Things to do in Big Bear Lake
A Mountain Town That Doesn't Sit Still.
Hiking, biking, skiing, the lake, the Village, the stars. Big Bear is a four-season mountain town, and Colorado Lodge sits walking distance from most of it. Here's what to do while you're here.
A Basecamp for a Real Big Bear Trip
The thing people don't always realize about Big Bear Lake is how much there is to do, year-round. Ski and snowboard season runs November through April at Snow Summit and Bear Mountain — less than a mile from the cabins. In the warmer months the valley opens up into wildflower hikes, mountain biking, paddleboarding, fishing, and some of the best stargazing you'll find within two hours of Los Angeles.
We've put together guides, itineraries, and picks below for things worth your time — some evergreen, some seasonal, all from the perspective of people who actually live here. Check back often; we're adding new articles regularly.
What's Good, By Season
Big Bear is a four-season destination. Here's the quick take.
Winter · Nov – Apr
Ski Season
Snow Summit and Bear Mountain are less than a mile from the cabins. Snowshoeing, sledding, and the Alpine Slide for the non-skiers. Cozy evenings by the fire at C4.
Spring · Apr – Jun
Wildflowers & Warm Days
The bloom rolls in. Trails clear. Lupine, lemon lilies, and Indian paintbrush along every hike. The quietest and most beautiful time in the valley.
Summer · Jun – Aug
Lake & Trails
Paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, and bike trails open up across the valley. The Tour de Big Bear cycling weekend lands in late July. Evenings stay cool at elevation.
Fall · Sep – Oct
Color Season
The aspens turn gold, the crowds thin out, and the rates drop. Arguably the best weather of the year for hiking and mountain biking. Underrated season at Colorado Lodge.
What to Do
The main categories, with links into the detailed guides.
On Foot
Hiking & Trails
From quarter-mile boardwalk strolls to ridge climbs with panoramic lake views. Big Bear has hikes for every energy level, and most of them start within minutes of the cabins.
- Castle Rock Trail — short and rocky
- Bluff Lake Reserve — wildflower meadow
- Alpine Pedal Path — paved lakeside walk
- Champion Lodgepole Pine Trail — ancient trees
On Wheels
Mountain & Road Biking
Big Bear is one of Southern California's best biking destinations. Singletrack through the pines, flowy doubletrack with big views, and the paved Alpine Pedal Path for everyone else.
- Snow Summit Bike Park (lift-accessed)
- Skyline Trail — the iconic ridge ride
- Alpine Pedal Path — paved and easy
- Tour de Big Bear — late July cycling weekend
On the Mountain
Ski & Snowboard
Snow Summit and Bear Mountain offer 438 acres, 26 lifts, and the biggest terrain park in Southern California. Walking distance from the cabins — ski boots on at the door, back for dinner by 5.
- Snow Summit — family-friendly, groomers
- Bear Mountain — park, natural terrain
- Free shuttle runs between the two
- Night skiing select weekends
On the Water
The Lake
Big Bear Lake is seven miles long and sits at 6,750 feet. Paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, boat rentals, and lakeside restaurants. Quiet mornings, warm afternoons, sunset reflections on the water.
- Paddleboard & kayak rentals at the marinas
- Trout fishing — stocked year-round
- Boat rentals for groups
- Stanfield Marsh for calm-water paddling
In Town
The Village
Big Bear Village is the walkable heart of the area — shops, restaurants, ice cream, cocktails, live music. Less than a mile from Colorado Lodge, about a ten-minute walk depending on your cabin.
- Dinner at Himalayan, Peppercorn, or The Cave
- Boutique shops and galleries
- Seasonal events and farmers market
- Walkable from every cabin at the lodge
After Dark
Stars & Quiet Nights
At 6,750 feet with minimal light pollution, Big Bear has some of the darkest night skies in Southern California. The community fire pit lounge at the lodge is an easy place to catch them — or just step out your back porch.
- Big Bear Discovery Center stargazing events
- Community fire pit lounge on the property
- C4 fireplace nights in winter
- C6 private fire pit any night
Guides, itineraries, local picks
From the Blog
Long-form articles on the best ways to spend time in Big Bear, written by people who live here.
Hiking · Spring
The Best Wildflower Hikes in Big Bear
Late April through early July, Big Bear transforms. Lupine, lemon lilies, Indian paintbrush, and six trails you can walk to from the lodge. Here's where to go and what's blooming.
Biking · Events · Summer
Tour de Big Bear 2026: A Mountain Biker's Guide to the Dirty Burro
The 50K XC mountain bike race lands July 31 – August 2, 2026. What to expect, where to stay, and how to turn race weekend into a real mountain trip.
Plan Around an Event
Big Bear hosts dozens of events a year, from world-class cycling and running to yoga festivals and outdoor concerts. If you're planning your trip around one of these, book early — they fill the valley fast.
Late July · Cycling weekend, road & MTB
Summer · Obstacle course championships
Fall · 100M, 50M, 50K trail races
Summer · Multi-day outdoor yoga
Summer · MTB downhill racing
Sep – Nov · Weekend celebrations
Planning around something specific, or want to know what's going on while you're here?
Drop us a note and we'll tell you what's worth building a trip around.
Make Colorado Lodge Your Basecamp
Six modern cabins. Walking distance to everything. Two acres of pine forest in the heart of Big Bear Lake.
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