Big Bear Blog

Every time I venture out – whether it’s a quick run I can complete in under an hour or a full-blown adventure – I always take a look at my surroundings and appreciate how lucky I am to call Big Bear home. And sometimes, on those days where my motivation falters, I am just happy that I show up on time for that scheduled adventure.

Like this morning. I had big plans for a quick ride through the forest with enough speed and strength to complete a round trip mountain bike that would take us up Plantation trail, down Wet Dream and finish on Lower Cabin 89 in less than an hour and a half. Yet, ten minutes into our ride my rugged group of three realized each of us was beat and were honest enough to call “Uncle” on our original plan. Was I disappointed? Not really. Did I think I was wasting my time? No; how could meeting up with good friends in the brisk silence of early morning be a negative. While we didn’t do what we intended, we did have an awesome ride that took us on mild fire road to see Big Bear Lake’s newest adventure – a Zip Line – and discover a new trail that took us in an entirely different direction.

So, it got me thinking: Sometimes I feel like a weekend warrior and sometimes I don’t. Sometimes I enjoy the power of place more than the practice. If I deviate from the plan and, in the end, get the same results, who am I to judge. Bottom-line: An awesome morning spent exploring Big Bear is, in the end, an awesome morning spent exploring Big Bear. So whether you are visiting as a weekend warrior or as a casual observer, remember to stop and enjoy the power of this spectacular place. 

Earning my place,
Glade Girl

No June Gloom in Big Bear, just an amazing June Bloom! These last few weeks of crazy weather seem to have extended our season of flower power leaving behind a stroke of color in its wake. Purples saturated with yellows, oranges and pinks. Lilacs started us off strong with amazing hues and fragrant scents followed by Lupine, Indian Paintbrush and Columbine.

Last weekend I took a twilight hike on Grout Bay Trail from Hannah Flats Campground. It was beautiful. A mile in I stumbled on a field of Columbine. Yellow splashed either side of the trail in a forest scarred by the 2007 Peak fire. The surprising color contrasted nicely on an otherwise monochromatic evening. Fortunately I had my camera along to capture the meadow.

Since then I’ve been checking out my other favorite trail – Snowforest – keeping an eye out for Big Bear’s signature Lilies. In late June, the cool woodland typically produces a surplus of color as the forest gives way to Knickerbocker Canyon. Mountain Lupine stands as tall as my waist, sweet-smelling lemon Lilies are scattered amongst the wild tangle of Corn Lily blossoms. If you have a chance, check it out for yourself and make sure to bring a camera along.

Earning my Flower Power,
Glade Girl

My last blog was about the Big Bear Shoot Out. The event drew more than 400 competitors, which easily doubled last year’s attendance. That’s really exciting and it’s great to see the sport growing in Big Bear once again, but racing is just not my thing. I’m all about adventure and having fun!

With racers and other riders swarming around the resort side of the mountain, I decided to take my friends to a spot more secluded. We call it the “Wildhorse/Sugarloaf” figure 8 and the ride includes a steady grinder climb to start your day, then it immediately rewards you with one of the best single-track descents in the entire valley, a bit of asphalt brings you to the mellow climb back up to “wildhorse meadows”, and finally one last bump up and over the ridge to the scary fast “Sugarloaf” trail and back to the car.

During our 4 hour ride we didn’t see any other cyclists, just one motorcycle and a few 4×4’s noodling along on the dirt roads. It just goes to show you just how BIG, Big Bear is, with plenty of room for bike racing and bike exploration and just noodling around.

Spreading the love, rev

A big happy birthday shout out to Rich “The Reverend” White a.k.a. Rev. It’s the BIG FIVE-O today. But who is counting candles? This legendary Big Bear icon is built like a 24 year old and has more passion about outdoor recreation in his right pinky than most will ever have in their entire body.

Rev flat out lives for the outdoors. Best of all his enthusiasm drives more and more people to get outside and play! Rev’s philosophy is to simply just have fun. Whether its trail running, cycling, snowshoeing, snowboarding, hiking or mountain biking Rev will show you a good time! In short Rev wants everyone to get excited about being outdoors.

For those of you who know Rev will agree his passion and ability to ride outweighs his actual age. Rev is built like a greyhound and it ready to conquer any mountain.
He is a role model for the fitness circuit and those who just want to experience recreational activities.

Today I ran three miles on the Pacific Crest Trail in honor of the legend’s 50th birthday. If you are not able to see Rev on his b-day be sure to send him a birthday wish by clicking on the comments link above, or better yet get outdoors and do something invigorating and have fun. I’ll guarantee that’s what Rev is doing. He’s either doing a 100 mile bike ride or climbing to the top of Mt. San Gorgonio. One think for certain is he is enjoying the great outdoors and he is definitely having fun!

Happy Birthday Rev,

Daniel Pea  

This past Saturday was National Get Outdoors Day. There is no better place in Southern California to get out and enjoy the great outdoors like Big Bear Lake. The activities are abounding in the Big Bear Valley, which makes it a natural “timberland playground” for outdoor enthusiasts. Choices range from boating, mountain biking, sailing, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, rock climbing and so on. 

A hike in the woods is an intimate way to connect with nature and celebrate a healthy lifestyle. I decided on a sunset hike on Pine Knot Trail, which is easily one of Big Bear’s top five hiking trails. Pine Knot Trail offers a high degree of splendor with towering Jeffery pines, shady black oaks and welcoming white firs. Of course with this many trees it’s a natural magnet for birds. The orchestration of chirps, songs, tweets and whistles were boundless as I trekked through the verdant surroundings. 

I chose to do a sunset hike because I was hopeful to see a red sky. The reason is I plan to go fishing today. I wanted to ensure that a red sky at night would surely bring a sailor’s delight today for a great day of fishing on the lake. Sure enough when I reached a peak that overlooks the lake the sky to the west was brilliant with shades of blush, pinks, and crimson. It was indeed a sign that a sailors delight was in the forecast.

I’ll be sure to follow up with a fishing report to see if the red skies really play a role in a delightful day on the lake. Whatever the case is I’m sure to enjoy another day in Southern California’s ultimate playground.

Get Outdoors,
Daniel Pea