Big Bear Lake sits at 6,752 feet in the San Bernardino Mountains, about two hours from Los Angeles and San Diego. It's one of Southern California's most underrated mountain biking destinations — close enough for a weekend trip, with real trails that'll actually challenge you.
For SoCal local riding options, also check out our Greer Ranch + McCain Valley guide for a gnarly two-wheel day closer to San Diego.
Sky Park at Bear Mountain
The main destination for lift-accessed riding at Big Bear is Snow Summit / Sky Park at Bear Mountain. In summer, the resort opens bike trails with lift access — no shuttle hassle, just load your bike on the chairlift and go. The terrain mixes mellow flow trails with steeper technical options, and the views of the lake from the top are worth the trip alone.
Skill levels: the resort caters to beginners through advanced, so it's a solid option for riding with people of mixed abilities.
Castle Rock Trail
If you want to earn your descent, Castle Rock Trail is a classic Big Bear climb with panoramic views and rock features throughout. It's a pedal-up kind of trail — no lift here — but the payoff is real. Technical, scenic, and a legitimate workout.
Snow Summit Bike Park Trails
The bike park has designated flow trails and jump lines that are well-maintained and fun for lapping. If you're bringing kids or newer riders, the easier green/blue runs at Snow Summit are confidence-builders that still deliver on fun.
Grandview Loop
For a less resort-centric option, the Grandview Loop is a classic Big Bear XC route that gives you a taste of the whole mountain. Mix of fire road and singletrack with consistent views of the San Bernardino National Forest.
Trip Planning Notes
Big Bear is snow-covered in winter, so the riding window is roughly May through October. Weekends get crowded in summer — aim for a Thursday/Friday trip if you can swing it. There are good rentals at the base of Snow Summit if you don't want to haul your bike up the mountain.
Camping options range from full hookup RV sites around the lake to dispersed camping in the national forest. Bear Mountain Lodge and the various vacation rentals around Big Bear Village are solid base camp options.
Gear Up
Big Bear riding calls for the right outfit. Browse the mountain bike t-shirt collection — designed by riders who know what it feels like to earn a summit and then send it back down.