The best cycling routes around Big Bear Lake
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Touring cycling around Big Bear Lake offers diverse landscapes within the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California. The region is characterized by its high elevation, pine-covered roads, and the expansive Big Bear Lake, which serves as a central feature for many routes. Cyclists can explore varied terrain, from paved paths along the lake's shoreline to more challenging ascents into the surrounding San Bernardino National Forest.
Best touring cycling routes around Big Bear Lake
- The most popular touring cycling route is Big Bear and Baldwin Lake loop, a 30.9 miles (49.8 km) trail that takes 2 hours 55 minutes to complete, circling both Big Bear Lake and Baldwin Lake.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Stanfield Marsh Boardwalk – Alpine Pedal Path loop from Big Bear Lake, a moderate 16.4 miles (26.4 km) path offering scenic views along the northern shoreline and through the Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Wooden path Stanfield Marsh – Cougar Crest Trailhead loop from Big Bear Solar Observatory, a 5.6 miles (9.0 km) trail leading through forested areas and near the lake, often completed in about 1 hour 13 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Big Bear Lake is defined by its mountain setting, the expansive Big Bear Lake, and the surrounding San Bernardino National Forest. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy lakeside paths to more challenging routes with significant elevation gain.
- The routes in Big Bear Lake are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.1 stars from over 19 reviews. More than 211 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Big Bear Lake's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
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The Big Bear and Baldwin Lake loop offers a fantastic touring cycling experience, winding through diverse landscapes from the shores of Big Bear Lake to the unique marshlands near Baldwin Lake. You'll pedal along mostly paved roads, enjoying scenic views of ponderosa pines, mountain vistas, and even unique rock formations, with the popular Alpine Pedal Path providing a tranquil, car-free section along the north shore.
This moderate 31.0-mile (49.8 km) route, with 985 feet (300 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 2 hours and 55 minutes to complete. While the climbing is spread out, the high altitude of the Big Bear region adds to the challenge, making it a great option for intermediate cyclists. Be mindful of traffic on the south shore of Big Bear Lake, and always carry enough water for the high-elevation ride.
This popular Big Bear Lake cycling route is a highlight for touring cyclists, known for its comprehensive tour of the area's natural beauty. It combines the expansive Big Bear Lake with the quieter, higher-elevation Baldwin Lake, offering a lengthier journey without extreme vertical climbs. The region's history of hosting major cycling events underscores its appeal as a premier cycling destination.
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The Cougar Crest Trailhead – Wooden path Stanfield Marsh loop from Big Bear Lake offers a fantastic touring cycling experience, primarily along the paved Alpine Pedal Path. You'll enjoy continuous scenic views of Big Bear Lake and pass through the Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve, where you can spot various birds and even bald eagles in colder months. The route is mostly flat, making it a relaxing ride through diverse landscapes of lakeside vistas and forested areas.
This moderate 18.0-mile (29.0 km) loop involves a gentle 748 feet (228 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 1 hour and 44 minutes to complete. While the Cougar Crest Trailhead is part of the name, this route focuses on the paved paths, which are ideal for touring bikes, unlike the rugged Cougar Crest Trail itself. Remember that biking is generally not permitted on the Stanfield Marsh Boardwalk, so plan to walk that section.
This route is one of the most popular cycling trails in Big Bear Lake for its accessibility and stunning natural beauty. It's a great option for families or anyone seeking a leisurely ride with high scenic payoff. The Alpine Pedal Path also connects to the Big Bear Discovery Center, offering additional exploration opportunities in the area.
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The "Wooden path Stanfield Marsh – Cougar Crest Trailhead loop from Big Bear Lake" is a tale of two trails, offering a diverse cycling experience around Big Bear Lake. You'll glide along the paved Alpine Pedal Path, enjoying serene lake views and the chance to spot waterfowl at Stanfield Marsh, before encountering the rugged, singletrack Cougar Crest Trail with its Sierra juniper trees and panoramic vistas of the San Bernardino National Forest. This route combines easy, family-friendly sections with more demanding mountain biking terrain, providing a varied journey through pine-covered landscapes.
For logistics, the Alpine Pedal Path is easily accessible from the Stanfield Cutoff bridge or the Big Bear Discovery Center, while the Cougar Crest Trailhead is nearby on North Shore Drive. Be aware that Big Bear Lake's high elevation can make the Cougar Crest Trail's significant climbs more challenging. If you're hoping to see bald eagles and other birds, plan your visit to Stanfield Marsh between November and April.
This route is notable for its blend of accessibility and challenge, making it a unique option among cycling routes Big Bear Lake. While the paved sections are perfect for a leisurely touring cycling experience, the Cougar Crest Trail offers a "Black Diamond" climb difficulty for mountain bikers, showcasing the region's diverse natural features. It's a great way to experience both the tranquil lakeside and the rugged mountain environment in one outing.
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The Alpine Pedal Path – Cougar Crest Trailhead loop from Big Bear Solar Observatory offers a fascinating contrast, starting with the smooth, paved Alpine Pedal Path that hugs the north shore of Big Bear Lake, providing tranquil views and opportunities for birdwatching. As you transition to the Cougar Crest Trail, the scenery shifts dramatically to rugged singletrack with embedded rocks and roots, ascending through juniper trees to reveal panoramic vistas of Big Bear Lake and the San Bernardino Mountains. This route is a true journey through varied landscapes, from lakeside serenity to challenging mountain terrain.
Planning your visit means preparing for two distinct experiences. The Alpine Pedal Path is easily accessible from the Big Bear Solar Observatory, offering gentle cycling for all skill levels. The Cougar Crest Trail, however, demands more, connecting via an underpass beneath Highway 38. Parking is available at both ends, and while the paved path is enjoyable year-round, the higher elevations of Cougar Crest are best explored when free of snow, with summer offering wildflowers and cooler months providing prime bald eagle viewing along the lake.
This 14.1-mile (22.8 km) touring cycling loop, with its 934 feet (285 metres) of elevation gain and estimated duration of 1 hour and 49 minutes, is rated difficult due to the challenging nature of the Cougar Crest section. It's a standout among Big Bear cycling routes for its unique combination of an easy, scenic lakeside ride and a technical mountain climb, making it ideal for experienced cyclists seeking a diverse workout or those who enjoy a mix of paved and rugged trails.
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Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The Alpine Pedal Path is a 3-mile paved path along the north shore of Big Bear Lake. The path is popular with cyclists, as well as walkers and runners.
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Baldwin Lake is a smaller lake located next to Big Bear Lake, sitting at an elevation of 7,000 feet. While not as large or famous as Big Bear Lake, Baldwin Lake is home to a unique plant called Baldwin Lake linanthus. This rare flowering plant belongs to the phlox family and thrives at elevations between 5,600 to 7,900 feet.
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Here you can ride your bike or walk along the footbridge on Big Bear Boulevard.
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The Stanfield Marsh Boardwalk is a lovely 1.6-mile path along Baker's Pond, located at Stanfield Marsh and Wildlife Preserve. This peaceful boardwalk offers fantastic wildlife-watching opportunities, with views of birds such as ducks, geese, herons, and even Bald Eagles. The preserve, situated at the intersection of Stanfield Cutoff and Big Bear Boulevard, features easy access with parking available at the corner or along the bridge. The boardwalk is also dog-friendly, but biking is not allowed. You can lock your bikes at the parking area, take a break from the saddle, and stroll down the boardwalk.
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The Rim of the World Scenic Byway stretches 110 miles through the San Bernardino Mountains. This route, also known as North Shore Drive, hugs Big Bear Lake and offers stunning views along cliffs and rolling hills. It's a great road for cycling, featuring both challenging terrain and flat stretches suitable for cyclists of all skill levels.
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Shelter Cove is part of Grout Bay and lies just behind Windy Point. There's a picnic area nearby with access to the lake, and the nearby market in Fawnskin is a good spot for picnic items.
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The campground has a bathroom and one large campsite intended to accommodate up to 40 people and 8 vehicles. You can RV or tent camp here. Reservations are available from Recreation.gov.
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You can park along the dirt road to the trailhead where there are no "no parking" signs. The trail up Butler Peak is a fairly gradual rocky road that makes for a moderate hike.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Big Bear Lake?
There are 14 touring cycling routes around Big Bear Lake listed on komoot, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. These routes have been explored by over 211 touring cyclists.
Are there easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families in Big Bear Lake?
Yes, Big Bear Lake offers several easy routes perfect for beginners and families. The Wooden path Stanfield Marsh – Cougar Crest Trailhead loop from Big Bear Solar Observatory is a gentle 5.6-mile (9.0 km) ride through forested areas and near the lake. Another great option is the Wooden path Stanfield Marsh – Cougar Crest Trailhead loop from Big Bear Alpine Zoo, which is 9.5 miles (15.2 km) long and also rated easy.
What are some challenging touring cycling routes in the Big Bear Lake area?
For more advanced cyclists, the region offers routes with significant elevation gain. While not explicitly listed in the guide data, the area is known for challenging climbs like the Onyx Summit, which ascends to 8,442 feet. The Big Bear and Baldwin Lake loop, at 30.9 miles (49.8 km) with over 984 feet (300 m) of climbing, provides a good intermediate challenge.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Big Bear Lake?
Big Bear Lake enjoys over 330 days of sunshine annually, making it a great cycling destination for much of the year. The high elevation, averaging around 7,000 feet, provides a unique environment. Summer and fall typically offer ideal conditions with clear skies, though spring can also be pleasant. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes around Big Bear Lake?
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Big Bear Lake are loops. A popular option is the Big Bear and Baldwin Lake loop, which covers 30.9 miles (49.8 km) and circles both lakes. Another scenic loop is the Stanfield Marsh Boardwalk – Alpine Pedal Path loop from Big Bear Lake, a moderate 16.4-mile (26.4 km) path along the northern shoreline.
What kind of scenery can I expect on touring cycling routes in Big Bear Lake?
Cyclists can expect diverse scenery, from picturesque lake views along the shoreline to pine-covered roads within the expansive San Bernardino National Forest. Routes often feature views of the surrounding mountains and opportunities to spot wildlife, especially near areas like the Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve.
What are some interesting landmarks or attractions to see along the touring cycling routes?
Along your rides, you can explore several natural and cultural highlights. The Wooden path Stanfield Marsh offers a peaceful setting for wildlife viewing. You might also catch glimpses of Castle Rock, a popular hiking spot with panoramic lake views. For a break, 'The Village' in Big Bear Lake provides dining and shopping options, accessible via serene residential streets.
Are there touring cycling routes that are less crowded in Big Bear Lake?
While the Alpine Pedal Path is popular, the North Shore of Big Bear Lake generally experiences less traffic congestion than the South Shore, offering a potentially quieter cycling experience. Routes that venture further into the San Bernardino National Forest may also provide more solitude.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Big Bear Lake?
The touring cycling routes around Big Bear Lake are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.1 stars from over 19 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the region's diverse landscapes, from serene lake views to challenging mountain ascents, and the well-maintained paths that cater to various skill levels.
How long are the touring cycling routes around Big Bear Lake?
The routes vary significantly in length. You can find shorter, easy rides like the Wooden path Stanfield Marsh – Cougar Crest Trailhead loop from Big Bear Solar Observatory at 5.6 miles (9.0 km), which takes about 1 hour 13 minutes. Longer, more challenging routes, such as the Big Bear and Baldwin Lake loop, extend to 30.9 miles (49.8 km) and can take nearly 3 hours to complete.
Can I find coffee shops or places to eat along the touring cycling routes in Big Bear Lake?
Yes, Big Bear Lake's 'The Village' is a central hub for dining and tourist shopping, and it's accessible via bike routes through residential streets. Many routes pass near or through areas where you can find places to refuel and relax.
Are there any touring cycling routes that offer scenic viewpoints of Big Bear Lake?
Absolutely. Many routes, particularly those along the northern shoreline like the Stanfield Marsh Boardwalk – Alpine Pedal Path loop from Big Bear Lake, offer picturesque views of the lake. Additionally, the region is home to several viewpoints, such as Awesome views of Big Bear Lake, which can be incorporated into or accessed from various cycling paths.
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