Hiking Trails
Alpine Pedal Path
A paved, 3.2-mile lakeside trail perfect for biking, strollers, and easy walks. Get local intel on the 1E50.1 spur tunnel, eagle sightings, and the best parking at Stanfield Cutoff.
Distance
North Shore
Difficulty
Easy
Elevation Gain
Minimal
Dogs
Yes
The Alpine Pedal Path runs parallel to North Shore Drive (Highway 38). Your route will depend on which section of the trail you want to start from.
Stanfield Cutoff
This is the most popular and easiest-to-access starting point.
- Directions: From Big Bear Blvd (Hwy 18), turn north onto Stanfield Cutoff. Drive over the bridge — the trailhead is immediately on your left at the intersection with North Shore Dr (Hwy 38).
- Parking: Small dirt lot + street parking along the bridge.
Discovery Center
A great option if you want amenities, restrooms, or plan to combine multiple trails.
- Directions: Drive along Hwy 38 to the Big Bear Discovery Center (40971 North Shore Dr).
- Trail Access: From the parking lot, follow the paved path toward the pedestrian tunnel. This connects via the 1E50.1 Spur Trail and safely takes you under the highway, dropping you directly onto the Alpine Pedal Path.
Juniper Point & Meadows Edge
Best for avoiding crowds and jumping straight into scenic sections.
- Directions: Drive along North Shore Dr between Stanfield Cutoff and the Discovery Center. Look for clearly marked signs for Juniper Point or Meadows Edge Picnic Areas.
- Parking: Paved Forest Service lots (Adventure Pass required).
Directions
Getting There
Overview
About the Trail
The Alpine Pedal Path is a fully paved, multi-use trail stretching about 3.2 miles one way along the North Shore.
It’s one of the easiest and most accessible outdoor experiences in Big Bear. The path is mostly flat, making it ideal for:
- Families with strollers
- Casual walkers
- Beginner cyclists
- Anyone looking for a relaxed, scenic outing
Unlike many Big Bear trails that involve steep climbs or rocky terrain, this path is designed for low-impact use while still delivering some of the best lake views in the area.
Trail Details
Distance & Elevation
The full trail runs 3.2 miles one way (Stanfield Cutoff to the Serrano Campground / Solar Observatory area). Most visitors treat it as an out-and-back walk or ride, choosing their distance based on time and energy.
There’s minimal elevation gain, so you won’t need to prepare for a strenuous hike.
Trail Details
Terrain
- Smooth asphalt for nearly the entire route
- A few short wooden boardwalk sections
- Wide enough for two-way traffic (walkers + cyclists)
Directions
Connecting & Nearby Trails
One of the biggest advantages of the Alpine Pedal Path is how easily it connects to other areas.
1E50.1 Spur Trail (Pedestrian Tunnel)
This short connector allows you to safely pass under Highway 38, linking the path to nearby trailheads and the Discovery Center without crossing traffic.
Cougar Crest Trail
If you want to turn your easy walk into a more challenging hike, this trail climbs into the mountains above the lake.
Big Bear Discovery Center
A great add-on stop for maps, exhibits, and local trail information.
The Alpine Pedal Path runs along Big Bear Lake’s North Shore and can be accessed from multiple points. Where you start can completely change your experience — from busy and social to quiet and shaded.
Here are the most popular access points:
Main Entry (Stanfield Cutoff – East End)
This is the most commonly used trailhead and the easiest to find. The downside is parking fills quickly, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Local tip: If the dirt lot is full, you can usually find legal parallel parking along the bridge.
Mid-Trail Access (Juniper Point & Meadows Edge)
If you’re looking for a quieter start, this is your best option. These access points drop you right into some of the most scenic, shaded sections of the trail.
- Keep in mind: Parking here requires a Forest Service Adventure Pass (or America the Beautiful Pass).
Discovery Center Access (West End)
You can also connect to the trail from the Big Bear Discovery Center. This is one of the easiest and most reliable places to park, with restrooms and additional amenities nearby.
Restrooms: Available at Juniper Point, Meadows Edge, and the Discovery Center. If you want the cleanest and most reliable option, use the Discovery Center before heading out.
Parking
Trailhead & Parking Information
Plan Your Hike
Location
North Shore
Best Time of Year
May-June
Parking
At Trailhead
Nearby Trails
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Dog-Friendly Doesn’t Always Mean Dog-Friendly for Every Dog
Many Big Bear trails allow dogs, but mountain conditions can still be challenging. Hot summer temperatures, rocky terrain, elevation, wildlife, and limited shade can make some hikes difficult for certain dogs. Bring extra water, keep dogs leashed, and know your pet’s limits before heading out.
Need a Trail Map?
Visit the Big Bear Discovery Center on the North Shore to speak to a ranger, learn about trail conditions and access trail maps.
Do you Have an Adventure Pass?
Learn more about when an Adventure Pass is required to be displayed and where you can purchase one.
Plan Ahead
Before you Hit the Trail
Late spring through fall offers the most reliable trail conditions. Morning hikes are usually cooler and less crowded during summer.
Big Bear sits above 6,700 feet elevation, and the dry mountain air can dehydrate hikers faster than expected.
Many trails include rocky terrain, loose dirt, roots, and uneven sections that can become slippery after rain or snow.
Weather, closures, snow, and trail conditions can change quickly in the mountains, especially during winter and spring.
Trail conditions, accessibility, distances, elevation, and pet policies can change without notice. Always check official sources for current weather, trail status, and regulations before visiting. Discover Big Bear Lake provides this information for general reference only and assumes no responsibility for accuracy, safety, or any injuries, damages, or losses that may occur while using or visiting these trails.