The San Bernardino National Forest sports enough rich, loamy trails for your group’s next mountain biking expedition. From riding rocky berms to ascending sidehills, the surrounding area can accommodate bikers from all skill levels. So, what are you waiting for? Book a stay at Big Bear Frontier and bring your trusty 29er down to the trails near Big Bear Lake.
The Best Biking Trails in Big Bear
Miles of mountain biking trails surround Big Bear Lake, California, ranging from easy B lines to gnarly squirrel catchers. Most routes wind to the north and south of the lake itself, take a look at this local trail map for a general overview. Whether you’re looking for picturesque views or a rigorous challenge, the mountain biking scene offers a different taste of terrain for everyone. See below for some of our top picks of the best biking trails around Big Bear Lake.
Skyline Trail
Perhaps the most talked-about route, the Skyline Trail carves a 15-mile path through the mountains. From its beginning at Dogwood drive, to the trail’s end around Metcalf Creek, bikers can take in beautiful rock formations, ponderosa pines, and of course, trace the skyline across mountain peaks. The route is best for intermediate bikers, starting off with a climb past Big Bear Mountain with well-placed switchbacks aiding in the ascent. Plan to have a car ride waiting for you at the trail’s end, unless you intend to make the 30-mile round trip. The Skyline Trail does not loop, thus preparations should be made beforehand on when, if needed, to turn back.
John Bull Loop
The John Bull Loop is one of the most advanced trails the area has to offer, filled with technical challenges and sections of deep sand. Even the most hardened riders might need to pick up their ride and “hike-a-bike” through patches of rough terrain. Located northeast of Big Bear Lake, the John Bull Loop starts roughly 500 feet after where Hale Drive meets Van Dusen Canyon Road (3N09). Head north on 3N09 for 3.5 miles until the road ends at Holcomb Valley Road (3N16). From there, you can choose whether to turn left or right to begin the “loop” itself. Altogether, this route comes in at just under 15 miles.
Cougar Crest Trail
This trail is a rock garden dotted with sierra juniper trees clinging to the cliff sides. Starting off, it’s flat, but soon transitions to a more difficult incline where you’re rewarded with generous views of Big Bear Lake to the south. Eventually, you’ll start hitting some exciting downhills that serve as a skill test for less experienced bikers. The Cougar Crest Trail eventually ends at the Pacific Crest Trail, where mountain biking is not allowed. Fortunately, Cougar Crest can be ridden both ways and is also fun to traverse back the way you came, ultimately making a five-mile round trip.
Hanna Flats Loop
Popular for hikers and bikers, this eight-mile loop is flat and sandy, so ensure your tires are properly inflated. There are multiple entrances, but the parking lot across from San Bernardino County Fire Station 96 offers the greatest convenience. Alternatively, bikers can try the Grays Peak Trailhead entrance and take the trail counterclockwise. The Hanna Flats Loop offers scenery of the traditional boulders and coniferous trees found across other Big Bear Lake trails. It also crosses multiple campsites, adding to the potential for pedestrians and other mountain biking enthusiasts to drop in.
Town Trail
Head to Town Trail for a beginner route reaching a mile long, twice as much for the round trip. The east entrance begins at Forest Ranger Road, meandering through the base of mountains until it reaches Thrush Drive. Mountain biking through the Town Trail brings riders through the Big Bear woodlands with an occasional sharp turn. It comes highly recommended for newly-minted bikers looking to test their skills on a forgiving path.
Are e-bikes Allowed on Big Bear Trails?
Generally speaking, e-bikes are only allowed on trails authorized for overall motorized activity. However, some larger venues, such as Big Bear Mountain Resort, have permission from the U.S. Forest Service to allow e-bikes at Summit Bike Park and Snow Valley. This usually refers to class 1 pedal-assist electric mountain bikes (e-mtb), but may extend to other models, depending on local laws.
Bikers are encouraged to verify before their trip if a selected route permits e-bikes. For trails without e-bike indicators, consider contacting the San Bernardino National Forest branch of the U.S. Forest Service at 909.382.2600 to check the permissibility of e-bikes. Don’t end up with a fine by poaching local trails; always check with local authorities before hitting the dirt for your next PR.
Biking enthusiasts can visit Pedego Electric Bikes, Chains Required Bike Shop and Goldsmiths Sports, among other locations, to rent an e-bike for some of Big Bear’s most thrilling trails. These businesses also have a wide selection of standard mountain bikes to rent, with availability dependent on the month.
Take a Tour!
The Big Bear Lake mountain biking season is most popular when the snow melts in early spring through the first flurries in late autumn. During this time, several vendors offer tours of the city and some of the nearby mountain trails. Most also provide mountain bike rental services, although participants are encouraged to bring their own rides as well.
Big Bear Bike Tours
This business utilizes many of the bike rental shops around Big Bear Lake, California, to determine where each tour loop begins. Once attendees are outfitted with their ride, guides depart amidst the scenic shops and neighborhoods of the lake’s southern shore. Big Bear Bike Tours only offers routes located in the city itself, so participants usually ride on well-maintained roadways. Fortunately, there are plenty of forested sites and picturesque stones dotting the landscape, making for phenomenal photos and even better views.
XEN MTB
For a more rigorous touring experience, book your next mountain biking journey with XEN MTB. Their tour guides can take your biking party through the Hanna Flats trail system and even up the exciting Pine Knot to Skyline route. XEN MTB offers year-round tours, even during winter, so there’s always someone in the Big Bear Lake area to set up a mountain biking tour. Check out the company’s website to view video tours and see if their routes are right for you.
The Tour de Big Bear
Since its inception in 2010, the Golden State’s Tour de Big Bear has served as a gathering for cyclists across the nation. This event offers more than just mountain biking and cycling races, with a whole collection of activities the whole family can enjoy. Consider visiting the bounce house, climbing wall, face painting studio or petting zoo, among other recreational events. Live music and local food vendors are also present to spruce up the already impressive week of festivities.
Visit the Big Bear Cycling Association website for details on upcoming Tour de Big Bear events, including dates and times. The site also provides info for registration and lays out the standards for e-bike use. With over a decade of success, the Tour de Big Bear is an exciting event open to both locals and visitors.
Book Your Stay at The Frontier
Big Bear Frontier offers the perfect lodging amenities for your stay in Big Bear Lake, California. Call 909.866.5888 to reserve a hotel room or book an individual cabin with a lakefront view. All of our accommodations feature a full bath, small refrigerator, microwave, TV and coffee maker, as well as free Wi-Fi. Additionally, each cabin is outfitted with a toasty fireplace to keep guests warm at all hours. Both our hotel and cabins are pet-friendly, so you can bring the whole family on your next Big Bear Lake excursion.
Having fun mountain biking around the lake? We’d love to hear from you! Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram by tagging @BigBearFrontier and sharing a photo of your winter activities.
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