Summer is a great time to visit Big Bear, California, particularly if you’re an outdoor enthusiast!
The town isn’t overrun with skiers, the lake is perfect for lakefront lounging, there are lots of outdoor activities to engage in, and many Big Bear vacation rentals offer lower rates — all of which can make your trip more affordable and enjoyable.
In this 2025 guide, we’ll highlight top summertime activities and key events in Big Bear that you should include in your travel itinerary if you plan on visiting this charming mountain destination soon.
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Fun-Filled Outdoor Activities in Big Bear This Summer
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Hiking
There are miles of hiking routes in Big Bear that cater to hikers of all fitness levels.
Many of these trails, however, are inaccessible during winter, but they begin to thaw and open again in the spring. During July and August, Big Bear, CA, experiences daily highs of around 80 degrees – a few degrees cooler than downtown Los Angeles, for example – which makes for fine hiking weather as long as there’s shade readily available.
Try the Alpine Pedal Path, an easy 8.2 km (5 miles) paved trail found on the north side of Big Bear Lake and within the San Bernardino National Forest if you’re new to hiking. It’s also a great biking path!
You’ll experience a combination of stunning lake views and forest scenery while hiking, and there are benches along the trail where you can stop if you become tired.
For a more challenging climb, consider Cougar Crest Trail, which takes you up to Bertha Peak, one of the highest points around Big Bear Lake. This 9 km (5.6 miles) trail also boasts breathtaking views of the lake and beautiful wilderness. Other popular hiking trails in Big Bear you might want to check out include the Castle Rock Trail, the Pine Knot Trail, Grays Peak Trail, and Pacific Crest Trail.
If you’re in Big Bear on Saturday, June 14, 2025, don’t miss the annual Holcomb Valley Trail Run.
Since 1997, this high-elevation race has been held every June at the Meadows Edge Picnic Area (40751 North Shore Lane), right next to Big Bear Lake. Participants can choose from three scenic courses—33 miles, 14 miles, and 7 miles—that wind through historical sites from Big Bear’s gold rush era and along sections of the iconic Pacific Crest Trail.
Not a runner? No problem. You can still join the fun by hiking the course instead.
Whether you’re running or hiking, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the San Bernardino Mountains, well-organized aid stations, and a festive finish line complete with snacks and enthusiastic community support.
Best of all, your participation supports a great cause: proceeds benefit the Big Bear Search & Rescue Organization, which plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and success of the race.
Entry fees vary by race distance and spots fill up fast, so early online registration is highly recommended. For more details or to register, you can visit the official event website at holcombvalleytrailruns.com.
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Fishing
Big Bear Lake and lakefront activities also peak in the summer – with fishing being one of the popular lake activities.
The lake is packed with a wide range of fish species, including rainbow trout, small and largemouth bass, crayfish, catfish, bluegill sunfish, black crappie, common carp, and panfish, making it a favorite destination for anglers.
You can fish from the shore, rent a boat and go out on the lake to fish, or hire a Big Bear fishing charter service, where an expert angler will provide you with fishing equipment, transport you to the lake’s best fishing locations, and help you improve your fishing techniques.
North Shore, Stanfield Cutoff, and Boulder Bay are a few places in Big Bear where you can go shore fishing, and if you want to rent a boat or pay for a fish charter service, consider Big Bear Marina, Pine Knot Marina, and Holloway’s Marina.
Note, that to fish in Big Bear Lake, you must have a California fishing license, which you can buy online or at local sporting goods stores.
One of the biggest summer highlights for anglers in Big Bear is the Fishin’ for $50K Trout Tournament, where five tagged trout are released into the lake—each worth $10,000. Catch one, and you win $10,000. Catch all five, and you walk away with the full $50,000 if you’re really lucky.
Though the stakes are high, the odds are steep. In the tournament’s 26-year history, only two anglers managed to reel in a tagged trout each during the 2024 event.
In 2025, the Fishin’ for $50K Trout Tournament takes place Saturday and Sunday, June 7–8, from 6 AM to 2 PM each day.
It’s open to all ages and experience levels, making it a fun, family-friendly activity that adds extra excitement to your fishing experience on the lake. Registration is $80 for adults and $30 for persons under 15. Participants will receive a commemorative event t-shirt and one raffle ticket for the general prize drawing.
Think you’ve got what it takes? Sign up, grab your fishing gear, and get ready to chase the catch of a lifetime.
Once you’re done with fishing, other fun summertime lake sports you could try at one of the Big Bear Lake marinas include kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing. Additionally, you can pay for a boat tour of the freshwater lake, which stretches for 11+ km (7 miles).
For easier access to Big Bear Lake and all of the activities it has to offer, consider booking a lakefront cabin for your trip.
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Off-Roading
If you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping experience in Big Bear, make sure to include one of our many 4×4 off-road trails in your travel plans. This offers you a unique way to experience the area’s natural beauty – and even learn more about its history. Don’t worry, you don’t need to own a 4×4 or have off-road driving experience to enjoy this activity. Several companies in Big Bear provide 4×4 vehicle rentals and guided off-road 4×4 tours.
One of the most well-known is the Big Bear Jeep Experience, which allows drivers of all skill levels to drive one of their jeeps and experience Big Bear’s rough terrain.
Popular off-roading trails in Big Bear include:
- The Holcomb Valley Gold Fever Trail, primarily made up of dirt and fire roads, is ideal if you have never done off-roading before. As you drive along this trail you’ll get to see many Big Bear historic landmarks, including an old mine and cabin.
- The Squeeze is also a beginner-friendly trail where you may practice using four-wheel drive while navigating rock formations. After finishing this trail, you can continue to the John Bull Jr. Trail, which has bigger boulders and hazards waiting for you. You’ll be driving up to the summit of the trail, which is almost 8,000 feet in elevation.
- The Gold Mountain Trail is for highly experienced off-road drivers accustomed to navigating extremely steep inclines and rock crawling.
Off-roading can be dangerous, so it’s important to follow all safety precautions and regulations while engaging in this activity. Also, be environmentally conscious and stay on designated trails to help preserve the surrounding San Bernardino National Forest for future generations.
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Ziplining
This is also another exhilarating Big Bear activity you can enjoy in summer.
While there are several locations in Big Bear that allow you to fly high above the forest floor while admiring the beautiful natural scenery, we recommend giving Action Tours a try. They have nine high-speed zip lines in a remote location that can go up to speeds of 35 mph.
The shortest zipline is where you’ll start your ziplining adventure, and as you progress, the lines get longer, higher off the ground, and faster. Your heart will be racing after this activity!
When you’re done riding the zip lines, Action Tours also offers wine and beer tasting from more than 70 California wines and a large selection of craft beer.
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Mountain Biking And Cycling
Similar to its hiking trails, Big Bear offers an impressive network of mountain biking routes with terrain ranging from moderate to truly challenging. Snow Summit Bike Park remains a favorite for downhill mountain bikers, offering meticulously maintained trails that have hosted many national competitions.
Beast Trail, Grand View Loop Trail, and Bear Lake Woodland Trail are a few other well known mountain biking routes in Big Bear that attract riders looking to explore the alpine beauty on two wheels.
If you’re a cycling enthusiast, you’ve probably heard of the Tour de France—but did you know Southern California has its own mountain-lake version of that cycling competition?
From August 1–3, 2025, Big Bear hosts Tour de Big Bear, one of Southern California’s largest cycling events.
This annual event features road routes of 25, 50, 70, and 100 miles; a family fun ride; the 25-mile Dirty Cub and 50-mile Dirty Bear gravel rides; and the new Dirty Burro mountain bike events. These off-road options expand Tour de Big Bear’s appeal, drawing in mountain bikers who crave more rugged terrain.
Registration starts at $145 per individual rider but prices increase to $167 as the event nears. Tandem Teams (2 riders, 1 bike) pay $205, and kids under 12 can join the fun for $75.
In addition to the races, participants and spectators can enjoy live music, local food vendors, an expansive cycling expo, and the popular Poker Ride and Glow Ride at the start/finish area, located at Bear Mountain.
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Snow Summit’s Scenic Sky Chair Rides
Originally designed to transport skiers and snowboarders up the slopes during winter months, the chairlift offers summer visitors a mile-long ride up the mountain, elevating you to 8,200 feet above sea level. The journey offers sweeping panoramic vistas of Big Bear Lake, San Bernardino National Forest, and distant mountain peaks, including Southern California’s highest summit, San Gorgonio.
At the top, you’ll find the Skyline Taphouse, where you can enjoy lunch, snacks, or a refreshing drink while soaking in unparalleled mountain views. For the best dining experience, place your order before ascending to avoid peak-hour crowds.
You have multiple descent options. You can ride the Sky Chair back down, hike the scenic mountain trails, or, for the more adventurous, rent a mountain bike and navigate downhill trails through the pines.
If you’re planning ahead, consider timing your ride during the golden hour—sunset rides are particularly stunning, with warm light spilling across the mountains and lake below.
Scenic Sky Chair Lift Ticket prices are reasonable: adults pay $25 for a round trip, while children and seniors can ride for $10.
Even better, each paying adult can bring up to two children for free. Kids under 5 and seniors over 80 ride at no charge, though children must be accompanied by an adult.
To save, purchase tickets online at least 72 hours in advance and get up to 20% off regular pricing.
Big Bear’s Top Summer Festivals and Events
Summer in Big Bear blends sunshine, hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities with a lineup of events that bring everyone out.
If you’re planning a summer trip, these are some of the standout events and festivals worth timing it around:
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Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular – July 4th, 2025
This is one of the most anticipated summer events in Big Bear.
Every July 4th, as evening falls, thousands gather to watch a dazzling fireworks display that lights up the night sky for about 30 to 40 minutes, typically starting between 8:45 and 9:15 PM.
The best fireworks views come from the water—floating on a boat—or from scenic overlooks along hiking trails that rise above the lake.
Adding to the experience, local radio station KBHR broadcasts a patriotic musical soundtrack synchronized with the fireworks on 93.3 FM and 102.5 FM, making the celebration even more memorable.
For a VIP night, consider snagging tickets to the “Above the Boom” viewing party at the top of Snow Summit. You’ll get a Sky Chair ride to the summit, a delicious BBQ dinner, and a glass of bubbly (or sparkling cider if you’re under 21) while enjoying the fireworks from one of the best seats in town.
Tickets go fast when they drop in June, priced at $95 for adults, $55 for kids 5-12, and $25 for little ones under 4.
Keep in mind, personal fireworks are banned in Big Bear Valley, so leave the show to the professionals.
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Tough Mudder – Friday, September 5 to Sunday, September 7, 2025
Want to push your limits while contributing to a powerful cause this summer? Tough Mudder Big Bear 2025 is your chance to do just that.
Held at Bear Mountain Resort, the event offers two course lengths: a 5K packed with over a dozen high-intensity obstacles, and a more grueling 10K with 20+ challenges that demand serious grit. You’ll tackle steep mountain trails, cold water plunges, mud pits, rope climbs, and team-based tasks that demand strength, focus, endurance, and resilience.
Cross the finish line and you’ll be rewarded with a signature headband, event shirt, medal, and a fresh Double-Double from the In-N-Out Cookout Truck — a hard-earned feast.
If you’re not ready to take on the obstacle races, spectator passes start at $27.75 and grant you access to Mudder Village — a lively festival area with music, food, drinks, and great views of the action.
Part of the fees charged help support the Slave 2 Nothing Foundation, a nonprofit working to end substance abuse and human trafficking.
This post has only scratched the surface of what Big Bear offers during the summer months.
If you have more time to explore, stop by the Big Bear Discovery Center to learn about the region’s rich ecology, browse the charming gift shops in Big Bear Village for a unique souvenir, or take on the Highlander Adventure, a multi-day backcountry hiking experience scheduled for June 17–21, 2025.
You can also have a great time during a summer vacation in Big Bear by going horseback riding through the serene countryside, teeing off at the town’s golf course surrounded by breathtaking mountain views, birdwatching along the lake’s edge where over 250 species have been spotted, and attending outdoor concerts at various venues around town.
Get the Best Big Bear Summer Cabin Deals—Only at Sky High Cabins
After a long day of entertaining activities and events in Big Bear, you need a comfortable and cozy retreat to come back to. Our Big Bear cabin rental service can help with that. Sky High Cabins, #1 in Big Bear Cabin Rentals & Management, offers the best vacation rentals in Big Bear, including pet-friendly properties in the mountains and luxurious lakeview cabins.
Just imagine waking up in your Big Bear vacation rental to the sounds of birds chirping and a backdrop of pine trees reflecting off the water.
If you book your Big Bear holiday cabin directly with us, you’ll not only get the best rates available but also save on the extra fees and commissions charged by third-party rental services like Airbnb and VRBO.
Sky High Cabins also runs a property management service, which guarantees all our Big Bear rental cabins are kept in good condition, and we can provide personalized service to make your stay in Big Bear as comfortable and pleasurable as possible.
What are you waiting for? Reserve your Big Bear vacation cabin now, or if you have any inquiries about any of our Big Bear cabins that you need addressed before making a booking, contact us at 909-366-0706 or fill out our online contact form. We will be glad to help!
