BIG BEAR LAKE, CALIFORNIA, USA - Tucked into a beautiful valley - or in other words, surrounded by mountains - Big Bear offers some fabulous hiking experiences that will really burn the calories. There's no need for a stair climber when you've got incredible hiking trails, and some of Southern California's most scenic areas.

As this is mountain country, most of the hikes range in the intermediate to advanced levels - you have to go up at some point. Two notable exceptions can be found on the north shore of Big Bear Lake. The Alpine Pedal Path, which runs for 3.5 miles, is an almost flat paved path that meanders along the scenic shoreline. Walkers and bikers share the path while enjoying the wildlife and nature viewing opportunities that abound along the shore.

Not far away (in fact you could take the Alpine Pedal Path to get there) is the Woodland Interpretive Trail. While there are very slight elevation gains, at less than 2 miles, this is a beginner's hike suitable for all fitness levels. Brochures available at the trailhead or at the Big Bear Discovery Center will point out native plants, wildlife and points of interest along the way.

Champion Lodgepole Pine Trail, Bluff Creek Trail, Siberia Creek Trail

Another easy, short, flat hike is the Champion Lodgepole Pine Trail, although you will have to drive over some rough dirt roads to get to the trailhead. A four wheel drive vehicle or even a regular car or van that's not too low to the ground should be able to make the trip without trouble. You'll be rewarded with the site of one of the world's largest Lodgepole Pine tree and a beautiful meadow (in spring it's covered with wildflowers). An interpretive brochure is available at the trailhead and at the Discovery Center.

The Bluff Mesa Trail begins where the Champion Lodgepole Pine Trail ends and travels in a northerly direction for .4 miles, ending at the popular Bluff Mesa Group Camp. This continuation trail is easy and recommended for families who would like a leisurely walk through the beautiful woods. To get to the Champion Lodgepole Pine Trailhead, on the south side of Big Bear Lake, drive up Mill Creek Road (Forest Road 2N10) for 4.5 miles, turn right on 2N11 and continue for 1 mile to the trailhead. It's a gentle walk down a path to the trail's star -- the Champion Lodgepole Pine, one of the largest known Lodgepole pines in California.

The nearby Siberia Creek Trail's terrain ranges from easy to extremely difficult. Park at the same trailhead as the Championship Lodgepole Pine Trail, passing the turn-off for the tree. You will traverse and then parallel trickling Siberia Creek for 1.5 miles until you reach the "Gunsight." This rock formation is two huge boulders which were named because they resemble the massive rear gunsight of a rifle. Up to this point the hike is a gentle downhill walk - but remember you must walk uphill to get back. After Gunsight, the trail, which is not maintained by the Forest Service, gets difficult and is only recommended for those in very good shape. The trail has been obliterated in some place by rockslides and it gets very steep with an elevation change of 3,000 feet.

Cougar Crest Trail/Bertha Peak

Also on the north shore of Big Bear Lake is Cougar Crest Trail which starts .6 mile west of the Discovery Center on Hwy. 38. You will walk through a wide variety of natural environments during the 5 mile round trip hike. It's a gentle to moderate uphill climb all the way until the Cougar Crest Trail meets up with the world famous 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail, that runs from Mexico to Canada (39 of those 2,650 miles run through Bear Valley).

Those wanting to kick up their workout should continue on to Bertha Peak, easily recognized by its collection of radio and satellite towers. From the Cougar Crest/Pacific Crest trail juncture continue east (towards the trail on the right) .6 of a mile. While this portion of the hike starts gently, be prepare for some really steep climbs to reach the summit where you'll be rewarded with a spectacular 360-degree view of Bear Valley, Holcomb Valley and the Mojave Desert.

Gray's Peak Trail

A moderate 7 mile round trip hike with beautiful views of Big Bear Lake at the summit, Gray's Peak Trail begins across from the Grout Bay Picnic area in Fawnskin (1/2 mil west of Fawnskin on HWY 38). The trail is a moderate a steady uphill climb through gorgeous forests, while keeping the lake and valley in view frequently from spectacular vistas. Be aware this trail is closed from November 1 to April 1, as American Bald Eagles call the area home during these months.

Castle Rock Trail

This is a short, 2 mile round trip, hike that will nonetheless get your heart going. Some of the climbs, especially at the beginning, are fairly steep. We rate this hike intermediate to advanced. The marked trail starts up a steep forested gully, cut by a running stream (except in dry years like now, 2008). The trail covers a wide variety of terrains including lush forests, desert like sands and awe inspiring huge granite rock gardens. It ends at the appropriately named Castle Rock, overlooking Bear Valley and Big Bear Lake far below. Find the Castle Rock trailhead on Highway 18, 1 mile east of Big Bear Dam or 3 miles west of Big Bear Lake Village. There is very limited parking on the south side of the highway 50 yards east of the trailhead.

Pine Knot Trail to Grandview Point

My personal favorite trail in Big Bear, the 6 mile round trip is, for the most part, shaded by lush forests, as it climbs to the aptly named Grand View Point at an altitude of over 7,700 feet - picnic spots don't get any more impressive than this folks. From here you get a great view of the San Gorgonio Wilderness area, as well as Hwy. 38 as it winds up the mountain toward Bear Valley. The trip back provides incredible panoramic views of Big Bear Lake. The trail begins at the Aspen Glen Picnic Area. For the first mile and a half, hikers share the trail with equestrians and mountain bikers.

Practicalities

Vehicles parked on National Forest land (and almost all trailheads are) for recreational purposes must display an Adventure Pass. These areas include dispersed land, trailheads, roads, highways and turnouts. The pass available at the Big Bear Discovery Center or at retailers all over town.

The Big Bear Discovery Center is a great place to get hiking maps and information. Find the facility on North Shore Drive, Highway 38 in Big Bear Lake. Visit their website at www.bigbeardiscoverycenter.com or call 909.382.2790 for more details.

For more information about Big Bear in general, to book accommodations, or to request a Visitors Guide, visit the Big Bear Resort Association's website at www.bigbear.com or call 1-800-4-BIG-BEAR.

More About Big Bear

• Big Bear -- Southern California's Only 4 Season Alpine Resort
• The Big Bear Discovery Center - Gateway to Mountain Adventures
• Fun on Big Bear Lake
  
• Discovering Bear Valley History with Big Bear Off Road Adventures
• The Moonridge Animal Park -- A Zoo with a Difference and a Really Big Heart
• Golfing in Big Bear
• Hiking In Big Bear
• Fishing Big Bear Lake
• Mountain Biking in Big Bear
• Strange Happenings at the Captain's Anchorage
• Where to Eat in Big Bear
• Where to Stay in Big Bear
• Camping & RVing in Big Bear