Hiking in Big Bear Lake CA
SEVEN WAYS TO REACH NEW HEIGHTS
Conquer the Seven Highest Peaks of Big Bear
BIG BEAR LAKE, Calif./ May 19, 2011 – This summer local hiking enthusiasts in Big Bear are inviting anyone who wants to join them on free guided group hikes to conquer the Seven Summits of Big Bear Valley. The series of hikes was inspired by the Seven Summits of the world, which are the highest elevation points of the seven continents. To summit all seven summits of each continent is regarded as the ultimate mountaineering achievement. Big Bear’s version of the Seven Summits gives recreational hikers the opportunity to see Big Bear from seven different vantage points, a fun way to get exercise, a chance to meet with local hikers for an intimate perspective of Big Bear and personal triumph at the end.
“The Seven Summits of Big Bear gives participants an opportunity to set attainable fitness goals, and they get to see some of the most remarkable panoramic views ever!” said Heather Devito, lead guide and owner of Mountain Fitness Center. “But it’s the camaraderie and fun social atmosphere that really attracts people to our group hikes. In fact, people from off the mountain get a kick out of hearing colorful stories that can only be told by our Big Bear locals.”
The group outings begin May 28 with scheduled hikes throughout the summer. At the top of each summit is an orienteering stamp punch that is unique in shape at each summit. The goal is to punch all seven stamps onto an official Seven Summits punch card, which are free and available at Big Bear Visitor Center, Big Bear Discovery Center, Mountain Fitness Center and North Shore Trading Company.
Gray’s Peak kicks off the Seven Summits series on Saturday, May 28 at 8 a.m. Gray’s Peak, located in the northwest region of Big Bear Valley, rises 7,920 feet above the town of Fawnskin. Each summit in the series of hikes progressively gains in elevation including the grand finale hike to the top of Mt. San Gorgonio at 11,502 feet, which is the highest point in Southern California..
The second group hike is to the top of Bertha Peak at 8,201 feet. The date of the hike is appropriately scheduled on National Get Outdoors Day Saturday, June 11. The hike to Bertha Peak starts at the Cougar Crest trailhead, and is approximately a seven-mile roundtrip with 1,500 feet elevation gain.
Next up is Gold Mountain on Saturday, July 2. This classic summit sets 8,235 feet above the northeast area of Big Bear Valley with great views of Baldwin Lake. Hikers get to experience a portion of the famous Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) en route to Gold Mountain.
Delamar Mountain at 8,398 feet is the fourth hike scheduled for Saturday, July 23 at 8 a.m. This hike takes hikers on portions of the PCT en route to the summit that offers awe-inspiring views.
Butler Peak at 8,535 feet is the fifth group hike slated for Saturday, August 13 at 8 a.m. The hike traverses to the Butler Peak fire lookout tower offering 360 degree views of the San Bernardino National Forest. On a clear day Catalina Island can be spotted from this vantage point.
The sixth summit is Sugarloaf Mountain set for Saturday, September 3 at 7 a.m. Sugarloaf Mountain is the highest point in Big Bear Valley at a towering 9,952 feet, with an elevation gain of 2,000 feet. Sugarloaf Mountain is 10 miles roundtrip. At one point along the trail hikers are treated to views of the Mojave Desert to the east, Big Bear Lake to the northwest and Mt. San Gorgonio to the southwest.
The final group hike is an all-day expedition to the top of the grand daddy of them all – Mt. San Gorgonio. The impressive mountain is the highest peak in Southern California at 11,502 feet. It is approximately 22 miles roundtrip with over 4,000 feet of elevation gain. The trek begins at dawn and takes more than 10 hours to complete. The expedition requires all participants to make reservations with lead guides Ted or Heather Devito at Mountain Fitness Center to get cleared for the hike due to length, elevation gain and wilderness permits needed. To make reservations email heatherdevito22@gmail.com before September 3.
The Seven Summits of Big Bear group hikes are open to the public and free to join. Each group hike meets at the designated trailhead for each summit. Hikers should bring plenty of water, snacks, proper footwear, sunscreen and a hat. Maps and directional devises are highly encouraged, too. Participants who are not able to attend any of the group hikes are encouraged to climb the summits on their own time to get the punch stamps. Adventure passes are required to park at all trailheads, and are available at Big Bear Discovery Center.
Big Bear Hiking
Entrance to the Sugarloaf Trail, 15 minutes east of Big Bear Lake
