The hiking trails are definitely for the dogs in Big Bear Lake! With 100 miles of trails, you can choose your adventure based on location, degree of difficulty and preferred terrain—think pine scented forests, high desert vistas and majestic meadows. And thanks to the sheer vastness of the trail network, the opportunities to find peace and solitude with your furry best friends are endless.
Easy trails: Perfect for pups and families
If you’ve got kids in tow or simply want a mellower trek, Woodland Trail offers a gentle 1.5-mile loop with views of Southern California’s highest peak, Mount San Gorgonio. The mostly flat, well-maintained path winds through a shady pine forest, making it a great choice on warmer days when your pup needs some relief from the sun. Parking is available at the Aspen Glen Picnic Area, and the trail is rarely crowded on weekday mornings.
Another easy loop, the 2.5-mile Towne Trail starts at Snow Summit and winds through the south shore woodlands delivering lake views all along the way. The wide, well-graded path is comfortable for dogs of all sizes, and you’ll find benches along the route for water breaks. Spring and fall are especially gorgeous here, with wildflowers or golden foliage framing the views.
Challenging hikes: For adventurous dogs and their humans
For a more invigorating challenge with greater elevation gain, tackle the 7-mile Cougar Crest Trail to Bertha Peak. The sweeping views at the top will surely knock your socks off! Start early to beat the heat—the exposed upper sections get warm by midday in summer. Bring at least a liter of water per person and a collapsible bowl for your dog. The trailhead parking lot off Highway 38 fills up by mid-morning on weekends, so aim for a sunrise start.
Castle Rock Trail off Highway 18 is popular with experienced hikers for good reason—while only 2.5 miles, the difficult trail weaves through granite outcroppings and densely wooded terrain leading up to the namesake Castle Rock. The footing can be rocky and uneven, so this one is best suited for sure-footed dogs who are used to rugged terrain. The payoff at the summit is a jaw-dropping 360-degree panorama of the valley below.
Trail tips and need-to-knows
An Adventure Pass is required for parking at any trailhead or recreation area operated by the U.S. Forest Service; you can purchase a day pass at the Big Bear Visitors Center. The best hiking seasons are late spring through early fall, though higher-elevation trails may still have snow into May. Summer weekends bring the biggest crowds—if you prefer quieter trails, visit midweek or in September when the weather is still warm but the summer rush has eased.
Safety tip: Bring plenty of water and keep your dog on a leash at all times to protect them from wildlife. In warmer summer months, be sure they avoid sniffing around holes or areas where rattlesnakes might be cooling off. Watch for foxtails in grassy areas from late spring onward—they can embed in paws, ears, and noses.
