Big Bear Fall Colors Hiking Tour in Southern California

Big Bear , United States

Big Bear Fall Colors Hiking Tour in Southern California

Active

(11 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This hiking tour is hands down the best way to experience the best fall colors in all of southern California. It's hard to know where to hike in Big Bear Lake in the fall to find the best fall colors; Go with Big Bear Lake's expert hiking guide to find the best leaf-peeping experience. This is an amazing outdoor experience for nature lovers and those who love to take scenic photos. We will hike up a scenic locals-only trail underneath the yellow and orange oak trees, perhaps even trying local wild berries along the way, seasonably available. There is no better way to expiernce the crisp fall days in this mountain community than out on these hiking trails.
*I can make the hike kid-friendly if you bring the family.
*All of my experiences are always dog-friendly; Please bring your furry friends!
*If you love to take photos this is the best place to get great leaf-peeping photos in all of southern California.
*This is an experience great for groups & team building.

Available options

Big Bear Fall Colors Hiking Tour in Southern California

What's included

Hiking poles available if requested in advance.

licensed In-person guide

Detailed itinerary

I would love for you to join me on a Big Bear local's fall colors hike! I'll meet my guests at one of a few different scenic autumn colors areas. In October & early November the fall colors are just so epic throughout the Big Bear Valley. I love to share my favorite secret trails with visitors, along with some Big Bear history & tales of what life in Big Bear is like.
Wherever the fall colors are peaking on that particular day, I will lead you up the leave-covered trail & into the oak forest where you can trek through the fall colors. Most of these hikes do go uphill so it's not classified as an easy hike but if you are a beginning hiker or have kids joining us we can hike at a slow pace; Whatever pace you prefer, after all, it is your hiking experience. All these trails have amazing views of Big Bear Lake as you climb higher into the forest. We will hike as many or as few miles as you would like. I will show you a few other great photo opportunities along the way.

What's not included

I advise guests to bring their own walking shoes, sunscreen, water and sunglasses.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

9 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Travelers must have it's own baby courier

Meeting point

The meet-up location is the corner of Elm Street and Switzerland. Please park on the street, not in a driveway if you arrive before me. We will drive around the corner to where the trailhead parking is. I will be in a grey Jeep SUV.

About Big Bear

Big Bear is a picturesque mountain resort town in Southern California, known for its beautiful alpine lake and year-round outdoor recreational opportunities. Nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains, it offers a unique blend of natural beauty, adventure, and relaxation, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.

Top Attractions

Big Bear Lake

A beautiful alpine lake offering a variety of water activities in the summer and a stunning backdrop for winter sports.

Nature Half day to full day Free to explore, activities vary in cost

Snow Summit Mountain Resort

A popular ski resort offering winter sports and summer activities like mountain biking and hiking.

Adventure Half day to full day Moderate to Expensive (lift tickets, rentals, lessons)

Big Bear Alpine Zoo

A small, unique zoo dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, with a focus on alpine species.

Nature 1-2 hours Budget ($10-$15 per adult)

The Village at Big Bear Lake

A charming downtown area with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Entertainment A few hours to half day Varies by activity

Big Bear Discovery Center

A visitor center and museum offering educational programs and exhibits on the local environment and history.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free to explore, programs may have fees

Must-Try Local Dishes

Fish Tacos

A local favorite, often made with fresh local fish, crispy batter, and topped with salsa and crema.

Lunch/Dinner Can be made with gluten-free batter and vegetarian options available.

Big Bear Burger

A classic burger with local ingredients, often topped with avocado, bacon, or other regional specialties.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian and vegan options available.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie

A decadent dessert featuring layers of chocolate and peanut butter, topped with whipped cream.

Dessert Contains allergens (peanuts, dairy).

Popular Activities

Skiing Snowboarding Hiking Mountain biking Ziplining Boating Fishing Picnicking

Best Time to Visit

December to March (winter), June to August (summer)

Winter is ideal for skiing, snowboarding, and other snow sports, while summer offers great conditions for hiking, boating, and other outdoor activities.

0°C to 20°C (winter), 15°C to 30°C (summer) 32°F to 68°F (winter), 59°F to 86°F (summer)

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Pacific Time Zone (PT, UTC-8)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Big Bear is generally a safe destination, but visitors should take common-sense precautions, especially in winter when weather conditions can be hazardous.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of weather conditions, especially in winter when snow and ice can make driving hazardous
• Carry cash and identification at all times
• Be cautious when using ATMs and avoid carrying large amounts of cash

Getting there

By air

Ontario International Airport • 80 km (50 miles) from Big Bear

By bus

San Bernardino Transit Center

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are convenient for getting around town, but schedules are limited. Walking or biking is often a better option for exploring.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

The Village Big Bear Lake Moonridge Big Bear City

Day trips

Lake Arrowhead

40 km (25 miles) • Full day

A picturesque mountain community with a beautiful lake, hiking trails, and a charming village.

Jenny's Junction and Snow Play

10 km (6 miles) • Half day

A popular spot for snow play and winter activities, with a variety of attractions and amenities.

San Bernardino National Forest

30 km (19 miles) • Full day

A vast forest offering a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and camping.

Festivals

Big Bear Blues & Jazz Festival • August Big Bear Christmas Tree Lighting • Late November Big Bear Lake International Film Festival • October

Pro tips

Visit in the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) for fewer crowds and pleasant weather
Rent a car for easy access to attractions and activities, especially in winter
Book accommodations and activities in advance, especially during peak seasons
Dress in layers for changing weather conditions, especially in winter
Check weather and road conditions before planning outdoor activities, especially in winter