Best hikes in Big Bear ranked for every kind of walker

Cougar Crest Trail to Bertha Peak

Starts on Highway 38 near the Big Bear Discovery Center and climbs to the Pacific Crest Trail and on to Bertha Peak, about 7.3 miles round trip with roughly 1,350 feet of gain. The tread is wide and well kept; expect company. An Adventure Pass is required to park.

Alpine Pedal Path

A paved, flat path along the north shore with lake views the whole way, open to walkers, bikes, strollers and wheelchairs. It can be done in short pieces from several access points.

Grays Peak Trail

A steady climb from across the Grout Bay Picnic Area near Fawnskin to lake views, about 6.9 miles round trip. Open April to October only. There is little shade, so start early in summer. An Adventure Pass is required.

Pineknot Trail to Grand View Point

A long, easy-grade forest walk from the Aspen Glen Picnic Area to a wide view over the valley, about 7.5 miles round trip, shared with mountain bikes and horses. An Adventure Pass is required.

Sugarloaf Trail

The long, hard option: about 12 miles round trip and more than 3,000 feet of climbing to the highest summit around the valley, with a long dirt-road approach and few people.

Castle Rock Trail

Short and steep: about 2.4 miles round trip and 500 feet up to a big granite rock with a wide lake view. Parking is a small roadside turnout on Highway 18, and the upper junctions are confusing, so carry a map.

Bluff Lake Reserve Loop

A quiet, nearly flat loop through old-growth forest around a small lake, in a reserve run by The Wildlands Conservancy and open roughly from May to November. The forest road in can close in bad weather.

Woodland Trail

A flat interpretive loop of about 1.5 miles off Highway 38, with numbered posts rather than views — a short walk for young kids.

Consider your fitness and desired experience

When selecting a trail, think about the physical challenge you are looking for. For a strenuous climb with summit views, the Cougar Crest Trail to Bertha Peak is about 7.3 miles round trip and rated moderate to difficult. If a full-day summit climb is your goal, the Sugarloaf Trail offers a more demanding 12.1-mile round trip and is rated difficult. For a shorter, yet still challenging option with a significant lake view, Castle Rock Trail is about 2.4 miles round trip and rated moderate to difficult.

If you prefer a hike with a focus on scenery over exertion, consider trails that offer distinct views. Grays Peak Trail, about 6.9 miles round trip and moderate to difficult, is noted for its lake views and is best from April to October. Pineknot Trail to Grand View Point provides a forest walk culminating in a panorama, covering about 7.5 miles round trip and rated moderate. For those seeking a more tranquil nature walk, the Bluff Lake Reserve Loop is an easy 1.9-mile round trip through old-growth forest.

Accessibility and trail type matter

For hikers needing easier access, the Alpine Pedal Path is about 5.3 miles round trip, easy, and paved, making it suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. This path does not require a parking pass. Similarly, the Bluff Lake Reserve Loop is an easy 1.9-mile walk, also not requiring a parking pass. For a short family outing, the Woodland Trail is an easy 1.5-mile round trip, though it does require an Adventure Pass or interagency pass.

Many trails are located in the San Bernardino National Forest. Some trailheads require an Adventure Pass for parking. Passes and maps can be obtained from the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center. It is important to stay on marked trails and check for any current forest closures before you begin your hike. Big Bear is at a high altitude, around 7,000 feet, so remember to drink plenty of water and use sunscreen due to increased UV radiation. Cellular service is often unavailable in backcountry areas, so plan accordingly.

Every place on this list gets a score out of 10. Each criterion is scored from 0 to 10 and weighted as below.

• Views and payoff — 40%
• Trail quality — 20%
• Access and parking — 20%
• Crowds — 20%

Lengths, elevation gain, closures and parking passes come from the US Forest Service where it publishes them. Public trail reviews are read for what repeats and never copied.