Big Bear Lake Jeep Tour with Light Lunch

If you’re looking for a way to experience Big Bear that combines the thrill of a scenic Jeep ride with the tranquility of a gourmet picnic, this tour might just be what you need. It’s designed for those who crave authentic outdoor beauty paired with a touch of gourmet flair—all in a private, relaxed setting. With glowing reviews and a high recommendation rate, it’s clear that many find it both memorable and worthwhile.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the expert-guided Jeep ride takes you through some of the most beautiful, lesser-known spots in Big Bear’s forests and mountain scenery. Second, the stylish pop-up picnic offers a gourmet meal featuring seasonal and vegan/gluten-free options, served at a secret forest location or by the lake, making it perfect for snapping Insta-worthy photos.

The only consideration? The tour’s 2-hour duration means it’s a taste of Big Bear’s natural beauty, but if you’re craving a longer or more active adventure, you might want to pair it with other outings. Still, for those who prefer quality over quantity, this experience hits the sweet spot.

Ideal for couples, small groups, or families seeking a peaceful yet visually stunning escape, this tour suits travelers who enjoy good food, scenic drives, and storytelling in the great outdoors.

This experience made our article of We Rank The 15 Best Tours & Things To Do In Big Bear.

Key Points

• Scenic Jeep Ride: Driven by a knowledgeable guide through forested trails and mountain vistas.
• Gourmet Picnic: Seasonal, gourmet, and customizable options, including vegan and gluten-free choices.
• Hidden Locations: Secret picnic spots that are off the beaten path, offering privacy and tranquility.
• Storytelling: Engaging tales about Big Bear’s history, legends, and natural features.
• Photo Opportunities: Plenty of chances to capture beautiful scenery and group shots.
• Private Experience: Only your group participates, ensuring a personalized outing.

A Closer Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour kicks off at 949 Tulip Ln, Big Bear Lake, where your private guide, Amber Holloway, will meet your group. She drives a comfortable SUV into the forest, giving a sense of adventure right from the start. The private nature of the tour—only your group—means you won’t be sharing the experience with strangers, which is ideal for those who prefer intimacy and flexibility.

The Scenic Forest Drive

The first stop is San Bernardino National Forest, a lush, expansive area famous for towering trees and quiet wilderness. Your guide, who is also an award-winning food blogger, combines her expertise on the area with storytelling about Big Bear’s legends, history, and ecology. As you ride along dirt forest roads, expect plenty of chances to hop out for photos—your guide is happy to stop anywhere you’d like to capture that perfect shot.

From reviews, we know that travelers find this part of the tour “very scenic” and appreciate the guide’s knowledge. One guest called Amber “an incredible mountain guide and chef,” noting her ability to blend storytelling with the natural beauty around you.

The Gourmet Picnic Experience

After the forest drive, your guide will lead you to a carefully selected picnic spot—either among the trees or overlooking the lake—and set up the pop-up picnic. This company specializes in creating stylish, Instagram-friendly setups that elevate the typical outdoor meal.

You’ll enjoy a light, seasonal menu with options like assorted nuts, veggies with baba ghanoush, cheeses, salami, and sweets. Vegan and gluten-free options are readily available, which many reviews highlight as a thoughtful touch. As one reviewer enthusiastically put it, “Amber knew all about mountain flora and fauna, and curated the most beautiful picnic experience of all time.”

The picnic setting is private, peaceful, and surrounded by nature’s beauty—perfect for relaxing and soaking in the scenery. Many guests take advantage of the setting to take photos of the landscape and their group, making it a memorable part of the day.

The Lake View Lunch Spot

The second stop usually takes you right by Big Bear Lake, where your guide delivers the group to a scenic, often lakeside, picnic location. This spot offers stunning views of the water and mountains, ideal for a casual lunch and picture-taking.

One guest noted that “this is a perfect location for all those Insta-worthy photos,” emphasizing the visual appeal. The quiet surroundings allow you to unwind, chat, and enjoy your meal in a genuine outdoor setting.

Stories, Silence, and Serenity

Throughout the tour, your guide shares stories about Big Bear’s heritage, legends, and natural features. The reviews echo the value of these tales, with many describing the guide as “very sweet and knowledgeable” and “engaging.” After the storytelling, you’re free to spend your time enjoying the scenery and your lunch in privacy.

Duration and Price

At around 2 hours, including driving, storytelling, and dining, the tour offers a well-paced taste of Big Bear’s outdoors. The pricing at $111 per person appears reasonable when considering the personalized guide, the gourmet picnic, and the exclusivity of the experience.

Many travelers find this a good value, especially given the flexibility and quality of the food. One reviewer mentioned, “Great guide, great views, and great food—most important, great memories.”

What Travelers Are Saying

The reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with many mentioning the guide’s friendliness and knowledge. For instance, a guest celebrating their 40th anniversary called it “a delightful experience,” highlighting how special and personal the outing felt. Others appreciated the “very scenic” locations and “beautiful” picnic setup.

Food earns high praise as well; several reviews mention the quality and variety, especially noting vegan/gluten-free options. The opportunity for photos, whether of the scenery or the group, is a recurring highlight.

One reviewer summed it up nicely: “This is a Big Bear must experience,” emphasizing that it’s a memorable way to enjoy the area’s natural beauty without strenuous activity.

Practical Details and Considerations

Transportation: The tour involves a Jeep ride through forested paths, so be prepared for some dirt roads. The vehicle is driven by your guide, who makes stops along the way for photos and stories.

Group Size: Only your group participates, which offers intimacy and flexibility. This is perfect for small families, couples, or friends.

Timing: The tour lasts about 2 hours, making it suitable as a half-day activity. It’s best to book about three weeks in advance, as most travelers do.

Price and Value: At $111 per person, the tour combines scenic sightseeing, storytelling, and a gourmet picnic—creating excellent value for a personalized outdoor adventure with high-quality food.

Weather: Since the experience is outdoors, good weather is essential. The tour will be canceled or rescheduled if the weather turns poor, with full refunds offered.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for nature lovers who enjoy scenic drives and peaceful settings. It’s also perfect for foodies who want to indulge in gourmet picnic fare amid stunning views. If you enjoy storytelling and learning about local lore, the guide’s tales add an enriching layer.

In short, if you’re seeking a relaxed, private, and photo-worthy outing that combines the outdoors, good food, and storytelling, this tour fits the bill beautifully.

The Sum Up

This Big Bear Lake Jeep Tour with a light gourmet lunch offers a delightful blend of scenic beauty, personal storytelling, and culinary charm. It’s a well-curated experience that emphasizes quality over quantity, making it a perfect choice for travelers wanting a memorable, intimate outdoor adventure. The focus on local, secret spots and gourmet food makes it stand out among typical sightseeing options.

For those who want to enjoy Big Bear’s natural splendor without strenuous hikes or large crowds, this tour provides a peaceful, engaging, and tasty escape. It’s especially suitable for small groups, romantic getaways, or families looking for a unique way to celebrate or just unwind. With high praise from past guests, it’s clear this adventure leaves a lasting impression.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, including the drive, storytelling, and picnic.

What is the price per person?
The tour costs $111 per person, which includes the Jeep ride, storytelling, and a gourmet picnic.

Is this a private experience?
Yes, only your group participates, making it a personalized outing.

What kind of food is served?
A seasonal, light picnic menu featuring nuts, veggies, baba ghanoush, cheeses, salami, and sweets. Vegan and gluten-free options are available.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at 949 Tulip Ln, Big Bear Lake, CA.

What should I wear?
Dress comfortably for outdoor conditions; layers are advisable as mountain weather can change quickly.

Can I take photos?
Absolutely. Plenty of scenic stops are included for photos—your guide is happy to assist or take pictures of your group.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent; if canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 3 weeks ahead, as the tour is popular and books quickly.

This experience offers a perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and gourmet enjoyment—an excellent way to connect with Big Bear’s natural side while indulging in some great food. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want a peaceful getaway, it’s a memorable choice that combines authenticity with comfort.