Posted in Big Bear Lake, Deals, RS Vacation Rentals, Wild Wednesday, tagged Big Bear, Big Bear Lake, Cabin, Deals, Escape, Getaway, Rental, RS Vacations, spring, Spring Special, Vacation, Vacation Rental on April 6, 2022| Leave a Comment »
Come on up to Beautiful Big Bear Lake this spring and enjoy everything our Mountain Playground has to offer for the lowest price of the year!
Now through June 15, 2022 (excluding Memorial Day Weekend), ONE NIGHT IS FREE when you book three or more nights at RSVacations.net – the special will automatically apply! We have dozens of cabins for every size group and budget, and your cabin will be clean and ready for your arrival.
Posted in Big Bear Activities, Tuesday's Topic, tagged Big Bear, Escape, Hiking on July 9, 2013| Leave a Comment »
Hiking in Big Bear is a fantastic way to see the true beauty our mountains have to offer. We have many designated trails for beginners through expert hikers. You can start off from a trail head or ride the scenic sky chair at Snow Summit Resort and hike the back country.
At RS Vacations, many of our homes are adjacent to the National Forest. You can have your morning coffee, set out on a hike and be back in time for lunch. (Please be sure you have the proper equipment and a GPS device if you are hiking on unmarked trails.) Book a Big Bear Cabin today and start planning your ‘escape’. You wont regret it!!
Here is a map, information on trails, and some hiking tips from BigBear.com:
Alpine Pedal Path 2.5 miles away, very easy
An asphalt path that wanders along the north shore of Big Bear Lake. Easily accessible for hikers, bikers, skaters, joggers, strollers and wheelchairs. It starts at Stanfield Cutoff and ends at the Solar Observatory.
Woodland Trail 1.5 mile loop, easy
A unique nature trail with 20 posted stops. Pick up a pamphlet at the entrance and take the self-guided tour where you will learn about botany, geology and the wildlife of this woodland area. You can leave your car in the parking lot if you exhibit an Adventure Pass.
Champion Lodgepole Pine Trail .6 mile round-trip, easy
The Lodgepole Pine Trail is on the south side of the lake and is a gentle walk down a path along a stream, ending up at the Champion Lodgepole Pine, one of the largest known lodgepoles in the world. Begin by driving up Mill Creek Road (Forest Road 2N10-dirt road) for 4.5 miles, turn right on 2N11 and continue 1 mile to the trailhead.
Castle Rock Trail 2.4 miles round-trip, moderate
Castle Rock Trail is one of Big Bear’s most popular trails. The trail begins 1 mile east of Big Bear Dam on Hwy 18. On the south side of Hwy 18 is a small brown sign that marks the trailhead. Park at the turnout along Hwy 18. The elevation gain is 500′, making it a steep climb for the first .5 miles. The well-marked trail levels out for another .7 miles. At the top is an impressive granite rock outcropping providing 360° panoramic views.
Pine Knot Trail 6 miles round-trip, moderate
Hikers begin at the base of Aspen Glen Picnic Area, just south of Mill Creek Road. The trail meanders through stands of white fir and Jeffrey pine. The trail leads to Grand View Point, altitude 7,784′. Avid hikers make the round trip hike in three hours or less. Mountain bikers take the Scenic Sky Chair to 2N10 west to 1E01 for a thrilling single track experience.
Cougar Crest Trail 4-5.5 miles, moderate to difficult
Starts .6 miles west of the Discovery Center on Hwy 38. You will need an Adventure Pass to park in the trailhead parking area. On the trail you will walk through a wide variety of natural environments. The first mile is a gentle uphill climb, but after a mile or so you will realize you are gaining altitude. The Cougar Crest Trail ends at the juncture of the world-famous 2,600-mile long Pacific Crest Trail.
Snow Summit/Grandview Loop Bike Trail 9 miles, low intermediate
A very popular novice ride that starts by taking the Snow Summit Scenic Sky Chair. This ride has a 3-mile roller coaster ride to Grandview Point Junction. There you have the option to ride 2.5 miles to Grandview Point where the view is beautiful and well worth the extra time.
Grout Bay Bike Trail 13 miles, intermediate
This trail starts with a short paved climb from the Fawnskin Fire Station up to 3N14. Continue 2.5 miles to Hanna Flat campground. From there, Grout Bay Trail starts at the back of the campsite and starts climbing. The trail climbs and descends, ending your ride back into Fawnskin.
John Bull Loop Bike Trail 14.9 miles, advanced to expert
To complete this loop you’ll need stamina and basic navigation skills. Start at Van Dusen Canyon Rd. (3N09) and ride up 3.5 miles to Holcomb Valley to 3N16 turn left, to 3N07 turn right, to 3N43 turn left to “The John Bull Trail” (3N10). It’s about 3 miles of technical riding before you come 3N32; Turn right to 3N16; Take another right at 3N09, which will lead you back to your starting point.
Adventure Pass Info (Available at the Big Bear Visitor Center, 630 Bartlett Rd. or the Big Bear Discovery Center, 40971 North Shore Hwy 18)
Hiking Tips:
• Before starting even on a casual hike, take an inventory of your equipment. Have the proper footwear. Blisters and sore legs will greatly distract from your adventure in the great outdoors.
• The Big Bear Valley is in many places high desert, so take plenty of fluids since there is very little access to drinking water on these trails. The only water that is safe to drink at recreation sites is from developed systems. Open water is too easily contaminated to be considered potable. Water from springs, lakes, ponds and streams should be treated prior to drinking. Even clear water should be boiled at least 15 minutes before drinking.
• At this altitude the air has very little ozone to protect you from the harmful rays of the sun, therefore, a hat is imperative. Sun-block is also important.
• Many experienced trekkers carry a small survival kit with them. This often contains a windbreaker, a small first aid kit, a metal mirror, a police whistle, matches, a pocket flashlight, some high-energy snacks and a sheet of plastic or a thermal blanket in case the weather changes or they are forced to spend the night in the woods.
• Always let someone you trust know where you are going and when you expect to be back. Also, it is never wise to hike alone. Find out when the sun sets and allow yourself plenty of time to get back before dark.
Posted in Big Bear Lake, Monday Musings, tagged Big Bear, Escape, Hiking, Mountain Biking on July 8, 2013| Leave a Comment »
Last weekend was my 23rd wedding anniversary. The hubs and I have both been working a lot (which is good!!) and it has been pretty busy up here in Big Bear, so a few days before the actual day, we were discussing what we wanted 
to do to celebrate. We looked at each other and said “find some quiet”. It had to be something quick and cheap this year, so we decided on a quick camping trip in our little trailer. We found a babysitter for the kids…er…dogs :), loaded up the bikes and escaped for 2 days. It. Was. Wonderful.
The camping part is always a bit of work and we did have some ‘neighbors’ that really liked ‘speed metal’. (If you don’t know what that is, you’re lucky. 😉 This is coming from someone who likes all kinds of music – including metal.) They also really liked the F-word. A lot. 😦 The camp host had a chat with them the first night and it did get much better. There was also road noise and quite a few people in the campground. (I highly suggest you book a lovely, quiet, cabin from RS Vacations and avoid the above distractions.) “But I thought you said it was wonderful?” I did. And now I will tell you why.
We woke up early our first morning there and everyone else in the campground was still asleep (probably because they spent the night banging their heads and yelling the F-word….). It was beautiful and peaceful. We then got ourselves ready and took an absolutely fabulous mountain bike ride. We found a little trail that ended up at an overlook to a lovely valley. We had a snack, took some photos and just sat. With the exception of the birds, it was silent. Sitting in beauty and silence is so therapeutic to me. It calms my soul. After a little while, we rode back down (the fun part!) and grabbed a shower at the campground facilities. (Yet another reason that I highly recommend an RS Vacations cabin!!)
We spent the afternoon playing games, had a nice dinner (bugs do NOT bring me peace. And I give you another reason… 🙂 ), and roasted marshmallows over the campfire. We left the next morning and headed home. The dogs were glad to see us, and we were glad to see our shower.
The part that I will remember is not the bugs, the noisy ‘neighbors’ or the um, questionable showers. It is the peace and joy of being in the quiet of the forest with the man that I love. It is sitting and admiring beauty in a world that is not always so beautiful. Big Bear is a gorgeous place, especially if you go off the beaten path. That is where the true beauty lies and where you can get a true escape from everyday stress. Many of our cabins here at RS Vacations (including Lassen Bear Lodge) are right next to the National Forest – so you can easily have your own nature retreat. Enjoy!
RS Vacations - Big Bear Lake, CA 