Scenic Drives
Drive Around Big Bear Lake
Few drives in Southern California give you the chance to experience a mountain lake from so many different perspectives in such a short distance. Driving around Big Bear Lake is one of the easiest ways to explore the area.
Distance
~ 15 miles
Drive Time
45 mins+
Type of Drive
Local Drive
Road Type
Paved
Drive Overview
The drive around Big Bear Lake is approximately 15–20 miles depending on your route and stops. Without traffic or pullovers, the loop typically takes about 45 to 60 minutes. However, most visitors should realistically plan closer to 1.5 to 2 hours if stopping at viewpoints, walking trails, or lakeside parks.
The route follows:
- Big Bear Blvd along the south shore
- Stanfield Cutoff connecting the east end
- North Shore Drive along the quieter north side of the lake
Most people begin near The Village and complete the loop clockwise, though the drive works well in either direction. Traffic patterns can change the experience significantly throughout the day. The south shore near Boulder Bay, the dam, and The Village tends to become congested during weekends and holidays, while the north shore is usually calmer with easier pullouts and lighter traffic.
This drive works well for:
- First-time visitors
- Families
- Day trips
- Photography
- Casual sightseeing
- Pairing with short walks or picnic stops
What to Expect
Driving around Big Bear Lake is more relaxed than many mountain drives in Southern California. The roads are paved and generally easy to navigate year-round, though weather conditions can change quickly during winter storms.
The scenery changes noticeably throughout the route. Along the south shore, you’ll pass marinas, lakeside neighborhoods, Boulder Bay, and busier visitor areas near The Village. The north shore feels quieter and more open, with longer stretches of forest, shoreline pullouts, and mountain views.
Depending on the season and time of day, expect:
- Wide lake views
- Pine forests
- Mountain backdrops
- Wildlife viewing opportunities
- Scenic shoreline pullouts
- Cyclists sharing the roadway
- Weekend traffic near popular stops
This is not a fast-moving scenic highway. On weekends, especially during summer and snow season, portions of the drive can become slow and congested. Midday traffic near Boulder Bay and the dam is especially common.
Morning is usually the best overall time to experience the loop:
- Easier parking
- Less traffic
- Better lake reflections
- Calmer conditions for photography
Best Stops Along The Way
Stanfield Marsh
Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve is one of the best first stops on the loop, especially for birdwatching and quiet lake views. Recent improvements added a parking area, restrooms, and an accessible boardwalk, making it one of the easiest scenic stops for all ages.
Early mornings and evenings are often the best times to spot ducks, geese, herons, and other waterfowl.
Alpine Pedal Path
The Alpine Pedal Path follows the north shore of the lake and offers one of the easiest ways to experience the shoreline up close. The paved path is popular for walking and biking and works well for visitors who want a short scenic stop without committing to a full hike.
The east end views near Stanfield Cutoff are especially scenic in the morning when the lake is calm.
Woodland Interpretive Trail
Located near the Big Bear Discovery Center, the Woodland Interpretive Trail is a short self-guided loop through the forest. Interpretive signs explain the local ecosystem, native plants, and forest management, making this one of the more educational stops around the lake.
The trail is mostly flat and family-friendly.
View the Woodland Interpretive Trail →
Juniper Point
Juniper Point Picnic Area is one of the quieter shoreline stops along North Shore Drive. Compared to the busier south shore, this area typically feels calmer and less crowded, making it a good place for a picnic or quick lakeside break.
Big Bear Discovery Center
The Big Bear Discovery Center is one of the most valuable stops for visitors planning additional outdoor activities. Forest rangers can provide updated trail conditions, weather information, wildlife activity, and current closures throughout the San Bernardino National Forest.
There’s also a short Discovery Trail behind the center that offers an easy forest walk.
Fawnskin
Fawnskin offers a quieter, more residential feel compared to the south shore. While there are fewer businesses here today, the drive through this stretch gives visitors a better sense of the calmer side of Big Bear Lake.
Grout Bay Picnic Area
When open, Grout Bay is one of the most peaceful lakeside stops on the north shore. Seasonal closures are common during bald eagle nesting season to help protect local wildlife habitats.
If accessible during your visit, the hill above the picnic area offers excellent elevated lake views.
Big Bear Dam Overlook
The Big Bear Dam overlook provides one of the best panoramic perspectives of the lake. From here, you can clearly see changing lake levels, surrounding mountains, and much of the shoreline in a single view.
This is also one of the easiest scenic pullouts directly along the route.
Boulder Bay Park
Boulder Bay Park is one of the most photographed locations in Big Bear Lake and a favorite final stop before returning toward The Village. Massive granite boulders rise directly from the shoreline, creating one of the lake’s most recognizable landscapes.
Late afternoon lighting here is often especially scenic.
Best Time of Year
The drive around Big Bear Lake is scenic year-round, but the overall experience changes quite a bit by season.
Spring
Spring brings greener forests, cooler temperatures, and fewer crowds. Snow may still be visible on surrounding peaks during early spring.
Summer
Summer offers the clearest weather and fullest access to trails, parks, and pullouts, but it is also the busiest season. Weekend traffic around Boulder Bay and The Village can become heavy.
Fall
Fall is one of the best times for the drive thanks to cooler temperatures, lighter crowds, and seasonal color around parts of the lake and surrounding forest.
Winter
Winter can be incredibly scenic when snow is present, especially around the north shore and forested areas. However, winter weather can also bring chain requirements, icy roads, and temporary closures during storms.
THings to Know Before you Go
Mountain Roads
Although this is one of the easier scenic drives in the San Bernardino Mountains, you are still driving at elevation on mountain roads. Expect curves, changing weather, cyclists along portions of the roadway, and occasional slow-moving traffic during busy weekends.
Take your time and use designated pullouts safely rather than stopping along narrow shoulders.
Mountain weather changes quickly throughout the year. A sunny morning can turn into afternoon rain, snow, wind, or fog depending on the season. Dress in layers and check conditions before leaving.
Gas stations become less common outside the main town areas, especially on longer scenic drives. It’s best to fuel up before starting your route, particularly during weekends and busy holiday periods.
Cell service can become unreliable in parts of the San Bernardino Mountains, especially near forest roads, overlooks, and canyon areas. Download maps offline if possible and avoid relying entirely on GPS navigation.
Wildlife sightings are common throughout the area, especially during early morning and evening hours. Deer, hawks, coyotes, and even black bears may be seen near forested sections of the drive. Slow down and stay alert.
Do you Have an Adventure Pass?
Some trailheads, picnic areas, scenic pullouts, and National Forest recreation sites may require a San Bernardino National Forest Adventure Pass.
Winter weather can change quickly in Big Bear Lake and surrounding mountain communities. Chain controls may be required during storms, even for some AWD and 4WD vehicles. Before visiting during winter, always check current Caltrans road conditions and carry chains when required.