Alpine Pedal Path

Overview:

• Location: North shore of Big Bear Lake, California.
• Length: 3.2 miles (official length of Trail 1E50 from Stanfield Cutoff to Serrano Campground).
• Surface: Smooth and paved throughout.
• Suitability: Ideal for walkers, runners, cyclists, strollers, and children.
• Pet-Friendly: Leashed dogs are welcome.
• Key Feature: Offers stunning panoramic views of Big Bear Lake and the San Gorgonio Mountains.

Trail Experience:

• Scenic Views: Enjoy breathtaking vistas of Big Bear Lake with the dramatic backdrop of the San Gorgonio Mountains, including Bear Mountain and Snow Summit (often snow-capped in winter).
• Sun and Shade: The trail offers a mix of both sunny and shaded sections. Be prepared for warmer temperatures in unshaded areas during summer.

Seasonal Considerations:

• Summer: Expect warm temperatures, especially in unshaded areas.
• Winter: Snowfall and cold weather are common.
• Shoulder Seasons (Spring & Fall): Be aware of potential ice in shaded areas; wear appropriate footwear.

Trail Details:

• Official Trail: The Alpine Pedal Path (Trail 1E50) is officially 3.2 miles long, stretching from Stanfield Cutoff to the Serrano Campground. This is the length recognized by the trailhead sign and the US Forest Service (USFS).
• Online Discrepancies: Some online information may suggest a longer distance due to the presence of connecting trails.

Connecting Trail:

• Alpine Pedal Path Spur (Trail 1E50.1): This spur connects the main Alpine Pedal Path (between Meadows Edge Picnic Area and Serrano Campground) to the Cougar Crest Trail. It extends under Highway 38 via a pedestrian tunnel to the Cougar Crest Trailhead parking lot. From the Cougar Crest Parking Lot, you can access either the Cougar Crest Trail or a path leading to the Big Bear Discovery Center.

Access Points and Parking:

The Alpine Pedal Path is easily accessible with multiple parking options:

Primary Starting Point:

• Stanfield Cutoff: Offers plentiful parking.

Alternative Access Along the Bridge:

• Parallel parking is available along the bridge, with a short walk to the trailhead.

Midway Access Points:

• Juniper Point Picnic Area: Park closer to the middle of the trail.
• Meadows Edge Picnic Area: Another option for parking along the trail.

Access via Connecting Spur:

• Cougar Crest Trailhead Parking Lot: Connects to the Alpine Pedal Path via the Alpine Pedal Path Spur.
• Big Bear Discovery Center: Accessible via a path from the Cougar Crest Trailhead parking lot, which is connected to the Alpine Pedal Path Spur.

Points of Interest Along the Way:

Picnic Areas:

• Juniper Point Picnic Area: Located approximately halfway along the path.
• Meadows Edge Picnic Area: Situated closer to either end of a chosen segment.
• Serrano Campground: Located at the official eastern endpoint of the Alpine Pedal Path (Trail 1E50). Reservations are recommended for overnight stays.
• Big Bear Discovery Center: Accessible via the Alpine Pedal Path Spur (Trail 1E50.1) from Meadows Edge Picnic Area. Follow the spur through the pedestrian tunnel to the Cougar Crest Trailhead parking lot, then take the short path to the Discovery Center. Offers educational exhibits and interactive experiences.

Beach Access: Several sections of the trail are close to the shoreline of Big Bear Lake, providing opportunities to access the beach for swimming or enjoying the lakefront. Please be mindful of the environment.