Big Snowshoes to Fill

Snowshoe hiking in Big Bear Lake

When snow blasts the San Bernardino Mountains, you know it’s time to head for the hills! And by this we mean Big Bear’s backcountry, currently basking in a winter landscape worthy of some sightseeing. Explore its hidden parts by strapping on some snowshoes and going in search of mountain views and snow-covered peaks.

Your adventure guide? Action Tours Big Bear. Run by locals, the expert guides here know the terrain well. They’ll get you geared up and off the beaten track, cutting fresh track among sturdy mountain mahogany, and towering Jeffrey pines. Trail options vary, depending on whether you and your group want to take it easy or climb to new heights, including vantages overlooking Sugarloaf Mountain and Onyx Peak.

With black bear, coyotes, deer, and many more critters calling the mountain range home, your footprints might not be the only ones spotted. On the return journey, tramp among huge and gnarled juniper trees that are three times older than the state of California! Ancient beauties.

BONUS BEER: After turning in your snowshoes, turn your sights to Big Bear Lake Brewing Company right in the center of town. Pair the Whispering Pine IPA or High Altitude Hefeweizen with some garlic sesame edamame or the beer cheese fries. Action Tours Big Bear is located at 41693 Big Bear Blvd. No dogs on the snowshoe tour, but trails are dog-friendly.

Action Tours Big Bear is located at 41693 Big Bear Blvd.No dogs on the snowshoe tour, but trails are dog-friendly. 

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Sunnyvale and Salty

    For up-close bird watching, it’s hard to beat a walk along the San Francisco Bay. This 5-mile loop on the Sunnyvale coast is a favorite of local wildlife photographers.

    View
  2. A man takes a break at a temple spot on a hike at Dragon Mountain in Milptas

    Dragon Quest

    The newly reopened, 4-mile out-and-back hike at Dragon Mountain in Milpitas mixes the physical with the spiritual for a serene hiking experience.

    View
  3. Mike Zakowski (aka Mike the Baker) standing in front of his wood-fire oven at the Sonoma Valley Farmers' Market

    NEW! Walkin' and Talkin': Break Bread, Go On a Panoramic Hike

    What’s a world-traveling, medal-winning baker’s favorite local hike? Weekend Sherpa co-founder Brad Day caught up with Mike Zakowski (aka Mike the Baker) at Sonoma’s Friday farmers' market, where his wood-fired loaves draw loyal crowds. Between bites of fresh-baked bread, they talk baking, travel, and why Sonoma's Overlook Trail is one of his favorite quick, panoramic hikes.

    View
  4. Hidden Botanical Garden

    Forget a dozen roses. Give your love a botanical garden. Hidden on the western slope of Sonoma Valley’s Mayacamas Mountains, Sonoma Botanical Garden has one of the Bay Area’s best displays of Asian flora—and it’s a brilliant place for a quiet picnic and some calming contemplations.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. People on ice learning to curl at Hollywood Curling

    You Go, Curl!

    Hollywood Curling’s Learn to Curl classes make the perfect setting for newcomers. Take the ice, and friendly curling instructors will teach you the basics.

    View
  2. Sponsored

    Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe

    2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G

    View
  3. Fall for These Falls

    Chase waterfalls in Redding’s Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. This 42,000 acres of wilderness park is home to four waterfalls. Hike to the tallest, the three-tiered, 220-foot Whiskeytown Falls.

    View
  4. Oh Snow Nice

    Live in California long enough, and you’ll come to know the rite of passage called “going to the snow”–when we ditch our fair-weather cities and towns in search of winter weather. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks deliver a winter wonderland worth a visit if there’s been a good dose of snow.

    View