admin on July 12th, 2010

A great hike, with potential for a view and/or TOTAL WORKOUT is easily available just a short drive from the Moonridge Golf Course.

Head into Sand Canyon. Be sure you have your Adventure Pass…
At the hairpin, back up and park under the trees. Walk right in. (MAP)

If you follow the footpath, it will take you to a crossroad. Going left/north along the road is the easiest walk, until you realize it is a 2-lane stairclimb to the top of the hill.
Going up the ravine directly across to the East takes you to a ridge and VERY steep climb from there on to the South.
Well, so does the South road.
The West heading footpath follows the side of the hill and winds in and out among some very big boulders.

Many people have used these trails for their workouts, as it only gets steeper as you rise. I guarantee a great view if you persevere and follow one of the ridges. Just keep the ravine behind you, or you may return in the next valley.

Sand Canyon Trail, Boulders

Additional Resources:

  • Buffalo National River In Arkansas- Canoeing Hiking Camping . - We’ll be making our annual Memorial Day weekend pilgrimage to the Buffalo River this coming weekend! The weather has finally decided to cooperate in recent days. We’ve had no rain and the temps have jumped up into the mid to upper 80\\\’s. Hopefully the weather will hold out for the weekend.
  • Zion National Park | alexking.org – Here are some photos I took in Zion National Park. The canyon walls were pretty amazing and hiking through the Narrows was quite the experience. The first evening we got there, we had these incredible dark clouds with the sun still illuminating the rock walls.
  • Mountain Biking over Oat Hill Mine road » Zovirl Industries – 3 weeks ago my wife, brother, and I got the opportunity to mountain bike from Aetna Springs to Calistoga. This ride starts on private property but my parents obtained permission to cross through a friend of the owner. The route follows an old wagon road which goes over the mountains between Aetna Springs and Calistoga.


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admin on July 9th, 2010

From the Big Bear Lake Chamber of Commerce (MAP):

We have two zipline companies which can take you zipping through the trees, enjoying beautiful views along the way, Call ahead. One takes you to the Johnson Valley, and the other is up at the Cedar Lake Camp area.

We have a company that can take you off-roading in their own vehicle, which will save the wear and tear on yours? Just throw your sandwiches and drinks in the cooler , and they can take you where you want to go. There are set tours, but they can be tailored to suit you, and they are very reasonable. This company takes the studios out to search out movie locations for future films.

If you want to do your own off-roading (MAP for Moonridge to Sugarloaf), pick up a trail map and have fun! And don’t forget to pick up an Adventure Pass, which permits you to stop on Forest roads.

If you brought your own guns, you can try out the Shooting Range at the weekend.

Scenic Flights of the Valley and mountains are available for you to get a bird’s eye view.

Take the family bowling any time! Glow bowling at night, pool table, arcade games and great French fries. There is a full bar and a 105” tv. Don’t worry if you can’t bowl well, just push a button and the bumpers come up on the lanes.

We have a rescue animal park. The zoo (MAP) has been responsible for returning over 8,000 animals back into the wild! They have all kinds of animals you would expect to see in the mountains and desert areas, such as grizzly bear, black bear, wolves, mountain lions, owls & eagles! On the way there, stop at some great shops along Moonridge Rd., and check out the golf course next door. Did you know that your ball goes further because the air is thinner?

There is a petting zoo and horse riding stables at the east end of the valley. Go for a gentle walk, for the time span you choose. Open year round.

Go up to Snow Summit for a ski lift (YouTube Video)  chair ride to the top and hop off and hike around, hop back on to come down. or if you hooked your mountain bike on, on the way up, you can bike down. They have their barbecue going at the top, so it is easy to stick around to enjoy the views.

Stop at the bike rental stores for loads of info. And if you prefer street biking, they can help guide you there also. You can even rent the baby trailers to hook on the back of your bike.

If you like light walking along the shore to vigorous hiking amongst the rocks and trees, we have a trail for you.
The Forest Service runs the Discovery Center over on the North Shore. They run all sorts of activities: canoeing, kayaking, animal tracking, and have a display with animal fur you can touch, a gift shop filled with educational toys and books, and a café that has some outdoor seating with terrific views. People love to go and have their picture taken outside by the huge bronze bear. They run a summer concert series in their outdoor amphitheater and hold stargazing evenings, story-telling, and more……

Water activities include some great charter fishing companies with lake tours, several tour boats (Pine Knot Landing MAP), parasailing, jet skis, jet boat tours, all kinds of boat rentals, from peddle boats, electric fun boats, to kayaks & canoes, fishing boats and pontoon boats. There are six areas around the lake for various watercraft rentals.

Go for a swim at Swim Beach, cleared of weed, lifeguard on duty, inflatable slide and trampoline in the water, or go to the water slide at Alpine Slide and try the toboggan slide, the go carts, mini golf and arcade games. Meadow park also has a large jungle gym to help the kids burn off some energy.

Be sure to check out our Museum. They have real old cabins, a schoolhouse and even a teepee! All are staged so you can see how it really was.

Our restaurants are all pretty top notch. From special occasion dining to steaks, seafood, bbq, ethnic food and fast food, there is sure to be something for every palette. Only one restaurant on the lake, but several with a view of it. Let’s face it, how could there not be a view of something wonderful in Big Bear?

Shop all around our beautiful valley, from west to east, and don’t forget to enjoy Friday Nights in the Village (MAP). Family fun with activities, extra vendors, and free entertainment, and Wyatt’s Saloon at the Convention Center for family fun, really good food, and line dancing.

Pick up our information to see what is going on while you are here, and for when you come back!

More Resources;

  • Winter Fishing Big Bear Lake – Contact Us | Terms of Use | Trademarks | Privacy Statement
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  • Your Typical Lake Trout Fishing Gear – You need not get a fishing rod made for open sea fishing as that really is unnecessary and a waste of money.Plastic lures are able to swim gracefully alongside the movement of the waves and the trout love them. Don’t worry about finding …
  • Big Bear Lake Trout Fishing. – Just another day at Big Bear. Watch other vids. from the same day. Size 18 treble, 1/4 egg sinker, 3′ leader @2 lbs. yellow corn by Berkley and patience ! Don’t “crank- em” inn. Play slow , maintain a constant tension and get them tired …
  • Your Typical Lake Trout Fishing Gear « Dont Talk Right Now – Another typical lake trout fishing gear is the fishing reel.Experimenting is a way to discover new methods that are more effective than the last.There are many brands and makers of fishing gears out there and thus an angler has to …
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admin on June 30th, 2010

There are many things to do in beautiful Big Bear during the summer, like hiking and mountain biking, but mainly what Big Bear is known for in the summer is lake activity; and in my eyes that means fishing! Fishing in Big Bear is a challenge and you have to know what you are doing; like what bait, what jigs, and even what kind of fishing line you’re using. One other thing is, the fish up here are picky. You have to know what you are fishing for and you have to use specific baits.

1. Bass

The Large and Small Mouth Bass: everyone wants one and is looking for them. Best baits, that work for me, are plastic worms and night crawlers. Jigs work fantastic, also. My personal favorite for bass is ‘Buzz Bait’. It drives the Bass crazy and annoys them. Another thing that is good is the Banjo Minnow. It mimics a dying fish and they can’t resist it. I choose not to use a swivel when putting on jigs and lures. In my opinion the swivel can distract them.

2. Trout

The Rainbow Trout in Big Bear are extremely picky. The only thing that I know to use as bait for them is salmon eggs, night crawlers, chicken liver and Power Bait. You have a very big variety of Power Bait. All sorts of colors with glitters and what-not. I use a basic pole set up. Tie a swivel, then put on a weight, and have 2 feet of line away from the hook. Put some bait on there and you are good to go.

3. Catfish

There is a decent population of Catfish in Big Bear. They also get extremely big. We have Blue Catfish and Channels. The area I have seen them really active is near China Island. I have seen a 3 footer in that area just swimming around looking cute.
Catfish eat all kinds of things. I have heard all kinds of stories on the bait they used. Like chewing tobacco wrapped on a hotdog piece as a last resort and have caught a trophy fish. They love worms! I have thrown out 2 worms on a hook before and caught a monster. You can also get some dough from a bait store. Some stores have their own house dough. If you are going to use dough I recommend that you use dough hooks. They keep the dough on the hook and it sticks on very well.

4. Carp

There isn’t a high population of carp. It’s overpopulated! We even have a carp roundup every year. People even bow fish for them and use tridents when they’re close to shore.
Carp get really big just like Catfish. Carp eat almost everything. People make their own dough as bait. There are over a million different recipes for fishing dough. My family has their own dough recipe. We use flour, mashed up cereal, mustard, water, and some chicken bouillon.
If you don’t want to use dough, you can just ball up and press some bread on your hook. That also works really well. When I fish for Carp I set up my pole just like I would for Catfish, get a dough hook, apply the dough, and you are set!

5. Crappie

Crappie is a good beginner fish since they are an offshore fish. Actually, a lot of professionals began fishing for them. From what I have seen, Crappie love Mealworms. I have also known people that have caught them with marshmallows and chocolate chips. My mother actually catches them using fish liver. She never goes fishing without it. They are located usually in bushy areas near shore, where they hide and feed.

Bow Fishing on Big Bear Lake

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  • California Fisheries Fund – The California Fisheries Fund offers loans to California fishing communities, groups, associations, and businesses who are interested in transitioning to more environmentally and economically sustainable fishing practices and management …
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admin on June 18th, 2010

Chili enthusiasts, get ready for the Big Bear Chili Cook-off, “Southwest Showdown” regional chili cook-off on Saturday, July 17th.  Chili cooks from California, Nevada and Arizona will compete to win the regional championship and move on to the State Competition.  Big Bear businesses and organizations will also be competing in the Cook-off including the Big Bear Trails Foundation, Big Bear Grizzly, B’s Backyard BBQ, Grizzly Mountain Gourmet Marketplace, Resort Association,  and Lynn Segrest of Stillwell’s, who placed 1st in the Chamber of Commerce Chili Cook-off last October.

This year the Big Bear Chili Cook-off is FREE to attend!  Come taste red and green chili, fresh salsa, and people’s choice chili.  Chili cookers cooking red chili also will be preparing people’s choice chili for the public to vote on; red chili, green chili, and salsa are all voted on by judges.  The event runs from 10am to 6pm, and chili tasting will take place between 11:00- 3:00pm, or until the chili runs out.

Over 60 vendors will be at the event with products ranging from Cool Toes water shoes, Old Tyme Treasures, and Uncle Tim’s Best West BBQ Sauce.  A beer garden/ food court will feature margaritas, funnel cakes, tri tip sandwiches, and hot dogs by Ike’s Rockin Dogs.  This year there will be an entire kid’s zone including dunk tank, rock wall, bounce houses, prize wheel, gold panning, and face painting and temporary air brush tattoos.

Entertainment will be provided by local favorites Izon Eden, and Damn Good Question as well multiple performances by the Joyful Noise Cloggers.  Partake in the festivities by joining in the shoot and holler competition, and by voting for Little Miss Chili Pepper, and Little Mr. Hot Sauce.

Those interested in becoming a chili cook should contact the Chamber at (909) 866-4607 or go online at www.bigbearchilicookoff.com to download an application today!  Chili cookers must be, or become members of the International Chili Society.  To obtain membership go to www.chilicookoff.com.

The Big Bear Chili Cook-off is a sanctioned event by the International Chili Society.

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admin on June 10th, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Events

Cooking Demonstrations 
June 11, 2010   

  

The Copper Q provides a totally unique shopping and entertainment experience. Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, join us for cooking techniques and demonstrations. FREE! Thursdays and Fridays at 12 noon and Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. (909) 522-TheQ

 

Event Website: Copper Q

 

Friday Nights in the Village
May 14, 2010 – 5:00pm to 8:00pm   

  

Come to the Village in Big Bear every Friday night to enjoy family entertainment, great shopping, restaurants, arts and crafts fair, live music and more in the Village of Big Bear Lake.

 

Event Website: Village Dr.
Google Map: Big Bear Lake Village  

Mom’s and Rod’s Car Show at Northwoods Resort
June 11, 2010   

  

A great line up of antique cars, vendors, giant raffle, 50s and 60s music and much more. Takes place at Northwoods Resort in the Village. The show offers a great opportunity to reminisce about the past, enjoy the present, and look into the future of hot rodding from both a hobby and industry perspective. This event is FREE to the public. To register your rod in the show or for more information call 760-376-3133.

 

Google Map: Northwoods Resort

2010 Summer Series Paddling Clinics at Captain John’s Marina 
June 12, 2010 – 9:00am   

  

The North Shore Trading Company is offering a series of paddling clinics this summer beginning Saturday, June 12. The clinics will cover a progression of basic and advanced paddling strokes and safety issues, and are open to all levels of paddlers and all types of paddle craft, including canoes and kayaks. The three-hour on-water classes will identify a progression of strokes and and techniques to make paddling more efficient and fun. Topics will include forward strokes, sweep strokes, edging, draw strokes, bow and stern turning strokes and capsize recovery. Participants may receive a BCU START Award and will have the opportunity to test their skills to receive a BCU 2 Star Paddling Assessment. This rating is a terrific beginning for paddlers interested in pursuing coaching or higher level skills certified by the BCU. Learning will take place mostly on the water with some onshore instruction for demonstration and understanding. Games will be incorporated throughout the series to test techniques and stroke strategies. Clinics will be based out of Captain John�s Fawn Harbor and Marina from 9:00 am until 12:00 am. Participants should arrive at 8:30 am to give themselves enough time to get their boat and gear ready. Cost is $25. Rentals available. Visit www.GoPaddleACanoe.com for more information or call (909) 866-3414

 

Event Website: Go Paddle A Canoe 
Google Map: Fawnskin   

  14th Annual Holcomb Valley Trail Run 
June 13, 2010 – 7:00am   

  

A 33-mile run starts at 7:00 am, 15-mile starts at 7:30 am. Call 584-7925 or email pgkalina@gte.net for info and to register, to benefit the Big Bear Search and Rescue.

 

Website Map

National Get Outdoors Day at The Discovery Center 
June 12, 2010 – 10:00am to 3:00am   

  

The San Bernardino National Forest Association (SBNFA) will be hosting the 3rd annual “National Get Outdoors Day” at the Big Bear Discovery Center from 10:00 a.m. � 3:00 pm on Saturday, June 12, 2010, an annual event to encourage healthy, active outdoor fun. Participating partners will offer opportunities for families to experience traditional and non-traditional types of outdoor activities. Prime goals of the day are reaching first-time visitors to public lands and reconnecting our youth to the great outdoors. For more information please contact the Discovery Center at (909) 382-2790.

 

Other Discovery Center Events this weekend;

Kayak Tour
9:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Reservations required, for more information visit our tour page.
Fee: $35 per person, ages 10 & up. 

 

Gold Panning
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Come learn how to pan for gold!  Children will learn the process of gold panning, using real panning equipment. The “gold” is pyrite, and children can take home their findings along with an informational handout and a certificate!
Fee: $3 

 

Map & Compass
12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
You won’t get lost in the woods with these skills!  You will have the opportunity to walk a course to test the skills you have learned.
FREE ~ Donations appreciated. 

 

Kayak Tour
12:30 PM to 3:00 PM
Reservations required, for more information visit our tour page.
Fee: $35 per person, ages 10 & up. 

 

Nature Walks
1:00 PM to 1:30 PM
Free 30-minute guided walks.
 
 High Flying Rockets
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Get a chance to build your own rocket from recycled materials then see how high it flies. Class limited to 12, sign-up at the front desk.
FREE ~ Donations appreciated. 
Nature Walks
2:00 PM to 2:30 PM
Free 30-minute guided walks.
 
 Kayak Tour
3:30 PM to 6:00 PM
Reservations required, for more information visit our tour page.
Fee: $35 per person, ages 10 & up. 

 

Campfire Talks
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
The Big Bear Discovery Center is committed to providing educational and entertaining evening programs to teach visitors about the San Bernardino National Forest. Sponsored by California Land Management.
Fee: $5, children 5 & under and Serrano campers Free! Start times vary between 7pm & 8pm, call for details. 

Farmer’s Market every Tuesday from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Fresh farm produce, sterling silver jewelry, tacos and burritos.

Google Map: Farmer’s Market

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