From LA, Orange County, and Inland Empire | Big Bear Lake, CA (2023)

FAQs

Is Big Bear Lake Worth it? ›

Big Bear Lake is the heart of the San Bernadino National Forest and is worth visiting. What is this? Whether you're looking for a quick getaway or want to spend the weekend exploring nature, there are plenty of places near Big Bear Lake that will make your heart happy.

Hwy 330 to Hwy 18

The shortest and quickest way for visitors coming from Los Angeles, Orange County, and other points west is Hwy 330 / Hwy 18 through Running Springs. Please note that this route can become very congested on the weekends during peak season.

Located in the heart of Southern California - and an easy drive from Phoenix and Las Vegas - Big Bear Lake is the jewel of the San Bernardino National Forest and known for excellent fishing, snowboarding and skiing, hiking, mountain biking and so much more!

Bear Lake has become famous for the surrounding valley's crops of raspberries and for the annual Raspberry Days festival held in Garden City to celebrate the harvest of raspberries, generally during the first week of August.

The drive up to Big Bear is not for the faint of heart. After the first three curves you may think you have it under control but the highway is full of windy, sudden and sharp turns. As you pass the 3,000-foot elevation sign, things get real.

W: No Restrictions – Watch for snow on pavement. R-1: Chains are required on all commercial vehicles (trucks or buses). All other vehicles (cars, pick-ups, vans, etc.) must have either snow tread tires or chains on the drive axle.

Big Bear Lake is located in the San Bernardino Mountains and is an easy drive from most areas in southern California. It is about 93 miles northeast of Los Angeles, an approximate 2 hour, and 10 minute drive depending on traffic and road conditions.

Big Bear Lake has a great deal of stocked fish in it, so Powerbait, worms, or corn are good baits to use. Trout also naturally like minnows, so things like spinners, jigs, or actual minnows will also work. Do not put too much bait on the hook; trout are not naturally big eaters and may not go for large amounts of bait.

The perfect time to visit Big Bear Lake is April-May due to the excellent weather conditions, and you might even find that the cost of flights and accommodation are lower than if you travel during the peak holiday seasons. In summer, temperatures can reach as high as 35℃ (96℉) in the middle of the day.

How much is the entrance to Big Bear? ›

Big Bear Lake's climate is Csb (Warm-summer Mediterranean) under the Köppen climate classification. In contrast to most of southern California, the Big Bear Lake region normally receives significant winter snow because of its high elevation.

From the Big Bear Municipal Water District: In the summer months, swimming is permitted in Big Bear Lake at your own risk! There are NO lifeguards on duty and swimmers must stay within 50 feet of the shore or within 20 feet of a private dock.

Algae are limited in the lake because the water contains little of the key nutrients algae need to grow. Specifically, a lack of nitrogen and phosphorous severely limits algal growth in Bear Lake, keeping its water clean and blue.

A few reptiles roam the preserve, including the Great Basin rattlesnake, garter snake, striped whipsnake, and sagebrush lizard, but they are rarely seen.

The spring-fed lake has a surface area of approximately 35 acres with associated wetlands and upland forest. Please note: Swimmer's Itch is a potential at any area lake, including Bear Lake.

A $7.00/$14.00 Motor Vehicle Entrance Fee (MVEF) is required for every vehicle entering Idaho State Parks (including visitors to campers).

Spring and Fall are usually the best time to come and avoid crowds. During these off peak seasons, there are still plenty of events and things to do in Big Bear. Fishing season starts April 1st, you can take a hike, walk the Alpine Pedal Path, go horseback riding and check out the petting Zoo.

What is the price range for Big Bear Lake cabin rentals? Cabins in Big Bear Lake cost from just $82 a night to $197 a night for that something truly special. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

How to dress for Big Bear? ›

Warm clothes are a must!

Layer up with thermals and sweaters or hoodies. A warm, waterproof jacket and snow pants are also best for snow play or sports. Snow boots and thick socks are great if you plan on snowshoeing or tubing. Also, be sure to protect your hands and ears with gloves and hats.

Requirement 1 (R1): Chains are required on all vehicles except passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks under 6,000 pounds gross weight and equipped with snow tires on at least two drive wheels. Chains must be carried by vehicles using snow tires. All vehicles towing trailers must have chains on one drive axle.

It's not unheard of for bears to be able to open doors. The California Department of Parks and Recreation warns that bears can open vehicle doors and may cause damage trying to gain entry if they sniff something inside. Bears can also pry open home doors, windows and dumpsters.

Costantini said the vehicle, which had been left unlocked the night before, was destroyed inside. She said there was a can of Altoids in the SUV when the bear entered, but the animal didn't touch it. "I often say a bear ate my car. It is destroyed," said Costantini,"It ripped apart the dash.

Bears are enticed by all kinds of human food. They are also attracted to grocery bags, the clothes you cooked in and anything with an odor such as soap, sunscreen, hairspray and toothpaste. Bears have been known to break into cars for a stick of gum or an empty soda can.

Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 16 h 11 min to complete. This is a popular trail for scenic driving, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.

Although the hard packed surface of the Bear Lake Nature Trail is considered to be a moderately accessible trail, there are a couple of relatively steep sections in some places. All in all, however, the Bear Lake Nature Trail is an ideal destination for the entire family.

One trip around the lake proper is a half-century.

Use of alcohol is only permitted within the areas designated on the permit. 2. Distribution and consumption of alcoholic beverages must be in compliance with all applicable laws, including regulations of the City of Big Bear Lake and the State of California ABC Department.

Will Big Bear Lake ever fill up? ›

Since the lake's modern dam was built, 110 years ago, Stephenson said Big Bear Lake has gone through a series of steady cycles. Every 10 years or so it fills to capacity from rain and snow melt-off, then drops five or 10 feet during drier years, then fills back up. But the last time the lake was full was 2011.

When consuming fish from Big Bear Lake, women ages 18-45 and children ages 1-17 may safely eat a maximum of five servings per week of crappie or Rainbow Trout, or one serving per week of black bass species or Common Carp.

The first snowfall of winter for Big Bear can arrive as early as October or as late as December. Most often than not, the snow starts flying in November and the Big Bear ski resorts aim to open Thanksgiving weekend.

Do your cabins have A/C? Most cabins in Big Bear are not equipped with A/C but the weather is ideal in the Summer. We do provide fans within the homes as well.

So you have a nice, wide window to enjoy the snow in Big Bear! During the day, you can expect temperatures to reach the high 40s, but nighttime temperatures can drop to the 20s.

Drive up to Bear Lake on the most famous road in Rocky Mountain National Park! This 10.5 mile drive from the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center starts at 7,840 ft and climbs up to Bear Lake at 9,475 ft. Continental Divide peaks tower above you.

Within the park is also the McDill Swim Beach. This is a specific beach that requires a small fee to enter. There are picnic tables, sandy beaches, clear water, and a fun inflatable slide that are all included with your entrance fee. This beach park is open from noon to 5 pm every day except for Tuesdays.

Public Transportation. Mountain Area Regional Transit Authority (MARTA) provides bus service to Big Bear from both the San Bernardino and Lucerne Valley areas. Fare is approximately $10. Take the bus to the last stop in Big Bear (Fox Farm, near Vons) and coordinate a taxi/Uber/Lyft pickup from there (~1 mile from BBRC) ...

List of celebrities who live in Calabasas: Kim Kardashian, Kanye West, Drake, and more.

Laguna Beach has been home to many famous Hollywood stars over the years.

Where in California do the most celebrities live? ›

While plenty of celebrities can be found in other parts of the city, or even elsewhere in California, the highest concentration of famous people is in Beverly Hills, Bel Air, and the surrounding neighborhoods in the Hollywood Hills.

The hottest month of the year in Big Bear Lake is July, with an average high of 81°F and low of 53°F. The cold season lasts for 3.4 months, from November 21 to March 1, with an average daily high temperature below 51°F.

Living in Big Bear Lake offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Big Bear Lake there are a lot of bars, restaurants, and coffee shops. Many retirees live in Big Bear Lake and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in Big Bear Lake are above average.

The winter season is from November to early March with average daily highs around 500F. Early snowfalls often occur in the fall months, however, the first significant snowfall is usually mid to late November transforming Bear Lake into a scenic winter wonderland.

Bear Lake is known as the “Caribbean of the Rockies” for its unique turquoise-blue color. The intense and vibrant color of Bear Lake is due to the refraction of limestone deposits (calcium carbonate) from the Bear River Range suspended in the lake waters and reflecting the natural blue color back up to the surface.

Water Temperature:

@ 32.0 degrees as measured in the Bear Lake State Park Marina.

Its waters are not only clear, clean and pristine…they're downright stunning. Check out this magnificent Utah recreation spot! Bear Lake is known as the "Caribbean of the Rockies" because of its beautiful, blue water. Calcium carbonate gives the water its gorgeous azure color.

With so many things to do in Big Bear California, the town is definitely worth visiting. Whether you take a kayak out on the lake, hit the hiking trails, snowboard, or relax by the fire with a glass of wine, you are guaranteed to enjoy your time in Big Bear California.

From the Big Bear Municipal Water District: In the summer months, swimming is permitted in Big Bear Lake at your own risk! There are NO lifeguards on duty and swimmers must stay within 50 feet of the shore or within 20 feet of a private dock.

Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge

One of the best places to spot wildlife in this area is at the Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge. It is a great place for hiking and looking for animals. This area is home to moose and lots of different kinds of birds like owls, peregrine falcons, and osprey.

How much does a day at Big Bear cost? ›

The drive up to Big Bear is not for the faint of heart. After the first three curves you may think you have it under control but the highway is full of windy, sudden and sharp turns. As you pass the 3,000-foot elevation sign, things get real.

Bear Lake is stratified in summer-spring where lighter water overlies denser water. During the winter months the mixing processes of winds and surface cooling break down the layers and the lake freezes over. Bear Lake does not completely freeze over every year but typically three out of five years.

This Timed Entry Permit Reservation provides access to all areas of Rocky Mountain National Park, including destinations along the Bear Lake Road Corridor (from the Trail Ridge Road junction to the Bear Lake Trailhead). For Bear Lake Road, Timed Entry Permit Reservations are required from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.