Discover the Mountain Top Loop trail at the summit of Snow Summit in Big Bear Lake, San Bernardino County. This one-mile roundtrip hike starts and ends at Skyline Taphouse, making it easy to grab food and drinks before or after your walk. The trail offers a moderate incline and decline with stunning panoramic views at an elevation of 8,200 feet. You’ll trek through pine forests and alpine meadows with mountains visible in nearly every direction.

The elevation gain is noticeable but manageable for dogs in decent shape. The trail is well-maintained and clearly marked, which helps when you’re navigating the switchbacks. At the top, the views extend across Big Bear Lake and the surrounding peaks—on clear days you can see quite far. The whole loop takes most people between 45 minutes and an hour depending on pace and how long you linger at the summit.

The fact that the trailhead sits right at Skyline Taphouse is genuinely convenient. If your dog gets tired or you want to break up the hike, you can grab a table on their patio and rest before heading back. They’re dog-friendly and have water available. The trail itself is shaded in many sections, which helps on warmer days, though it’s cooler up here than in the valley below.

The main thing to know is that this gets busy on weekends, especially during summer and fall when the weather is nice. If you prefer a quieter experience, go early in the morning or on a weekday. Water sources aren’t reliable along the trail, so bring enough for both you and your dog. The terrain is rocky in spots and can be steep, so sturdy paws and good boots matter.