The best cycling routes around Big Bear City
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Touring cycling around Big Bear City offers diverse terrain within the San Bernardino Mountains. The region features Big Bear Lake, surrounded by shorelines and the alpine scenery of the San Bernardino National Forest. Cyclists can find routes ranging from paved lakeside paths to challenging mountain ascents with significant elevation gains.
Best touring cycling routes around Big Bear City
- 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. This route combines scenic lakeside riding with views of Baldwin Lake.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Cougar Crest Trailhead – Wooden path Stanfield Marsh loop from Big Bear Lake, a moderate 18.0 miles (29.0 km) path. This route offers views of Big Bear Lake and passes through marshland areas.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Wooden path Stanfield Marsh – Cougar Crest Trailhead loop from Big Bear Alpine Zoo, a 9.5 miles (15.2 km) trail leading through marshland and along the lake, often completed in about 55 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Big Bear City is defined by Big Bear Lake, the San Bernardino National Forest, and mountain views. The network offers options for various ability levels, from easy lakeside rides to more challenging mountain climbs.
- The routes in Big Bear City are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.1 stars from nearly 20 reviews. More than 190 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Big Bear City's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 29, 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 in Big Bear City?
There are over 10 touring cycling routes around Big Bear City, offering a variety of experiences. The komoot community has explored more than 14 routes in the area.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes around Big Bear City?
Touring cycling around Big Bear City offers diverse terrain. You'll find everything from paved, mostly flat lakeside paths like the Wooden path Stanfield Marsh – Cougar Crest Trailhead loop from Big Bear Solar Observatory to more challenging mountain ascents with significant elevation gains within the San Bernardino National Forest. The region is known for its alpine scenery with Ponderosa Pines and stunning mountain views.
Are there any easy touring cycling routes suitable for families or beginners?
Yes, Big Bear City has several easy routes perfect for families and beginners. The Wooden path Stanfield Marsh – Cougar Crest Trailhead loop from Big Bear Alpine Zoo is an easy 9.5-mile (15.2 km) trail that leads through marshland and along the lake. The Alpine Pedal Path, a paved trail along the northern shoreline of Big Bear Lake, is also ideal for a relaxing, car-free experience.
Can I find challenging routes for experienced touring cyclists?
Absolutely. Big Bear City attracts experienced cyclists with its rigorous climbs and high altitude. Routes like the Big Bear and Baldwin Lake loop offer a moderate challenge over 30.9 miles (49.8 km) with notable elevation changes. For even more advanced riders, routes tackling Onyx Summit are known for significant elevation gains, and the Skyline Ridge Trail (2N10) provides scenic views with challenging terrain.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes around Big Bear City?
Yes, many of the popular touring cycling routes in Big Bear City are circular. For example, the Big Bear and Baldwin Lake loop is a 30.9-mile (49.8 km) route that circles both lakes. Another option is the Cougar Crest Trailhead – Wooden path Stanfield Marsh loop from Big Bear Lake, which is a moderate 18.0-mile (29.0 km) circular path.
What natural features or landmarks can I see along the touring cycling routes?
Big Bear City's touring cycling routes offer stunning natural beauty. You'll frequently encounter the iconic Big Bear Lake and its shorelines, as well as the alpine scenery of the San Bernardino National Forest. Notable landmarks and natural features include Wooden path Stanfield Marsh, Baldwin Lake, and various viewpoints like Grand Viewpoint, San Bernardino National Forest. You might also spot Castle Rock or Crystal Mountain.
Is Big Bear City suitable for touring cycling with dogs?
While Big Bear City is generally dog-friendly, specific regulations for dogs on cycling trails can vary. It's always best to check local signage or the San Bernardino National Forest's official guidelines regarding pets on trails before heading out. Many paved paths around the lake are suitable for leashed dogs, but some natural surface trails may have restrictions.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Big Bear City?
The best time for touring cycling in Big Bear City is typically from late spring through early fall (May to October) when the weather is mild and trails are clear of snow. During these months, you'll experience pleasant temperatures and full access to the diverse network of paths and roads. Winter cycling is possible, but some higher elevation routes may be inaccessible due to snow and ice.
Where can I park when planning a touring cycling trip in Big Bear City?
Parking is generally available at various trailheads and public access points around Big Bear City. For routes around Big Bear Lake, you can often find parking near popular areas like the Alpine Pedal Path or near the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, which serves as a starting point for routes like the Wooden path Stanfield Marsh – Cougar Crest Trailhead loop. Always look for designated parking areas to ensure compliance with local regulations.
Are there any permits required for touring cycling in the Big Bear City area?
Generally, no specific permits are required for touring cycling on most public roads and designated bike paths in Big Bear City. However, if you plan to venture onto certain Forest Service roads or specific mountain biking trails within the San Bernardino National Forest, it's advisable to check with the local ranger station for any potential permit requirements or restrictions that might apply to those specific areas.
What do other touring cyclists say about their experience in Big Bear City?
The touring cycling routes in Big Bear City are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.1 stars from nearly 20 reviews. Cyclists often praise the stunning lake views, the variety of terrain from easy lakeside rides to challenging mountain climbs, and the overall natural beauty of the San Bernardino National Forest.
Are there places to stop for refreshments or food along the routes?
Yes, Big Bear City offers various options for refreshments and food. Many routes, especially those around Big Bear Lake, pass through or near areas with cafes, restaurants, and shops where you can refuel. Local bike shops are also available for service, repairs, and equipment, often providing a good starting point or mid-ride stop.
What wildlife might I encounter while cycling in Big Bear City?
While cycling in Big Bear City, especially within the San Bernardino National Forest, you might encounter various wildlife. Common sightings include squirrels, chipmunks, and a variety of bird species. Keep an eye out for deer, and occasionally, you might spot larger animals like coyotes or even bears, though they typically avoid human contact. Always maintain a respectful distance and do not feed wildlife.
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