(Newswire.net — September 3, 2013) Big Bear Lake, CALIFORNIA —
On August 17, 2013, Big Bear opened a new multi-use trail on the backside of Snow Summit. Skyline Trail is designed for mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding and will add 8 miles of wilderness fun and a new perspective of Big Bear’s spectacular mountain scenery. Skyline Trail is the first new trail opened in Big Bear in over twenty years, giving another option to people who enjoy seeing nature on their own two feet.
Big Bear has some of the best hiking in Southern California. Guests come from around the world to experience the trails. Guests often book Big Bear cabins during their stay. Visitors find there is more to Big Bear than snow in the winter and lake activities during the summer. Big Bear is surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest and offers one of the easiest activities for people of all ages and walks of life; hiking. Hiking trails are abundant around Big Bear besides in addition to Skyline Trail.
One of the most significant hiking trails found in Big Bear is the 2,654 mile Pacific Crest Trail which traverses the northern and eastern areas of Big Bear Valley; it is the westernmost and second longest trail in the Triple Crown of Hiking. The other two trails are the Appalachian Trail and the Continental Divide Trail. The Pacific Crest Trail is accessed by the Cougar Crest Trail on the northern shore of the Big Bear Lake. The Cougar Crest Trail is rated as being moderate to difficult. The first part of the trail is a mild uphill climb, but becomes more strenuous. The trailhead is west of the Discovery Center on Hwy 38.
There are other shorter, but popular trails in and around Big Bear Valley. The Woodland Trail is unique. The trail is well-maintained and an interpretive guide is provided for your use. The trail is located east of the Discovery Center on the north shore. The Champion Lodgepole Pine Trail on the south side of Big Bear Lake is an easy hike along a stream ending at the Champion Lodgepole Pine, one of the largest known lodgepole pines in the world.
Pine Knot Trail and Castle Rock Trail are both on the south side of Big Bear Lake and reward hikers with great vistas. Castle Rock Trail is one mile east of Big Bear Dam on Highway 18. The trail starts up a forested gully, passing through stands of pine and huge boulders. The elevation gain is 500 feet, making for a steep hike for the first portion of the trail, but levels out until you reach a saddle where you will find Castle Rock, the trail’s namesake. You can climb up the rock formation and enjoy the view. Pine Knot Trail begins at the Aspen Glen Picnic Area, south of Mill Creek Road. The trail leads to Grand View Point, elevation 7,784 feet.
Sean Franke
www.seanrfranke.com