Scenic Drives
Scenic Drive Around Big Bear Lake
Circle Big Bear Lake on an easy scenic drive with lake views, forest scenery, short walks, wildlife areas, and some of the best stops around the shoreline.
Driving around Big Bear Lake is one of the easiest ways to get to know the valley, especially on a first visit. The loop takes you along the quieter North Shore, through Fawnskin, past Big Bear Dam, and back along the more developed south side of the lake.
You can drive the entire loop in about an hour, but plan 1½ to 2½ hours if you want to get out of the car and explore a few stops along the way.
Distance
Approximately 15–20 miles
Drive Time
About 45–60 minutes without stops
Plan For
1½–2½ hours with stops
Road Type
Paved
Best For
First visits • Lake views • Easy sightseeing • Short walks • Photography
Scenic Drive Around Big Bear Lake Map
Use the interactive map below to follow the drive and see each recommended stop along the route.
Our numbered route begins at Stanfield Marsh on the east end of the lake and travels counterclockwise along the North Shore, through Fawnskin, across the Big Bear Dam area, and along the south shore to Boulder Bay.
You don't have to start at Stop #1. Because this is a loop, you can join the route wherever it's most convenient and continue around the lake.
The Route
1. Stanfield Marsh → 2. Alpine Pedal Path → 3. Woodland Interpretive Trail → 4. Juniper Point → 5. Big Bear Discovery Center → 6. Fawnskin → 7. Grout Bay → 8. Big Bear Dam Overlook → 9. Boulder Bay
Continue east along Big Bear Boulevard after Boulder Bay to complete the loop back toward Stanfield Marsh.
Driving Around Big Bear Lake
The drive uses three primary roads around the lake.
1
Start here · West end
Big Bear Boulevard / Highway 18
Big Bear Boulevard / Highway 18 brings you around the western end of the lake and follows the more developed south shore back toward Big Bear Lake.
2
Then · East end
Stanfield Cutoff
Stanfield Cutoff crosses the east end of Big Bear Lake and connects the north and south shores.
3
Finish · Northern side
North Shore Drive / Highway 38
North Shore Drive / Highway 38 follows the quieter northern side of the lake through National Forest land and Fawnskin.
One of the best things about this drive is how different the two sides of the lake feel.
The North Shore is generally quieter and more forested, with trails, recreation areas, wildlife habitat, and long views across the lake. The south side brings you closer to marinas, neighborhoods, restaurants, The Village, and other visitor areas.
How Long Does It Take to Drive Around Big Bear Lake?
Allow approximately 45–60 minutes to drive the loop without stopping under normal traffic conditions.
For most visitors, we recommend 1½–2½ hours. That gives you time to make several stops without feeling rushed.
If you add a longer walk, picnic, Discovery Center visit, or trail, the drive can easily become a half-day outing.
Traffic can significantly increase drive times on summer weekends, holidays, and busy winter snow days.
How Much Time Do You Have?
You don't need an entire day to enjoy the lake loop. Choose your stops based on how much time you have.
About 1 Hour
Drive the complete loop and enjoy the changing scenery from the road.
If you have time for one quick stop, choose a location that fits naturally into wherever you joined the loop rather than trying to reach a specific stop.
About 2 Hours
This is a good choice for most first-time visitors.
Follow the complete loop and choose two or three stops along the way. For example:
Stanfield Marsh → Alpine Pedal Path → Big Bear Dam Overlook → Boulder Bay
You'll experience both sides of the lake while still having time to get out of the car.
Half a Day
Take your time and combine the drive with several longer stops.
Walk part of the Alpine Pedal Path, explore Woodland Interpretive Trail, visit the Discovery Center, or stop for a picnic at Juniper Point.
A half-day also gives you more flexibility to explore without worrying about how long each stop takes.
Best Stops Along the Scenic Drive
The nine stops below follow the same numbered order as our interactive map.
You don't need to visit all nine. Choose the stops that interest you and use the map to follow them around the lake.
1. Stanfield Marsh
Best for: Wildlife, boardwalk & lake views
Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve sits at the east end of Big Bear Lake and makes a natural starting point for the drive.
A boardwalk takes you out over the marsh, with open views of the lake, surrounding mountains, and wildlife habitat.
It's an easy stop that doesn't require a long hike, and mornings and evenings can be especially peaceful.
2. Alpine Pedal Path
Best for: An easy lakeside walk
Continue onto North Shore Drive and you'll reach the Alpine Pedal Path, one of the easiest places to get out of the car and walk beside Big Bear Lake.
The paved path follows the North Shore through forested areas with views of the lake and mountains.
You don't need to walk the entire trail. A short out-and-back is enough to stretch your legs and experience the shoreline before continuing the drive.
3. Woodland Interpretive Trail
Best for: A short forest walk
Woodland Interpretive Trail is a short self-guided trail through the forest along the North Shore.
Interpretive signs along the route introduce visitors to the plants, wildlife, geology, and forest environment around Big Bear.
This is a good stop if you want to add an actual trail to the drive without committing to a longer hike.
4. Juniper Point
Best for: A picnic & lake access
Juniper Point provides another opportunity to leave the car and spend some time near the water.
It's a good choice for a picnic or a longer break during the drive, particularly if you're turning the lake loop into a half-day outing.
Access and facilities at National Forest recreation areas can vary by season, so check current conditions before relying on Juniper Point as a planned stop.
5. Big Bear Discovery Center
Best for: Visitor information & exploring the National Forest
The Big Bear Discovery Center is one of the main visitor resources on the North Shore.
Stop here for information about the surrounding San Bernardino National Forest, recreation opportunities, trails, current conditions, and the natural environment around Big Bear.
Because several trails and recreation areas are nearby, it's also a useful stop if you're deciding what else you'd like to explore during your trip.
6. Fawnskin
Best for: Seeing Big Bear's quieter side
Continue west along North Shore Drive and you'll pass through Fawnskin, a small community on the quieter side of Big Bear Lake.
There isn't one attraction you need to stop for here. Fawnskin is part of the drive itself.
The slower pace, forest surroundings, and views across the lake provide a noticeable contrast to the more developed south shore.
7. Grout Bay
Best for: Quiet shoreline scenery
Grout Bay sits near Fawnskin on the northwestern side of Big Bear Lake and offers a quieter setting than many of the more heavily visited areas around the lake.
Access to areas around Grout Bay can change seasonally, including closures associated with wildlife protection and other National Forest restrictions.
Check current conditions before planning to stop.
8. Big Bear Dam Overlook
Best for: Panoramic lake views
As you reach the western end of Big Bear Lake, the route approaches Big Bear Dam.
This is one of the best places along the drive to appreciate the size of the lake and look back across the valley.
Parking and safe stopping areas are limited around the dam. Use designated areas and established pullouts only, and never stop where your vehicle cannot get completely clear of traffic.
From here, the drive transitions from the quieter North Shore toward the more developed south side of the lake.
9. Boulder Bay
Best for: Classic Big Bear scenery
Boulder Bay is one of the most recognizable views on Big Bear Lake.
Large granite boulders rise from the water just offshore, surrounded by forest and mountain scenery. Boulder Bay Park also has grassy areas, picnic tables, a paved path, and easy lake views.
It's a great final major stop before continuing east along Big Bear Boulevard to complete the loop.
Parking can fill quickly during busy weekends and holidays.
Best Time of Year to Drive Around Big Bear Lake
The lake loop can be driven year-round, but each season gives you a very different experience.
Spring
Spring is generally quieter than summer, with cooler temperatures and changing conditions around the lake.
Snow can linger into the season, particularly in shaded areas, while warmer weather gradually brings more activity back to trails and recreation areas.
Summer
Summer offers the easiest access to most of the stops along the route and is a great time to combine the drive with walking, picnicking, or time near the water. It's also one of the busiest seasons.
Weekend and holiday traffic can build around popular visitor areas, particularly on the south shore. Earlier mornings are usually a better choice if you want a quieter drive.
Fall
Fall is one of the best times to drive around Big Bear Lake.
Cooler temperatures make it comfortable to stop and explore, and the loop takes you through several areas where you may find seasonal color.
If fall color is the reason for your drive, use our seasonal guide to see where to look and what to expect.
Winter
Fresh snow can completely transform the drive, covering the mountains and forests surrounding the lake. But winter also brings ice, snow-covered roads, changing weather, and possible chain restrictions. Conditions can be very different from one side of the lake to the other, particularly in shaded areas.
Before heading out, check current road conditions and understand California chain requirements.
What to Know Before You Go
Traffic
- Traffic varies dramatically depending on when you visit.
- The south shore is generally busier than the North Shore, especially around The Village and other popular visitor areas.
- Summer weekends, holidays, and winter snow days can add significant travel time.
Parking & Pullouts
- Not every scenic view has a safe place to stop.
- Use designated parking areas and established pullouts. Make sure your vehicle is completely clear of the roadway.
- If a small parking area or viewpoint is full, continue to the next stop rather than waiting or parking along the road.
Adventure Pass
- Some stops along the North Shore are located on San Bernardino National Forest land and may require an Adventure Pass or another recreation fee for parking.
- You do not need a pass simply to drive around the lake. Requirements depend on where you park and recreate.
- Check the requirements for the specific National Forest site you plan to use.
Bringing Your Dog
- The lake loop can be an easy outing with a dog because several stops give you an opportunity to get out and walk.
- The Alpine Pedal Path and other outdoor areas along the route can work particularly well for visitors traveling with dogs.
- Keep dogs leashed where required, carry water, follow posted rules, and never leave a pet unattended in a vehicle.
Watch for Cyclists
- Cyclists use roads around Big Bear Lake, including portions of North Shore Drive.
- Expect bikes around curves and narrower stretches of road, slow down when necessary, and give cyclists plenty of room when passing.
Wildlife
- The North Shore and Stanfield Marsh provide opportunities to see birds and other wildlife.
- Never stop in an active traffic lane to photograph wildlife, and don't approach or feed wild animals.
Make the Drive Part of Your Big Bear Trip
The scenic lake loop works especially well on a first visit because you can combine sightseeing with several of Big Bear's easiest outdoor attractions.
Only here for the day?
Use our Big Bear Day Trip Guide to build the lake drive into a full-day itinerary.
Visiting during fall?
Our Big Bear Fall Colors Guide can help you find seasonal color around the valley.
Looking for a longer drive?
Continue your trip around the lake by heading to Lake Arrowhead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you drive all the way around Big Bear Lake?
Yes. Paved roads form a complete driving loop around Big Bear Lake using North Shore Drive/Highway 38, Big Bear Boulevard/Highway 18, and Stanfield Cutoff.How long does it take to drive around Big Bear Lake?
Allow approximately 45–60 minutes to drive around Big Bear Lake without stops under normal traffic conditions. For sightseeing, plan about 1½–2½ hours so you have time to get out and explore several stops.How many miles is the drive around Big Bear Lake?
The complete loop is approximately 15–20 miles depending on where you begin and any small detours you make to reach recreation areas or stops.Where should I stop while driving around Big Bear Lake?
Our scenic route includes nine recommended stops: Stanfield Marsh, Alpine Pedal Path, Woodland Interpretive Trail, Juniper Point, Big Bear Discovery Center, Fawnskin, Grout Bay, Big Bear Dam Overlook, and Boulder Bay. You don't need to visit every stop; choose them based on your interests and how much time you have.Where should I start the drive around Big Bear Lake?
You can start anywhere along the loop. Our interactive map numbers the route beginning at Stanfield Marsh and traveling along the North Shore toward Fawnskin, Big Bear Dam, and Boulder Bay, but you can join the route wherever is most convenient.Is the drive around Big Bear Lake difficult?
For most drivers, the lake loop is an easy mountain drive. The route is paved and doesn't involve the same long mountain climbs and descents you'll encounter when driving to and from Big Bear. You should still expect curves, cyclists, changing weather, traffic, and potentially icy conditions during winter.Can you drive around Big Bear Lake in winter?
Yes, but road conditions can change quickly during and after winter storms. Snow, ice, and chain restrictions are possible. Check current conditions before starting the drive and be prepared for winter driving.
Explore More Scenic Drives from Big Bear Lake
The lake loop is only one way to explore the mountains by car.
Discover longer scenic routes and day trips including Rim of the World Scenic Byway, Lake Arrowhead, and Oak Glen.
Before You Go
Road conditions, closures, construction, weather, parking, recreation-site access, and travel times can change without notice. Discover Big Bear Lake provides this guide for general trip planning. Always check current conditions with official sources and follow posted closures, parking restrictions, and traffic controls.
