Archive for the Category »Hiking «

Mountain Snow Pack

Mount San Gorgornio

 On the first day of Spring we thought we would check out the hiking conditions over in the San Gorgonio Wilderness Area. We headed down HWY 38 and stopped at Onyx Summit to take the above picture.

The roads were excellent and we easily made our way over to the South Fork Parking lot on Jenks Lake Road. Only half of the parking lot was plowed, but there was plenty of room. There were around 20 parked cars in the area. Some were playing in the snow and other had taken off for a hike.

We headed over to the South Fork Trail. Much to our surprise, there was so much snow, there wasn’t a trail! The video below shows how much snow is in the area.

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Big Bear Events

Ride Around Big Bear Mountain -Bike riders will leave from Sylvan Park in Redlands, ride over to the 330, go up through Running Springs and Snow Valley and then across to Big Bear Lake. Riders will continue on through Big Bear City and down the 38, going over Onyx Summit and through Angeles Oaks. The desent from Onyx Summit to the final Rest Stop at Angeles Oaks is continuous. Heading out from the final stop bikers will be rewarded with 40 miles of glorious nonstop downhill. Upon return to the park, Bikers will be greeted with burgers, drinks and snacks.

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National Trails Day at the Discovery Center -National Trails Day – Restoration Day; 9am-1pm. Volunteer to assist with updating the woodland trail and removal of invasive weeds along the alpine pedal path. No experience necessary. Bring hat, sunscreen, your favorite pair of gloves and your enthusiasm. Meet at the Big Bear Discovery Center at 9am. BBQ lunch will be provided for all participants. Just show up FREE! For more details please call (909)382-2790

Google Map: Discovery Center

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Big Bear Choppers Ride the Mountain -Big Bear Choppers brings their 7th annual Ride the Mountain event to Snow Summit Resort with custom bikes and antique choppers on display, vendors, live entertainment and more. $10 admission, Kids under 6 free. Call for information about this great motorcycle event (909)878-4340.

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Big Bear Pirate Faire -The 4th Annual Big Bear Pirate Faire takes place June 6th and 7th at at Pedderson’s Mill in Fawnskin. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will be pirate battles, exciting new entertainers as well as our old favorites! Five stages and the battle arena, something to please everyone! And don’t forget the Children’s area where games and crafts command their full attention. Shopping for pirate bootie, food, drink and an all day Treasure hunt will keep everyone busy and there will be lots of surprises during the day. Come visit us and remember, all profits go to children and teachers for educational endeavors!! For more details please call (909) 237-0448.

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Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake

Pacific Crest Trail

Pacific Crest Trail East Big Bear

Pacific Crest Trail East Big Bear

We took a short hike over to the Pacific Crest Trail this morning.  The weather is sunny but overcast. The above photo was taken looking at the east end of Lucerne Valley from the Pacific Crest Trail. Straight across is Las Vegas. Pacific Crest Trail from Cougar Crest.

Hiking Holcomb Valley

Saturday was beautiful. The temperatures were in the mid-fifties and the sky was a deep bright blue. We wanted to go out and take some pictures so we thought we would head up behind Bear Mountain. We drove around past the Zoo and the crowded Resort, but the back road was blocked with snow.

We then drove past the Village and took a left on Mill Creek Road. There were a lot of kids sliding in the snow off the side of the forest road. The back road into Cedar Lake was snowy and gated.

Snow Play

We continued past the Dam around the lake, when we reached Fawnskin, we turned north and headed into Holcomb Valley. We drove out less than a couple of miles, to Yellow Post Camp site #33 and parked.

Yellow Post Camp Site #33

We hiked out from the campsite, heading down the road and into the hills. We found the snow line, enjoyed the views of Mount Blady and Lake Arrowhead, and then returned after three hours. At the picnic table we dined on burritos and sodas.

We left as soon as the sun began to set. The temperatures dropped dramatically and it was time to return to our warm cabin in Big Bear.

Big Bear Valley

Big Bear Valley from Bear Mountain

Big Bear Valley from Bear Mountain

The weather this next week is expected to be sunny and clear. The snow conditions remain crisp in the mornings, but this may give way to “Spring Conditions” by next weekend. Temperatures are expected to reach 60 degrees by the end of the week.

 

Fishermen are beginning to line the shores. You are most likely to see them lining both sides of Stanfield Cutoff. Another favorite area to fish is off the boulders by the Dam. As you cross over the Dam (State Highway 18), there is a pull-out on the immediate left. Park and head down to the rocks that line the shore.

 

If you would rather a motorized adventure, the boat ramps will open on April 1st.

 

The north facing hills still have snow, but most of the Valley floor is clear. Horseback Riding and Hiking are fun this time of year. The breezes are still chilly, be sure to have warm clothing with you. Remember the sun screen, you’ll need it at an altitude of 7,000 feet!