Big Bear, deep in the heart of the San Bernardino Mountains offers incredible opportunities for off road driving (4×4). From simple drive through Holcomb Valley to Gold Mountain where a spotter is your new best friend!
The video below is of a Toyota FJ Cruiser.
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.
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.
Spring feels like it is getting closer. The mountains are still covered in snow and the Resorts are full of boarders and skiers. But the daytime temperatures are in the mid-fifties. The weather is beautiful!
We saw a hummingbird looking for food yesterday. It’s still a bit early for them. We probably still have a few more snowstorms and some more cold temperatures to get through.
Women’s Edventures will be at Bear Mountain this weekend. They are offering all levels of clinics for snowboarding and skiing. These clinics are taught by professional instructors. It’s a great opportunity to sharpen your skills.
The back roads are still pretty wet. Some of the snow has melted creating large tracks of mud. If there is no more precipitation this week, things might dry out enough to have some fun out there.
Hiking is starting to improve. The best spots are in the east Valley where the temperatures are warmer and a good portion of the snow has melted. Other areas will still have snow in north facing areas.
The Village Theater is showing Slum Dog Millionaire, Doubt, and Defiance will strat this weekend.
Saturday night, at the Inn at Fawnskin, Nancy Walker is hosting a party to celebrate the release of her CD. All proceeds will go to benefit the Moonridge Zoo.
Helmet Cam Test
Big Bear Solar Observatory
If you are coming to Big Bear this weekend, check your route before heading up. Highway 18 is closed from Running Springs to the Big Bear Dam. Alternate routes are Highway 38 from Redlands or Highway 18 from Victorville through Lucerne Valley. They are hoping to re-open Highway 18 sometime late today (Friday). Hopefully the warmer weather and beautiful sunshine will make their job easier.
The weather for today and Saturday will be mostly sunny, the weekend high temperatures are expected to hover in the mid-fifties. Bring your sun screen!
With high temperatures in the mid-fifities, the best time to hit the slopes is in the early morning. With over night temperatures expected to be around freezing, the morning snow is firm and deep. Once the sun starts to drop in the afternoon, the snow sets up nicely.
Not interested in snowboarding or skiing? The Discovery Center sponsors snowshoe tours on Saturday and Sunday. Cost is $35 adults and $25 ages 8-16, which includes snowshoes, pole, water and snacks. Reservations are recommended.
We’ve received over a hundred inches of snow this year (about 30% above average). Driving off-road is sketchy unless you are prepared. Carry chains, a tow rope, warm clothes, a cell phone and food. There will be ice, snow and large drifts. Last time we went out in conditions like this, we encountered people stuck in the snow without 4 wheel drive.
Hiking will be best off a dirt road right now. The temperatures are starting to rise and melt some of the snow we’ve received in the last few weeks. For a quick walk, try the Alpine Pedal Path at Stanfield Cutoff and the North Shore.
Hiking on a trail will be difficult. Although the wind has blow the snow around, we have an average coverage of two feet on the ground with drifts of several feet. Be sure to have tall boots, waterproof pants, water, a cell phone and sun screen –at 7,000 feet the sun and wind conditions will affect your skin quicker.
If you’re not the outdoor type, head into the Village and check out the shopping. Mill Creek Trading Company carries Pendleton, Ugg and Carhartt. They’ve been a Village fixture for years, will an experience staff and a great selection of women’s and men’s clothing. There are a couple of art galleries and Village Theaters has five screens in the Village.
Snowy Conditions
Big Bear Solar Observatory
If you are coming to Big Bear this weekend, check your route before heading up. Highway 18 is closed from Running Springs to the Big Bear Dam. Alternate routes are Highway 38 from Redlands or Highway 18 from Victorville through Lucerne Valley. They are hoping to re-open Highway 18 sometime late today (Friday). Hopefully the warmer weather and beautiful sunshine will make their job easier.
The weather for today and Saturday will be mostly sunny, the weekend high temperatures are expected to hover in the mid-fifties. Bring your sun screen!
With high temperatures in the mid-fifities, the best time to hit the slopes is in the early morning. With over night temperatures expected to be around freezing, the morning snow is firm and deep. Once the sun starts to drop in the afternoon, the snow sets up nicely.
Not interested in snowboarding or skiing? The Discovery Center sponsors snowshoe tours on Saturday and Sunday. Cost is $35 adults and $25 ages 8-16, which includes snowshoes, pole, water and snacks. Reservations are recommended.
We’ve received over a hundred inches of snow this year (about 30% above average). Driving off-road is sketchy unless you are prepared. Carry chains, a tow rope, warm clothes, a cell phone and food. There will be ice, snow and large drifts. Last time we went out in conditions like this, we encountered people stuck in the snow without 4 wheel drive.
Hiking will be best off a dirt road right now. The temperatures are starting to rise and melt some of the snow we’ve received in the last few weeks. For a quick walk, try the Alpine Pedal Path at Stanfield Cutoff and the North Shore.
Hiking on a trail will be difficult. Although the wind has blow the snow around, we have an average coverage of two feet on the ground with drifts of several feet. Be sure to have tall boots, waterproof pants, water, a cell phone and sun screen –at 7,000 feet the sun and wind conditions will affect your skin quicker.
If you’re not the outdoor type, head into the Village and check out the shopping. Mill Creek Trading Company carries Pendleton, Ugg and Carhartt. They’ve been a Village fixture for years, will an experience staff and a great selection of women’s and men’s clothing. There are a couple of art galleries and Village Theaters has five screens in the Village.
Snowy Conditions
Airport Weather News
