The alpine playground of Big Bear Lake sparkles in the San Bernardino National Forest, 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles. Skiers and snowboarders swish down the slopes at Snow Summit and Bear Mountain. Alpine Slide is a favorite for snow tubing. Local parks and trails promise countless dog-friendly activities, too. Start your journey at the Big Bear Visitor Center, a great resource for maps, lift tickets and local recommendations.
Survey the Big Bear Lake scene on the Alpine Pedal Path, a paved, 2.5-mile lakeside trail that passes the Big Bear Solar Observatory and the Big Bear Discovery Center. (Watch the center’s schedule for occasional pet-friendly events.) To access parking for the nearby Woodland Trail, the forest-lined Pine Knot Trail and many other local hikes, pick up an Adventure Pass ($5 per day or $30 per year) at the discovery center or the visitor center.
The Big Bear Discovery Center leads seasonal snowshoeing tours, and staffers there can recommend U.S. Forest Service routes good for self-guided snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Goldsmith’s Sports has snowshoe and gear rentals to help you hit the trails. For more mellow outings with your pup, Meadow Park on the lake’s northern shore has a dedicated bark park with tunnels, platforms and space for dogs to run.
Big Bear Lake welcomes winter travelers with many pet-friendly motels, resorts and rental properties. Whether you immerse yourself in nature or stay right in town, you’re never far from snow-dusted trails. The cozy Black Forest Lodge and the Holiday Inn Resort Lodge at Big Bear Lake accommodate dogs, while Meredith Lodging, Resort Town Rentals and Big Bear Lakefront Cabins connect families traveling with four-legged guests to rental cabins and homes of all sizes.
