Big Bear Lake Loop Bike Ride (17 Miles)

Overview

Big Bear Lake is the Inland Empire's alpine escape: a mountain lake at high elevation surrounded by pine forest. The loop around the lake is one of the most scenic easy rides in Southern California, and the Big Bear Cycling Association lists it as a beginner to intermediate ride. It is also a great place to spend a weekend riding at altitude.

Big Bear is also a great place to acclimate and train at altitude for a weekend, with options from flat lake laps to the long climb up to Onyx Summit at 8,442 ft. The Big Bear Cycling Association publishes a wide range of local road rides for different levels.

The route in plain words

From Big Bear Lake Village, ride around the lake in either direction. The North Shore uses Highway 38, which the Big Bear Cycling Association notes has very little traffic, and it passes the paved Alpine Pedal Path, a Forest Service trail along the North Shore that is a good car-free section. The South Shore uses Highway 18 through the town of Big Bear Lake, which is busier. To extend the ride, continue east around Baldwin Lake and return via Big Bear City, or for a real climb, head up Highway 38 to Onyx Summit.

Distance and elevation

The Big Bear Cycling Association lists the lake loop at 17 miles with 500 ft of climbing, the Big Bear Lake plus Baldwin Lake loop at 32 miles with 750 ft, and Onyx Summit at elevation 8,442 ft as a 54-mile, 3,000 ft extension.

Because of the altitude, the loop feels harder than its numbers suggest; ride it at an easy pace on your first day up the mountain.

Best time to ride

Late spring through early fall is the season. Winter brings snow, ice and snow-play traffic. Summer weekends and holidays are busy in town. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible in summer. Mornings at altitude can be cold even in summer; bring layers.

Water and coffee stops

Big Bear Lake Village has plenty of cafés, bakeries and shops at the start and finish. Big Bear City on the east side of the lake also has food and markets. Fill bottles before you leave; there are long stretches on the North Shore without shops.

Safety notes

The Big Bear Cycling Association warns to watch for traffic on the South Shore. Altitude matters: the lake sits close to 7,000 ft, so expect to feel short of breath and dehydrate faster. Wear sunscreen; UV is stronger at altitude. Drivers in Big Bear are often visitors unfamiliar with the roads.

Which bike and setup

Any road bike handles the loop. For the Onyx Summit extension or other climbs listed by the Big Bear Cycling Association, compact gearing helps at altitude. A gravel bike opens up forest roads around the valley. Bring a light jacket for the descent and changing weather.

Before you go

Driving up for a Big Bear weekend? Have Veloaded give your bike a once-over first. Book a tune-up in Santa Ana or call (714) 760-4908.

Quick facts

County: San Bernardino County (Inland Empire)
Start: Big Bear Lake Village
Distance: 17 miles (loop); 32 miles with Baldwin Lake
Climbing: About 500 ft (loop); about 750 ft with Baldwin Lake
Surface: Paved highway plus paved path
Difficulty: Easy (at altitude)

Pair it with

Strong riders can descend toward Running Springs on the route described with Rim of the World Highway. For a lower-altitude Inland Empire climb, try Oak Glen.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the bike loop around Big Bear Lake?

17 miles with about 500 ft of climbing, per the Big Bear Cycling Association.

Is there a bike path around Big Bear Lake?

The Alpine Pedal Path covers part of the North Shore; the full loop uses Highway 38 and Highway 18.

Sources

Distances and climbing are from the published sources listed above and are approximate; roads, closures and conditions change. Check current conditions before you ride.

More San Bernardino County ride guides

All guides: Southern California ride guides. Veloaded Cyclery has one location, at 3420 W MacArthur Blvd Suite B, Santa Ana, CA 92704: service menu, bike fitting.