Los Angeles & Southern California by Andrea Schulte-Peevers & Amy C. Balfour & Andrew Bender

Author:Andrea Schulte-Peevers & Amy C. Balfour & Andrew Bender
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Non-fiction: Travel Guides
ISBN: 9781741046786
Publisher: Lonely Planet
Published: 2005-01-02T00:00:00+00:00

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BIG BEAR LAKE

Big Bear Lake is a low-key and family-friendly mountain resort (elevation 6750ft) about 110 miles northeast of LA. Snowy winters lure scores of ski bunnies and boarders to its two mountains, while summers bring hikers, mountain bikers and watersports enthusiasts wishing to escape the stifling heat down in the basin. Even getting there via the spectacular, curvy and panorama-filled Rim of the World Dr (Hwy 18) is a treat.

Orientation & Information

Big Bear Blvd (Hwy 18), the main road, runs south of the lake, skirting the pedestrian-friendly ‘Village’ with cutesy shops, galleries, restaurants and the visitors center ( 909-866-7000, 800-424-4232; www.bigbear.com; 630 Bartlett Rd; 8am-5pm Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm Sat & Sun). The ski resorts are east of the Village. Quiet N Shore Dr (Hwy 38) provides access to campgrounds and trails.

If you’re driving, pick up a National Forest Adventure Pass, available at the Big Bear Discovery Center ( 909-866-3437; www.bigbeardiscoverycenter.com; 40971 N Shore Dr, Fawnskin; 8am-6pm mid-May–mid-Sep, 8am-4:30pm mid-Sep–mid-May) on the North Shore.

Activities

Big Bear’s two ski mountains are jointly managed by Big Bear Mountain Resorts ( 909-866-5766; www.bigbearmountainresorts.com; adult lift ticket Mon-Fri half-/full-day $39/49, Sat & Sun $50/62). The higher of the two, Bear Mountain (8805ft) is nirvana for freestyle freaks with 117 jumps, 57 jibs and two pipes, including a 580ft in-ground superpipe. Snow Summit (8200ft) is more about traditional downhill and has trails for everyone, including at night. Altogether the mountains are served by 26 lifts and crisscrossed by over 55 runs, the longest being 1.5 miles. Ski and boot rentals are about $25. After a day on the slopes, prevent muscle fatigue with an expert massage by Mountain Mobile Massage ( 909-800-8103; 30/60min $55/85); best of all, a therapist will come to you.

In summer, Snow Summit issues its siren call to mountain bikers. Several pro and amateur races take place here each year. The 13-mile Grandview Loop is great for getting your feet in gear. The Scenic Sky Chair (one-way/day $10/20; May-beginning of ski season) provides easy access to the top. Maps, tickets and bike rentals are available from Bear Valley Bikes ( 909-866-8000; 40298 Big Bear Blvd; bikes hr/day incl helmet from $9/25).

Hiking is another major summer activity, as are swimming, jet skiing, kayaking, boating and fishing. Boating rentals are available along the lakeshore.

To get off the beaten track, take your car for an off-road spin along the Gold Fever Trail, a 20-mile self-guided romp on a graded dirt road around an old gold-mining area. If you prefer to let someone else do the driving, contact Big Bear Off-Road Adventures ( 909-585-1036; www.offroadadventure.com) for its tour schedule.

Sleeping & Eating

Accommodation at Big Bear Lake runs the gamut from snug B&Bs and cabins to lodges, motels and hotels. Staff at the visitors center book accommodation for $10 per reservation. The following places are recommended.

Grey Squirrel Resort ( 909-866-4335, 800-381-5569; www.greysquirrel.com; 39372 Big Bear Blvd; cabins $94-240; wi-fi) Set amid the pines, this is a clump of delightful cabins, some with a fireplace, a sundeck and a Jacuzzi.

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