The Cabin 89 trail in Big Bear Lake is a solid choice if you want a real workout with your dog without spending half the day driving around. The trail offers moderate to intermediate terrain for hikers, with steep and rocky sections that’ll get your heart rate up. If you’re on a bike, you’ll find those same challenging pitches worth tackling, though you’ll need to be comfortable handling the technical spots.

Dogs do well here, and you’ll see plenty of them during peak seasons. Just keep yours on a leash—it’s required and honestly makes sense given the elevation changes and rocky footing. The views of the surrounding landscape are genuinely nice, with the Big Bear Lake area showing off its best sides from various points along the route. The trail gets reasonably trafficked on weekends, so if you prefer quieter hiking, aim for weekday mornings.

One thing to know: this isn’t a gentle stroll. If your dog isn’t used to sustained elevation gain or rocky terrain, start with something easier in the Big Bear area and work up to this one. Bring plenty of water for both of you—there’s no shade for stretches, and the elevation means you’ll feel the sun. The steep and rocky sections aren’t just for show; they require solid footing on your dog’s part and yours.

Weather matters here too. Big Bear gets snow in winter, and the trail can be muddy or icy depending on the season. Spring and fall tend to be ideal for this hike. Once you finish, you’re close to the main Big Bear village area if you want to grab something to eat at one of the dog-friendly spots around town.