Howdy, adventurers! If you’re planning a family getaway to beautiful Big Bear Lake in California, you’re in for a two-wheeled treat. If you’re looking for thrilling outdoor activities, exploring Big Bear’s best biking trails is a must! Big Bear Lake offers a range of biking routes that cater to all skill levels, making it an ideal destination for families seeking adventure.

Strap on your helmets, because I’m about to spill the beans on the absolute best places to ride that’ll have your family grinning from ear to ear. Get ready to create unforgettable memories, enjoy the scenery, and have some fun in the Big Bear Valley!

The Alpine Pedal Path is a fantastic option for families looking for a leisurely and scenic biking adventure. At just over 2.5 miles, this paved trail hugs the shoreline of Big Bear Lake, starting at Stanfield Cutoff and ending just past Big Bear’s Solar Observatory. Once you reach the end you can easily turn around and head back while enjoying the stunning views of the sparkling water and surrounding mountains from a new perspective. The trail is mostly flat, wide and well paved making it easy for riders of all ages and abilities. Benches along the way give you a chance to relax and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.

As you pedal along, you’ll pass the Big Bear Discovery Center which is a great place to learn more about the area and has some great displays that you and the kids can enjoy. You might also consider a lakeside picnic or a photoshoot to make it a family activity you’ll always remember. Total riding time from Goldsmith’s Sports is about 2 hours, though give yourself more time if you plan on sightseeing. Pro tip: Keep an eye out for local wildlife—the squirrels here are the true masters of pinecone munching!

View The Alpine Pedal Path on Google

For those seeking a mix of nature and adventure, with maybe a little eating and shopping, the Towne Trail is a great choice. This 2.5-mile off-road trail ascends about 300 feet along the ride and starts from the base of Snow Summit Ski Resort. It can be a little tricky to find the trailhead, as it’s tucked just to the right of the main building of Snow Summit’s ticketing area. Just look for a white gate with a little wooden shed next to it, with a dirt trail leading behind the condos lining Snow Summits main parking lot. Hop on the Towne Trail and get ready for an adventure that’ll tickle your taste buds too.

Towne trail is an easy test of your mountain biking ability as the route leads up into the San Bernardino National Forest offering you great views of Big Bear Lake and tall pine trees providing shade along the way. Once you reach the end of the trail, you can turn right and continue down Forest Road 2N08 towards Nickerbocker Road and continue all the way to Big Bear’s best shopping and dining locations in The Village. Find lots of great options for lunch, including my favorites Oakside, Himalayan and Fire Rock Burgers. Once you’ve had your fill you can backtrack along Towne Trail, or take an easier route along Big Bear Blvd. All-in-all Towne Trail is a great way to get a little dirt under your wheels without heading too deep into the forest. It’s the perfect blend of nature and local charm. Should you want to keep the adventure going, heading up Forest Road 2N08 will connect you to many other trails, but fair warning, the going gets steep from there!

View Towne Trail on All Trails

For a scenic and family-friendly biking experience, don’t miss Lakeview Drive. This 3-mile paved road runs alongside Big Bear Lake, offering captivating views and easy riding conditions. The route takes you through some of the oldest neighborhoods in Big Bear and tranquil shorelines, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the area at a relaxed pace. Lakeview Drive is a great option for families who prefer a peaceful biking experience with minimal traffic. Though it is a designated bike route, this road can get busier on the weekend, so be sure to keep an eye on the kiddos and move over for traffic coming up behind you.

As you approach Lagunita Point along the way, you can head down to the shoreline and get some great views of the north shore and Gold Mountain on the east side of Big Bear Valley. Continuing west, you’ll pass Mallard Lagoon and eventually make it to the intersection of Edgemoore and Forest Road. Turing right you can continue your ride out onto Gilner Point, the site of Big Bear’s very first campsite back in 1845. Following Forest Road you’ll eventually find another little shoreline access road at the very end of the road. Take this chance to head out and get an even better view, this time of the west side of the lake looking towards the dam with Butler peak rising in the distance. If you look closely you can just make out the fire watch tower at the top. On your way back along Forest road, take note of the black sign labeling a small wood cabin on the lakeshore “Blanc.” This was Mel Blanc’s Big Bear retreat, and is still owned by his family. Yes, that Mel Blanc of Looney Toons fame, the voice of Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and many other characters. Did you know he even wrote a song about Big Bear?

Calling all thrill-seeking families!  If your family is up for a more challenging mountain biking adventure, Fire Road 2n10 won’t disappoint. This 8-mile forest road ascends deep into the San Bernardino National Forest and offers a thrilling off-road experience and gorgeous views along the way. The road features varying terrain, including some steep uphill sections, providing a great opportunity for older children and experienced riders to test their skills. But fear not, brave adventurers, because the reward is worth it—unforgettable mountain vistas and forests that seem plucked from a fairytale. The stunning mountain vistas and lush forests make Fire Road 2n10 a memorable biking adventure for the entire family.

Once you hit the dirt portion of this ride, you can continue for a long way. So just keep in mind that the road will keep going further than most folks are ready for on a vacation. A good stopping point is a natural spring gushing out of the mountain just past the intersection of Osita Camp Road (marked as Forest Road 2n17). Once you this intersection (where there is a convenient map posted on the road) continue up on 2N10 just a bit further until you reach a small parking area on the left side of the road lined with logs. Just a stone’s throw from the parking area is a crystal clear stream of fresh water gushing from a pipe coming out of the mountain. Cool off, and get the dust off your face with a splash of this super clear (and cold!) water before heading back down all those steep hills you climbed up to get here. Pro tip: Keep an eye on the weather and pack some extra snacks. You never know when you’ll need an energy boost to conquer those hills!

Now, I can’t send you on these biking adventures without mentioning the fine folks at Goldsmiths Sports. Need to gear up with some wheels? Look no further! Goldsmiths Sports has a full fleet of quality bike rentals, perfect for every member of your family. From tiny tots to seasoned riders, they’ve got you covered. Swing by their shop, conveniently located near Big Bear Lake, and let their friendly staff guide you to the perfect family bike rental. Goldsmiths also offers electric bike rentals making all those hilly parts of the ride so much easier. Consider splurging (just a bit) on an ebike and your legs will thank you!

So there you have it, fellow adventurers! Big Bear Lake is a pedaling paradise just waiting for your family to explore. From the scenic Alpine Pedal Path and the charming Town Trail to the thrilling Fire Road 2n10 and the serene Lakeview Drive, there’s something for everyone. Remember to visit Goldsmiths Sports for your bike rental needs and make the most of your family biking excursion. Get ready to create unforgettable memories amidst the natural beauty of Big Bear Lake!