Epic Road Trip to Big Bear Lake

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Your Road Trip Destination

Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake hosted one of fall 2024's Southern California Adventure Van Expo events, October 19-20, 2024. The final Adventure Van Expo of the 2024 season is also held in Southern California, October 26-27, 2024 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds.

Big Bear Lake itself is a popular year-round resort destination in Southern California nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains. The area is known for its natural beauty, outdoor activities, and rustic charm. Big Bear Lake itself is a focal point for many visitors, offering a range of water-based activities such as boating, fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding during the warmer months.

In winter, the surrounding mountains (most notably Snow Summit and Bear Mountain) provide excellent opportunities for skiing and snowboarding, attracting winter sports enthusiasts. The Big Bear region also features numerous hiking and mountain biking trails that cater to all skill levels. Trails like Castle Rock Trail and Cougar Crest Trail are popular for their scenic vistas. *Note: Both the Castle Rock trail and Cougar Creek Trail are temporarily closed due to the Line Fire

The town of Big Bear Lake has a charming are known as "The Village" which is a focal point of Adventure Van Expo, and anchors a variety of shops, restaurants, and boutiques, giving visitors a chance to enjoy local flavors and shop for souvenirs. Additionally, in addition to Adventure Van Expo there's always a rich calendar of events, including music festivals, farmer's markets, and holiday-themed festivities, depending on the season of your visit.

When planning a road trip to Big Bear Lake, it's important to consider the season and weather, as conditions can affect road accessibility and the types of activities that are available. Current as of October 21, 2024, the Line Fire has resulted in the San Bernardino National Forest being closed through November 30, 2024, and it's always a good idea to check the weather forecast and road conditions before heading out, as mountain roads can be affected by snow and ice in winter.

If you have specific attractions or types of activities in mind, it will be crucial to confirm their operation status and hours directly before planning your visit to ensure that everything aligns with your road trip itinerary.

To get started planning your road trip to Big Bear Lake, enter your start location below and click Let's GO!

Enjoy your trip to Big Bear Lake!

Reviewed by TimJ on 10/21/2024.

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