Big Snowshoes to Fill

Snowshoe hiking in Big Bear Lake

02.09.2017

When snow blasts the San Bernardino Mountains, you know it’s time to head for the hills! And by this we mean Big Bear’s backcountry, currently basking in a winter landscape worthy of some sightseeing. Explore its hidden parts by strapping on some snowshoes and going in search of mountain views and snow-covered peaks.

Your adventure guide? Action Tours Big Bear. Run by locals, the expert guides here know the terrain well. They’ll get you geared up and off the beaten track, cutting fresh track among sturdy mountain mahogany, and towering Jeffrey pines. Trail options vary, depending on whether you and your group want to take it easy or climb to new heights, including vantages overlooking Sugarloaf Mountain and Onyx Peak.

With black bear, coyotes, deer, and many more critters calling the mountain range home, your footprints might not be the only ones spotted. On the return journey, tramp among huge and gnarled juniper trees that are three times older than the state of California! Ancient beauties.

BONUS BEER: After turning in your snowshoes, turn your sights to Big Bear Lake Brewing Company right in the center of town. Pair the Whispering Pine IPA or High Altitude Hefeweizen with some garlic sesame edamame or the beer cheese fries. Action Tours Big Bear is located at 41693 Big Bear Blvd. No dogs on the snowshoe tour, but trails are dog-friendly.

Action Tours Big Bear is located at 41693 Big Bear Blvd.No dogs on the snowshoe tour, but trails are dog-friendly. 

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Perles Beach Angel Island San Francisco Bay

    Secret Beach

    A hidden beach and a killer view? Those are hard to come by, but that’s exactly what you’ll get at Perles Beach on Angel Island. Bike or hike to this beautiful pocket cove.

    View

  2. Cinematic Sonoma

    Longer days. Golden light. Wildflowers in bloom. It’s the perfect moment to plan your spring escape to Sonoma for the Sonoma International Film Festival, March 25–29. No fuss. No sprawl. Just films, friends, fresh air, and that unmistakable Sonoma glow.

    View
  3. Hike Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve

    Mellow in the Marsh

    Beach, birds, ice plant popping purple flowers: That’s a hiking slam dunk! Hike about 2 miles at Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve using their easy to navigate (well-signed) Sequoia Audubon Trail.

    View
  4. A man is looking through his binoculars at sunrise at the Bayland Nature Preserve in Palo Alto

    Baylands Bird & Art Loop

    Combine an outdoor art walk and wildlife sightings at the Baylands Nature Preserve in Palo Alto. This 5-mile loop through Byxbee Park and the Emily Renzel Wetlands features striking installations by artists Peter Richards and Michael Oppenheimer—where the landscape itself becomes part of the canvas.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Tree Town

    Home to an estimated 21,000 trees and 100 acres of parkland, South Pasadena has earned its nickname: the City of Trees. This 2.5-mile neighborhood walk lets you experience its leafy canopy up close, winding through charming streets and three of the city’s beloved parks.

    View
  2. Fountain to Falls trail Monrovia

    Fountain to the Falls

    There are three ways to reach the lovely Monrovia Canyon Falls, but only one of them is worthy of being named a good challenge, with a lovely old town stroll included.

    View

  3. A Better Way to Baldwin

    The Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in Culver City is one of West L.A.’s most popular hiking spots, but most visitors miss the bigger picture. This 3.5-mile out-and-back along a section of the Park to Playa Trail offers a fuller experience of this gorgeous nature park with sweeping urban views and a few artistic surprises along the way.

    View

  4. Stairstruck in Hollywood

    Beachwood Canyon in Hollywoodland has an action-packed adventure with A-list workouts, big-budget views, and a stair-studded cast. Running time is 1.25 miles with five staircases.

    View