry conditions, keep in mind that heavy snowfall or rain will cause very large mud puddles that might be challenging to bypass without a high clearance 4WD vehicle.
The parking location can be found on most electronic maps as Holcomb Valley Pinnacles or Holcomb Pinnacles Climbers’ Camp.
Upon arriving, the approach for any crag won’t take you any longer than 15 minutes of fairly flat walking up the trails through the pinnacles — I admit I often do it in sandals, though I don’t necessarily recommend that.
The central pinnacles area is the tallest most prominent crag off to the right of the main trail, and will come into view after about 10 minutes of walking. For hot days, Motherlode Rock- North Face remains shady almost all day. For colder days, Coyote Crag is sunny almost all day.
Day 3 of Your 3 Days in Big Bear: Relaxation + FUN
If I’m feeling up for it, I’d ideally spend day three at a different ski resort, mountain bike park, or crag. (Remember, Sky Park is open during the winter too!) In reality, I’m rarely up for it after going hard for two days, and prefer to spend day three decompressing. The perfect adventure for my third day in Big Bear depends on the time of year.
In the summertime, I will definitely sprawl out by the lake and maybe go for a short paddle on a paddleboard, but the zipline tour is super fun too if you’re looking for more adventure! In the wintertime, I’ll choose to go for a chill hike or horseback ride through the pines and enjoy the crisp mountain air, or hit the tubing park and pretend to be a kid again!
Fun Summertime Activities on Big Bear Lake
Why spend 3 days in Big Bear driving around the lake when you can get in it? Bring your kayak or paddle board to Boulder Bay Park and explore the alpine lake up close, or take North Shore Drive along the north side of the lake and find a quiet spot to pull out and enjoy a beach day.
There are numerous kayak/paddle board rentals around the lake, as well as power boat rentals and water sports lessons.
If you’re looking to stay dry but still have a fun adventure, I like this Zipline Tour (with 9 ziplines!) and this Jeep Tour!
Fun Wintertime Activities in Big Bear
Cool down from your 3 days in Big Bear and still enjoy the mountain atmosphere with a chill activity in nature!
Here are my go-to’s:
- Horseback Riding in the national forest.
- Hike or snowshoe through national forest trails. The PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) runs just outside town, as well as many other scenic (and shorter) trails. For more information on snowshoeing, click here!
- Grizzly Ridge Tube Park (actually open year-round!)
If the weather really just isn’t conducive for outdoor activities, check out Bear Valley Search and Rescue Escape Room.
Where to Stay in Big Bear
There are usually plenty of cabins available for rent from various sources; but for those on a budget, there is almost unlimited camping potential. Keep in mind that winter temperatures are almost always below freezing at night, so prepare accordingly.
There is a nearby campground called Holcomb Valley Campground, which is open year-round. You can also dispersed camp for free in much of the national forest, including near the pinnacles. There are countless dirt roads all throughout the forest with varying degrees of difficulty.
Please respect local fire restrictions (almost always banned) and practice leave no trace. NOBODY wants to see trash, human waste, and toilet paper in the forest. It’s disgusting and uncalled for, yet becoming a major issue in many dispersed camping areas.
Click below for more information on camping options and road conditions:
San Bernardino National Forest Website (fire restrictions, closures, etc.)
Best Food in Big Bear
Sometimes home-cooked meals are the best meals. Sometimes, the last thing you want to do after a long day in the outdoors is go to spend a couple hours shopping for, prepping, and making dinner.
For those who already spent all their energy for the day, here are some of my personal recommendations for grabbing a bite to eat in town.
For a quick bite:
- BJ’s Restaurant and Sandwich Shop: Small space with delicious sandwiches!
- Copper Q: Coffee shop with baked goods, sandwiches, and lots of vegan options (great vegan mock tuna and pasta salads).
- Moonridge Coffee Company: Coffee shop featuring a piano with good sandwiches and lots of seating.
Sit-down restaurants:
- Grizzly Manor Cafe: Huge delicious breakfasts, small space, fills up quickly.
- Saucy Mama’s Pizzeria: Because pizza is incredible.
- Royal Thai Bistro: Great food with vegan options. My favorite is pineapple curry.
- Fire Rock Burgers & Brews: The Brussel sprouts and “totchos” are some of the best things I’ve ever eaten.
If You Plan to Spend More than 3 Days in Big Bear
If you manage to extend your day longer than only a few days, there are so many nearby activities to take advantage of! From easy access to the high desert and nearby Lake Arrowhead, here are a few ideas if you decide to stay longer than three days in Big Bear.
Visit Lake Arrowhead
Lake Arrowhead is a quieter, nearby mountain town with a picturesque lake and generally smaller crowds. Enjoy a boat tour aboard the Lake Arrowhead Queen, or hike around the lake for a more active approach.
For a longer adventure, take the strenuous hike into Deep Creek Hot Springs and reward your efforts with a natural jacuzzi while you explore the incredible habitat diversity that no other creek has to offer in San Bernardino National Forest.
Nearby Climbing Areas
New Jack City
Joshua Tree National Park
While you could definitely spend a week in Holcomb Valley alone, there is another climbing spot ideal for the colder days in the winter.
Only 45 minutes down the mountain, New Jack City is located just off Barstow Road at Sawtooth Canyon Campground. As a high desert crag, it is not possible to climb in the summertime with temperatures reaching over 100, but it makes for perfect desert climbing for the rest of the year!
I actually think it is the best wintertime sport crag in southern California!
The rock is unique and there are hundreds of fun climbs beginning around 5.4. The best part is that you can roll your car right up to the base of many of the climbs. The second best part is that the campground is free and offers pit toilets and fire pits if you want to stay the night!
If you’re really feeling up for an adventure, it only takes one hour and 15 minutes to reach the town of Joshua Tree from Big Bear Lake. More than a day is necessary to explore this beautiful place, but it makes for an epic day trip as well. It’s honestly a magical place, and I always leave there humbled.
It’s pretty overwhelming to have access to thousands of climbs all in one place. There are so many guidebooks and resources available, but it is still a major challenge to shovel away the sandbagging and get an accurate idea of the actual difficulty of routes there.
Regardless, I still keep returning because it’s such a beautiful place! I’ve even found these awesome sunny beginner routes for wintertime rock climbing!
More Adventures in Southern California
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