6 Best Hiking And Trekking Tours In Big Bear (With Reviews & Prices)

Big Bear is a favorite for outdoor lovers, especially those eager to explore mountain trails, lakes, and forests. What makes it stand out is the diversity of experiences available—whether you’re traveling with family, seeking solitude, or wanting a splash of adventure.

For example, our top pick, the Family-Friendly Nature Hike around the Big Bear Valley, offers a gentle walk with wild plant tasting and wildlife spotting, perfect for all ages.

Meanwhile, the Big Bear Jeep off-road tour with Hike to Bluff Lake Reserve takes you into remote areas by private vehicle, revealing hidden lakes and towering pines.

If you want to combine hiking with a swim, the A Local’s Favorite Hike in Big Bear with Lake Swimming Experience offers an easy trek followed by a refreshing dip at a secret dock. Each of these tours captures a different facet of Big Bear’s natural beauty.

Quick Overview

This list covers a variety of hiking and trekking tours suited for different interests and fitness levels. You’ll find family-friendly walks like the one here, private off-road hikes exploring Bluff Lake (see here), lake swims combined with light hikes (details here), spectacular fall color hikes (more info), sunset hikes with champagne toast (see here), and even multi-day kayak and hike adventures (details here). Keep reading for an in-depth look at each one.

1. Family-Friendly Nature Hike around the Big Bear Valley

This gentle, well-reviewed tour is perfect if you’re traveling with children or just prefer a relaxed pace. It takes about 1.5 hours, starting from Mill Creek Rd, and is designed to engage both kids and adults.

The guide leads you on a stroll through the San Bernardino National Forest, focusing on flora and fauna, with interactive activities like tasting wild plants. The trail is stroller-friendly, making it accessible for almost everyone, regardless of mobility.

Visitors rave about the friendly, knowledgeable guides—Amber, in particular, gets high praise for her enthusiasm and deep knowledge of local plants and wildlife, sharing stories that make the natural world come alive.

What sets this tour apart is its focus on hands-on learning and its compatibility with all ages. It’s ideal for families wanting a light but enriching experience without the demands of a strenuous hike. Plus, it includes some hospitality like hot chocolate, which feels like a thoughtful touch.

The reviews consistently highlight its relaxed vibe and the chance to ask questions freely, making it a great introduction to Big Bear’s lush environment.

Bottom Line: A perfect, easy-going walk that offers educational fun for all ages, combining nature with light interaction at a fair price.

2. Big Bear Jeep off-road tour with Hike to Bluff Lake Reserve

For those craving adventure and exploring hidden corners, this private off-road tour ranks high. For around $65 per person, you’ll get approximately two hours of exploring remote trails in a vehicle, culminating in a trek to Bluff Lake—one of Big Bear’s best-kept secrets. The guide will take you along less-traveled pathways, providing context on the area’s history, flora, and fauna.

Bluff Lake itself is rarely visited by the casual tourist, making this a unique window into the wilderness that most overlook.

The tour is customizable, so you can choose which trail to follow around Bluff Lake, and the private setting means personalized attention. The highlight is the chance to see the largest and oldest lodgepole pine while learning about the region’s ecology. The reviews emphasize the guide’s local knowledge and the exclusivity of the experience.

Since Bluff Lake is considered one of the most gorgeous spots in Big Bear, this tour offers a well-balanced mix of off-road adventure and scenic hiking.

Bottom Line: An excellent choice for adventurous travelers who want to see Big Bear’s less accessible, breathtaking scenery with a touch of history and ecology.

3. A Local’s Favorite Hike in Big Bear with Lake Swimming Experience

This tour combines a manageable 2-mile hike with a secret swimming spot, perfect for those who want an active yet relaxing day. Starting with a moderate ascent of about 300 feet, you’ll work up an appetite before cooling off at a hidden dock along the lake. The guide will reveal the location of this private swimming hole, giving you a chance to refresh after the hike.

Cooler boxes are provided, or you can bring your own food and drinks. Swimming gear is optional—just be sure to bring your swimsuit if you plan to take a dip.

What makes this tour stand out is the insider knowledge of the guide, who makes the hike engaging and the swimming spot exclusive. It’s suited for people who enjoy a light hike combined with water fun, making it ideal for families or groups looking for a laid-back outdoor day. Reviews mention how the guide’s knowledge adds to the experience, making the hike both fun and informative.

Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a straightforward hike with a rewarding swim in a peaceful lake setting.

4. Big Bear Fall Colors Hiking Tour in Southern California

If you’re visiting in autumn, this tour is a must-do. It’s designed specifically to catch the best fall foliage, with the guide leading you through scenic trails underneath oak trees that turn yellow and orange. The tour lasts about two hours, and the guide shares local stories along the way.

The hike involves some uphill sections, so it’s better suited for moderate hikers, but the pace can be adjusted for beginners or kids.

The highlight is the seasonal display of fall colors, which local knowledge ensures you won’t miss. The guide’s passion for the area’s natural beauty shines through, and reviews praise the lush sights, especially the vistas of the forest, lake, and meadows. If you’re a photographer or just want a memorable outdoor experience during autumn, this tour offers a perfect mix of scenery and storytelling.

Bottom Line: An excellent choice for nature lovers and fall photographers wanting to see Big Bear at its most colorful.

5. Guided Hiking Tour in Big Bear with Sunset Champagne toast on Private Dock

This tour offers a romantic twist—hiking at sunset followed by a champagne toast on a private dock. Meeting in Cherry Lane, you’ll hike for about 45 minutes to a lookout point with spectacular lake views. The trail is rated from advanced to moderate, so some hiking experience is helpful, but the focus is on the view and experience.

After the trek, you’ll drive a short distance to the marina, where a bottle of champagne awaits, ready for you to toast as the sun dips behind the mountains.

What makes this tour special is the combination of outdoor activity and a celebratory finish—ideal for couples or celebrating a special occasion. The guide is flexible and allows you to go at your own pace, emphasizing comfort and the scenic moment. The reviews are positive, noting the “spectacular views” and the “private, relaxed atmosphere” of the champagne toast.

Bottom Line: A refined, scenic experience perfect for romantic outings or special celebrations with a focus on views and a touch of luxury.

6. From San Diego: Two-Day Kayaking & Hiking at Big Bear Lake

For those looking for an extended outdoor getaway, this two-day adventure combines kayaking and hiking, with all logistics handled for you. Starting from San Diego, it offers a hassle-free escape with accommodations, meals, and guided activities. Day 1 begins with arrival at Big Bear, setup at the 29-acre campsite, and a family-style lunch.

The second day involves exploring the wilderness via kayaking on the lake and hiking some of the best trails in the area.

This comprehensive package is ideal for travelers wanting a multi-day outdoor retreat, blending water sports and mountain hikes. The itinerary includes setting up camp, cooking local food, and participating in activities like a “Treasure Trek” scavenger hunt.

While no reviews are available yet, the value is clear: it’s a complete, all-inclusive experience designed for outdoor enthusiasts seeking immersion in Big Bear’s landscape.

Bottom Line: Perfect for active families or groups wanting a multi-day outdoor adventure with everything taken care of.

How to Choose

When deciding between these hikes, consider your budget, time available, and interests. For a relaxed day with kids, go for the Family-Friendly Nature Hike. If you’re after an adventure, the Jeep tour to Bluff Lake provides a scenic off-road experience combined with a scenic hike.

For water lovers, the lake swim experience offers a refreshing reward after a light hike. Autumn visitors should consider the Fall Colors Tour, while romantic couples will find the Sunset Champagne tour ideal.

Booking early is advisable, especially during peak seasons like fall or summer, when tours fill quickly. Think about how much time you want to dedicate; a half-day hike suits most schedules, but the two-day kayak trip offers a more immersive stay.

Final Thoughts

Big Bear presents a variety of hiking and trekking options to match nearly every outdoor goal. Whether you want a family-friendly stroll, a private off-road adventure, a scenic fall hike, or a multi-day kayaking trip, there’s something here for you.

For those unsure where to start, the family-friendly guided hikes are a safe, enjoyable bet, while adventure-seekers should consider the Bluff Lake off-road tour.

No matter your choice, Big Bear’s natural beauty and accessible outdoor activities make it worth planning your visit early. Pack your hiking boots, bring plenty of water, and get ready to explore some of Southern California’s best outdoor scenery.