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Big
Bear offers the best hiking in Southern California. From
logging roads to trails to cross country jaunts, there
is a path for everyone who enjoys seeing nature on their
own two feet. Big Bear features many different microclimates.
While the general climate is Alpine, large areas in the
East Valley and in Cactus Flats have High Desert climate
and scattered throughout the valley are pockets of marshes,
springs, meadows and wetlands. Few places on Earth offer
as much habitat diversity as are available in Big Bear.
When hiking, remember that weather in the mountains can change suddenly.
Clouds can form with little warning any afternoon in the summer. Heat
is sometimes extreme on treeless trails and when it turns dark the temperature
drops rapidly. Always carry water, even if only a short hike is planned.
Carry a sweater or sweatshirt even if the day is hot. The sun is a major
element due to the elevation. Sunscreen is recommended and a hat is necessary.
Proper footwear is essential as the mountainous trails are often rock
covered. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
Pay attention to the degree of difficulty of the trail you are taking.
Strenuous means just what it says, especially when combined with the
weather and altitude of the area.
The
most famous hiking trail in the Valley is probably the Pacific
Crest Trail. This trail runs from Mexico
to Canada and the section that runs through Big Bear
is easily accessible from a number of points and can
then be hiked as a day hike. This is a good trail because
it is so well marked and because even in the Valley it
goes through a number of microclimates and terrains.
A book or map is necessary in order to find access points
and a car or contact needs to be waiting at your exit
point.
Hiking
trail maps and books are available from
Edelweiss Books in the Village on Village Drive (909/866-7734).
Edelweiss Books also carries books on local flora,
fauna and history that add enjoyment to a hike.
One
of the best resources for hiking information is the Big
Bear Discovery
Center in Fawnskin on HWY 38/North Shore
Drive (909/866-3437). This information center is run
by the Forest Service and is the center for information
on the use of the surrounding National Forest. Exhibits
at the discovery center offer information about every
aspect of our natural wonderland. The gift shop has excellent
hiking and biking maps and books on local flowers, trees
and animals. Much information about hiking is available
free at the Discovery Center. Trails are graded according
to difficulty.
For
an easy family hike, try the Woodland Trail. This is
a 1½ mile loop is an interpretive trail that offers
a self-guided tour of this dry-woodland area. The trail
starts off HWY 38 about .2 miles west of Stanfield Cutoff
and is well marked and has plenty of parking at the trail
head.
For
another easy hike that is farther from civilization,
try the Champion Lodgepole Pine Trail. This hike is through
a forest of Jeffrey Pines, Lodgepole Pines and White
Firs. The trail is about a half a mile long and ends
at one of the largest Lodgepole Pines in California.
There is a small stream and meadows in this area, so
the vegetation is lush and satisfying to experience.
This is also a self-guided trail with stations of information
for those who are interested in knowing the names of
trees and plants in this area. To get to this trail,
take Mill Creek Road (Forest Road 2N10) for approximately
4½ miles. Stay to the right on 2N11 and continue
for another mile to the well-marked trail head. If it
has been raining, the road may be too rough for non-four
wheel drive vehicles.
A
moderate hike with beautiful views of Big Bear Lake at
the summit, Gray's Peak Trail is highly recommended.
This 7 mile round trip hike begins across from the Grout
Bay Picnic area in Fawnskin (1/2 mil west of Fawnskin
on HWY 38). This a steady uphill climb through dry forest
with rewarding scenery all the way.
Maps
to these an other trails are available at the Discovery
Center and at Alpine Sports Center (909/866-7541). But
pre-set trails are not the only way to hike the area.
The National Forest surrounding Big Bear is loaded with
dirt roads that lead to more dirt roads. Often these
tracks are completely isolated and run through some of
the most beautiful parts of the forest. Some are accessible
by the family car and others require a 4-wheel drive
vehicle, but they all lead into the wilderness experience.
Families with small children may find this a better way
to access the forest. Drive in, spread the blanket and
picnic. Hike up and down the road you came in on. Chances
are you wont see another person the whole afternoon.
Many forest roads cross streams and small marshlands
which attract wildlife.
There
is a fee for using the forest. It is called the Adventure
Pass. The Forest Service requires this $40 annual or
$5 day pass to be visible in all cars parked in the National
Forest. Passes can be purchased at the Discovery Center
and at other sporting goods outlets.
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