Nobody's Beer!

Hike at Big Bear Lake

Isn’t it great when popular ski mountains are free of crowds? It actually happens! All you have to do is go before it snows. Big Bear’s Snow Summit is still open to hikers, so before the Oktoberfest beers, get in a solid, and solitary, 6-mile loop hike with marquee views and fall colors starting to pop. Start on Fern Trail and at your first junction keep left, steadily climbing for about a mile. Head right onto 2N10, a major fire road (also used by mountain bikers).

In about 1.5 miles you’ll reach the intersection of Pirates Trail; follow it and keep on it when it breaks left in just under 1 mile; Pirates Trail continues on a small fire road and leads to the hike’s signature scenery along the ridge to the top of the Scenic Sky Chair. Here you’ll get amazing vistas of Big Bear Lake and the valley. At Log Chute Trail, marked by large signage clearly indicating a hiker-only route, it’s a 1.5-mile descent to the summit base and parking lot. Oh snow good!

TIP: To avoid the nearly 1300 feet of elevation gain, you can pay to take the Scenic Sky Chair up, and hike either the Log Chute Trail or the Pirates and Fern options.

To get to Big Bear Lake, take I-210 east and then go north on CA-330 and east on CA-18 (Note: Road closure due to construction is scheduled most weekdays this October between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on CA-18.) Directions. If you’re not staying at Pineknot Campground, you can leave your car at Snow Summit’s parking lot and walk east along the fire road, passing Pineknot Campground and Buttercup Group Camp before reaching a small opening to two trailheads. Take the right path, called Fern Trail, to start the hike. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Screaming Good Garden

    Combine a classic scary movie backdrop and life-size elephant garden sculptures in beautiful downtown Sonoma.

    View
  3. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

    View
  4. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View
  2. Welcome to the Ice Age

    Only in LA can you stumble upon a lake of bubbling black goo right in the middle of the city—complete with a life-size family of mammoths frozen in time. Take a whiff and you’ll catch the unmistakable scent of asphalt: Yep, you’ve made it to the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

    View