After a hectic work deadline and needing to celebrate my son’s birthday, I was looking for a safe vacation idea that would provide the much needed rest and relaxation as well as activities for the family. Big Bear Lake was the perfect place.
Staying in a Big Bear Lake cabin rental has been a vacation destination for over 100 years. The beautiful scenery, mild weather, four seasons and fabulous vistas make it a welcome retreat from the heat of the desert below.
Big Bear Lake is located in the San Bernardino Mountains and is an easy drive from most areas in southern California. It is about 93 miles northeast of Los Angeles, an approximate 2 hour, 10 drive depending on traffic and road conditions. From Beverly Hills it is approximately a 2 hour, 20 min. drive and from the City of San Bernardino (29 miles) – depending on traffic it is a 40 to 45 minute drive. There are three roads that lead in and out of the Big Bear Valley. From the I10 you can choose between the Hwy330 which turns into Hwy18 (called the front way) through Running Springs, or the Hwy38 through Mentone. From the 210 Freeway you can also choose the Hwy330 which takes you directly up the mountain or you can proceed towards Redlands and take Hwy38 if you prefer that route. Hwy38 usually has less traffic, but Hwy330 is quicker. Some people prefer to take the back road which is Hwy18 through Hesperia and Lucerne.
All the roads leading to Big Bear offer some pretty spectacular vistas, especially Hwy330/Hwy18 – there are numerous turn-outs where you can stop to enjoy the different views, on a clear day you can see all the way to the ocean; other views are layers of mountains which look like a background from a Da Vinci painting. It gives you a completely different experience than the city life in Los Angeles.
We drove up on a Friday afternoon. This is one drive that you want to do in daylight especially if it’s your first time because of all the winding narrow roads as you go up the mountain. In the winter, chains are required and roads are often closed but we picked the best time to go. The weather was perfect! 70’s in the day and 50’s and 40’s at night.
We stayed at an amazing Airbnb vacation rental (check it out) that had everything we needed. We brought all our food and supplies. On the first night, we just relaxed. Adults watched the baseball playoffs (Go Dodgers!) and played cards, while kids watched movies and played on their gadgets.
The next day we went for a hike at a nearby trail called Pineknot Trailhead that turned out to be the most amazing and picturesque hike. This route is one of the nicer trails in the Big Bear Lake area. It starts from a campground and picnic area that is accessible with your car and ends at the Grand View Point overlooking the mountains and the forest. Along the way, you’ll be able to get very nice overlooks over the lake itself. Towards the end, there is a small camping area (no water). The path is mostly dirt road. Look out for snakes and bears!
California is not known for changing seasons so we don’t experience fall foliage but this hike had it all. All the earth elements in full display! Beautiful natural scenery was all around. We hiked to the summit which happens to be the highest point in California at 11,000 feet above sea level and it was sight to behold. This is an intermediate level hike but it’s 6.9 miles long to the grand view point so definitely wear comfortable shoes, fuel up before hike and bring water. The views from the top are worth it!
Back at the house, it was time to celebrate the birthday boy! With a full kitchen and BBQ grill, we were able to put together a feast befitting the 14 year olds birthday!
Big Bear Lake was just the vacation we needed: Beautiful, relaxing and picturesque.
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