Most people think of Big Bear as a winter town. Snow, sweaters, lift tickets stamped in February. But ask anyone who has clipped into a pedal here between June and October, and you will get the same answer twice. Mountain biking Big Bear in summer is the real reason to come back.
The lake sits at 6,743 feet. The forest opens up. The lifts at Snow Summit start spinning for bikes instead of skis, and over 100 miles of singletrack, fire road, and lakeside path turn into a playground for everyone from first-time downhillers to ridge-running cross-country riders. Add a post-ride beer at 8,200 feet and a chilaquiles plate on Big Bear Boulevard, and you have a weekend that earns its place on the calendar.
This guide is the version we wish we had on our first trip. It walks through the bike park trails worth lapping, the quieter singletrack on the north shore, where to rent the right bike, what to eat after you peel off the gloves, and how to build a 2 or 3 day itinerary that does not waste a single ride.
Why Summer is the Best Time to Mountain Bike Big Bear
Big Bear’s lift-served bike park typically runs from early June through late October, with weekends-only operations at the bookends and full weeks during peak summer. That window matters because it lines up with the cleanest dirt, the longest daylight, and the easiest weather to plan around.
A few numbers worth knowing before you go:
- Base elevation at Snow Summit: 6,800 ft
- Top of the lift / Skyline Taphouse: roughly 8,200 ft
- Snow Summit Bike Park trails: 10 official runs, mixed 20% beginner, 50% intermediate, 30% advanced
- Longest mapped bike-park run: Green Horn at 1.1 miles
- Total area mileage: 100+ miles of rideable terrain across forest, fire road, and singletrack
The combo of altitude and dry mountain air rewards early starts. Aim for first chair, eat lunch with a view, and you will be back in town with a beer in hand before the late-afternoon heat builds. That rhythm is what makes a long weekend here feel like a real reset.
Lift-Served Downhill: Snow Summit and Snow Valley Bike Parks
If this is your first time mountain biking Big Bear, ride the lifts. There is no faster way to log progression, and the two parks under Big Bear Mountain Resort give you very different flavors of gravity in a 20-minute drive.
Snow Summit Bike Park
The marquee park, and the one most people drive up for. Ten official trails, a steady mix of green flow, blue jump lines, and a couple of advanced rough-and-rocky descents. Green Horn at 1.1 miles is the longest mapped run on the mountain and the ideal warm-up. Party Wave is the trail you came for, with a jump section locals call Muscle Beach in the middle. Westridge is your tabletop progression line. Advanced riders will gravitate to Miracle Mile for natural, technical terrain. Plan on 8 to 12 laps in a good day if you are fit and the park is not crowded.
- Rating: 4.5 stars (3,576 reviews)
- Address: 880 Summit Blvd Suite B, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
- Phone: (844) 462-2327
- Summer hours: 9 AM to 4 PM weekends, 10 AM to 4 PM weekdays
- What to bring: full-face helmet, knee pads, and at least 140 mm of rear travel
- View on Google Maps
“This visit to Snow Summit in June was such a different but really enjoyable experience. Even without snow, the mountain still feels alive and full of activity, with a completely different summer energy compared to ski season.” (Marie P, Google review)
Snow Valley Mountain Resort
Twenty minutes down the mountain in Running Springs, Snow Valley is the smaller, lighter-crowd sibling. About 3 miles of trail accessed by a single lift, with a mix of lift-served and cross-country style riding. Locals come here when Snow Summit is packed on a Saturday or when they want a half-day that does not require pre-dawn planning.
- Rating: 4.4 stars (3,525 reviews)
- Address: 35100 CA-18 Suite A, Running Springs, CA 92382
- Phone: (844) 462-2327
- Best for: variety, lighter crowds, families easing into lift-served riding
- View on Google Maps
Where to Rent the Right Bike
Two solid options bracket the village, and both are within a short drive of every trailhead in this guide.
Big Bear Mountain Resort Village Center Station
The resort-operated rental shop, in the heart of the Village. Convenient if you are staying nearby and want to wheel straight onto the Alpine Pedal Path or grab a quick shuttle up to Snow Summit.
- Rating: 4.5 stars (4 reviews)
- Address: 40824 Big Bear Blvd B, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
- Phone: (909) 366-4980
- Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM daily
- View on Google Maps
Chains Required Bike Shop
The local-favorite independent shop. Same-day repairs, knowledgeable wrenches, and a quietly excellent rental fleet for park-ready trail and enduro bikes. The 4.9-star rating across nearly 300 reviews tells the whole story.
- Rating: 4.9 stars (295 reviews)
- Address: 41869 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
- Phone: (909) 878-3280
- Best for: serious riders, mid-trip repairs, full-suspension rentals
- View on Google Maps
Pro tip: Reserve full-suspension bikes a week ahead during peak summer and any holiday weekend. The popular sizes go fast.
Cross-Country and Singletrack Beyond the Bike Park
Snow Summit is the headline, but the cross-country network is what keeps riders coming back season after season. Over 100 miles of singletrack, dirt road, and ridge-top trail spread across the San Bernardino National Forest. Here are the rides worth building a day around.
Skyline Trail (the 2N10 corridor)
The signature Big Bear ridge ride. Skyline runs from the Moonridge side of town over 15 miles of dirt, sand, and pinyon pine forest, traversing the ridge above Big Bear Lake all the way past Bluff Lake Reserve. Rolling singletrack, frequent valley views, and short punchy climbs rather than one giant ascent.
- Style: classic XC and all-mountain
- Distance: pick your own. Short out-and-backs (8-10 miles) for intermediates, 20-30 mile epics for advanced riders
- Best access: Moonridge or via the Scenic Sky Chair at Snow Summit
- What to bring: 2+ liters of water, basic spares, an offline map
The big move here is to climb on fire road, traverse Skyline westward, and decide based on how the legs feel whether to turn around at the Grand View Loop junction or push on toward Bluff Lake.
Grand View Point
A worth-it detour off the Skyline corridor. Big, panoramic San Bernardino views that explain the name in about two seconds. Easy to reach via the Scenic Sky Chair and a short ride, which makes it the perfect golden-hour photo stop.
- Rating: 4.8 stars (19 reviews)
- Address: Angelus Oaks, CA 92305
- Best for: ridge-top views, sunset rides, a turnaround point on a longer Skyline day
- View on Google Maps
Bluff Lake Reserve
The western turn-around for an extended Skyline ride, and a destination in its own right. Pinyon pine forest opens into meadows around a small alpine lake, the kind of place that earns its 4.7-star rating quietly.
- Rating: 4.7 stars (102 reviews)
- Address: Mills Creek Rd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
- Best for: a quiet lunch stop on a long XC day, photography
- View on Google Maps
Hanna Flat Trail (north shore from Fawnskin)
The quieter side of the lake. Park in Fawnskin, ride up forest road 3N14 to the Hanna Flat Campground, then dive into the singletrack. About 4 miles with 548 ft of elevation gain on the loop itself, and a 4.5-star rating from riders who keep coming back. Intermediate-friendly, with steady flow and a few technical bits.
- Rating: 4.5 stars (297 reviews, Hanna Flat Campground listing)
- Address: 38198 Rim of the World Dr, Fawnskin, CA 92333
- Best for: a quieter trailhead, intermediate XC, easy parking
- View on Google Maps
Cougar Crest Trail
Locals call Cougar Crest one of the best trails in the area, and the climb-and-descent is genuinely fun. Rocky, rutted character, roots, and tight switchbacks that reward good line choice. It pairs naturally with Hanna Flat into a bigger north-shore loop if you know the connectors.
- Rating: 5.0 stars (5 reviews)
- Location: California 92314 (north shore, near the Discovery Center)
- Best for: technical climbers and riders who like a chewier descent
- View on Google Maps
Alpine Pedal Path (the family / recovery ride)
The mellow opposite of the bike park. A paved path along the north shore with constant lake and Snow Summit views, separated from traffic. Perfect for a first-morning altitude acclimation spin, an evening sunset cruise, or a low-stress option for the non-riders in your group.
- Rating: 4.7 stars (451 reviews)
- Address: 740 Stanfield Cutoff, Big Bear, CA 92314
- Best for: families, recovery days, kids on first pedals
- View on Google Maps
Where to Refuel After the Ride
Half the joy of mountain biking Big Bear is the meal you earned. These are the spots locals send out-of-towners to, ordered roughly by time of day.
Grizzly Manor Cafe (legendary breakfast)
The most famous breakfast in town for a reason. Massive plates, classic diner energy, 4.6 stars across nearly 2,800 reviews. The line moves but it does exist. Order the pancakes you cannot finish and get to the trailhead by 10.
- Rating: 4.6 stars (2,785 reviews)
- Address: 41268 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
- Phone: (909) 866-6226
- Best for: pre-ride fuel-up, classic diner breakfast
- View on Google Maps
Lumberjack Cafe (the no-line alternative)
When Grizzly is wrapping around the block, locals quietly walk into Lumberjack. Same kind of hearty breakfast, far less wait, 4.4 stars across 944 reviews. A good plan B that often becomes plan A on a second visit.
- Rating: 4.4 stars (944 reviews)
- Address: 1001 W Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear, CA 92314
- Phone: (909) 585-2129
- Best for: skipping the Grizzly line without sacrificing the calories
- View on Google Maps
Skyline Taphouse (the 8,200 ft lunch)
Ride or scenic-chair up to the top of Snow Summit and eat lunch with a view that nothing in town can match. You can reach Skyline Taphouse via the chairlift, the Bobsled trail, or by linking up Skyline singletrack. Even non-riders in your group will remember this stop.
- Rating: 4.3 stars (254 reviews)
- Address: 880 Summit Blvd Ste 1120, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
- Phone: (844) 462-2327
- Best for: mid-ride lunch at altitude, scenic chairlift dates
- View on Google Maps
Sonora Cantina (chilaquiles after a long day)
The chilaquiles get specifically called out by Big Bear food guides, and the 4.4-star rating across 1,200+ reviews backs it up. Easy Mexican comfort food after a long Skyline day, with margaritas to match.
- Rating: 4.4 stars (1,273 reviews)
- Address: 41144 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
- Phone: (909) 866-8202
- Order: chilaquiles, carnitas tacos, classic margarita
- View on Google Maps
Tropicali (lighter post-ride lunch)
The highest-rated spot on this list at 4.8 stars across nearly 2,900 reviews. Bowls, tacos, fresh fare, the kind of menu your body actually wants after a hot day at altitude. Friendly service, fast turnaround.
- Rating: 4.8 stars (2,872 reviews)
- Address: 40771 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
- Phone: (909) 878-0499
- Best for: a lighter post-ride lunch that does not nap you
- View on Google Maps
572 Social Kitchen and Lounge (patio beers)
Outdoor patio, real cocktail list, food that goes well with a long debrief about how you almost cleared the Muscle Beach jump. 4.3 stars across nearly 1,500 reviews, right in the heart of the Village.
- Rating: 4.3 stars (1,481 reviews)
- Address: 572 Pine Knot Ave, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
- Phone: (909) 878-0307
- Best for: post-ride patio time, a real cocktail
- View on Google Maps
The Pines Lakefront (sunset dinner)
When you want to put a proper bow on the day, The Pines sits right on the lake with summer-dinner views that justify the slightly higher tab. Solid menu, classic Big Bear lakefront experience.
- Rating: 4.1 stars (807 reviews)
- Address: 350 Alden Rd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
- Phone: (909) 866-5400
- Best for: golden-hour dinner with a lake view
- View on Google Maps
Captain’s Anchorage (old-school supper)
Old-school Big Bear supper-club energy, the kind of place that has been quietly feeding visitors for decades. Worth a sit-down dinner on a slower night, especially if your group includes someone who appreciates a proper steak and a piano-bar vibe.
- Rating: 4.4 stars (1,044 reviews)
- Address: 42148 Moonridge Way, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
- Phone: (909) 866-3997
- Best for: a traditional sit-down dinner
- View on Google Maps
A Sample 3-Day Mountain Biking Big Bear Itinerary
This is the rhythm we keep coming back to. It mixes bike park, cross-country, and a recovery spin without overloading any one day.
Day 1: Arrive and acclimate
- Late-morning arrival, pick up bikes at the Village Center Station or Chains Required
- Spin the Alpine Pedal Path for an hour to dial fitness at 6,800 ft and shake off the drive
- Dinner at Sonora Cantina or Tropicali
- Early night, your legs will thank you
Day 2: Bike park day at Snow Summit
- Breakfast at Grizzly Manor (or Lumberjack if the line is long)
- First chair at Snow Summit, warm up on Green Horn
- Progress to Westridge, then Party Wave with the Muscle Beach jumps
- Lunch at Skyline Taphouse, 8,200 ft, scenic chair both ways if you want
- Afternoon laps, advanced riders add Miracle Mile
- Patio beers and dinner at 572 Social Kitchen and Lounge
Day 3: Cross-country and a long view
- Earlier start, drive to Fawnskin and ride the Hanna Flat trail loop
- Link into Cougar Crest for a tech descent if conditions allow
- Cool-down sunset spin on the Alpine Pedal Path or detour to Grand View Point for the photo
- Lakefront dinner at The Pines, then a quiet last night before the drive home
Scale this up or down. A weekend can be days 2 and 3. A full week can layer in a Snow Valley half-day and a long Skyline ridge ride out to Bluff Lake.
Where to Stay: Pick a Vacation Rental, Not a Hotel Room
Mountain biking weekends do not fit into a hotel room. You have wet gear to hang, muddy shoes to leave by a back door, and a group that wants to debrief the day around a kitchen island, not in a lobby. A vacation rental with a real garage, full kitchen, and outdoor space is the move.
That is the niche Apek Rentals has been refining for 7 years across 15,000+ stays. We know what a six-rider crew actually needs after a day at Snow Summit, and we set up our homes accordingly. If you are coming with a bigger group, our best vacation rentals for large groups in California guide walks through the homes that handle 8+ guests comfortably. And if you are still on the fence, our take on why a vacation rental beats a hotel makes the case better than we can summarize here.
The Real Reason to Come Back
Big Bear has built a reputation on snow, but the summer version of this town is the one that gets under your skin. You ride the lift in a t-shirt. You finish a long ridge traverse at golden hour with the lake glowing 1,500 feet below. You eat tacos on a patio with sunburned cheeks and dirty calves. And you start planning the next trip before you have even loaded the bikes back into the car.
That is the real reason to come back. The trails are here all summer. The right home base makes the difference between a good weekend and the kind of weekend you tell other riders about.
Ready to plan your ride? Browse Apek Rentals’ Big Bear homes and find the one with the garage, the kitchen, and the room for the whole crew.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Snow Summit Bike Park open and close each year?
The lift-served bike park at Snow Summit typically runs from early June through late October, conditions permitting. Operations are usually weekends-only at the start and end of the season and expand to more days per week through July and August. Confirm dates on the Big Bear Mountain Resort website before booking.
How much does a Snow Summit bike park lift ticket cost?
Big Bear Mountain Resort uses dynamic pricing for bike-park lift tickets, with rates that vary by date, demand, and age. Recent online prices have started in the mid-$20 range for off-peak days and climb higher on peak summer weekends. Buying in advance online generally gets the best price. Kids 4 and under and seniors 80+ ride free with a ticketed adult.
What skill level do I need for Snow Summit Bike Park?
Snow Summit serves novice through advanced riders. The trail mix is roughly 20% beginner, 50% intermediate, 30% advanced. New riders should start on Green Horn and progress to easy blues before attempting jump lines like Party Wave or technical descents like Miracle Mile. Plan to ride one level below your home-trail comfort on day one to adjust for altitude.
Can I mountain bike Big Bear without using the lift?
Yes. Big Bear has over 100 miles of public cross-country and singletrack trails that do not require a lift ticket. Skyline, Hanna Flat, Cougar Crest, Pine Knot, and the Alpine Pedal Path are all rideable on a standard trail-bike day. Many of these trails are rideable earlier in spring and later into fall than the lift-served park.
What kind of bike do I need?
For Snow Summit lift-served runs, a trail or enduro bike with 140 to 170 mm of rear travel and modern geometry is the right tool, with a full-face helmet and knee pads. For cross-country rides like Skyline, Hanna Flat, or Cougar Crest, a lighter trail or XC bike with good climbing gears works best. Both Big Bear Mountain Resort Village Center Station and Chains Required Bike Shop rent appropriate setups.
Is mountain biking Big Bear good for families?
Yes, especially when you mix the right trails. The paved Alpine Pedal Path is family-friendly with constant lake views and no traffic. Snow Summit has dedicated beginner trails like Green Horn that let kids and new adults learn lift-served riding in a controlled environment. Pair those with a low-key rental cabin and you have a real family vacation that does not require everyone to ride at the same level.
