Overview
The Alpine Pedal Path is one of Big Bear Lake’s easiest and most beautiful lakeside trails. This paved 3.2-mile path runs along the north shore and gives you wide-open views of the lake and surrounding mountains the entire way. It’s not a rugged hike — it’s more like a relaxed walk or bike ride where you can go at your own pace, enjoy the fresh mountain air, and take in the scenery without any steep climbs or technical terrain. Locals and visitors use it year-round for morning walks, bike rides, sunset strolls, and family outings with dogs and strollers. If you want a simple, peaceful trail with classic Big Bear views, this is the one everyone talks about.
Quick Trail Facts
- Distance: 3.2 miles (official USFS length)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: Minimal
- Trail Type: Paved, mostly flat, out-and-back
- Location: North Shore of Big Bear Lake, from Stanfield Cutoff to Serrano Campground
- Dogs: Yes, leashed
- Best For: Families, walkers, cyclists, strollers, sunrise/sunset, beginners
Parking and Access
Most people start at Stanfield Cutoff, which has the most convenient parking and easy access to the paved path. There’s also parallel parking along the bridge that leads into the trail.
If you prefer a quieter mid-trail start, check out:
- Juniper Point Picnic Area
- Meadows Edge Picnic Area
These spots offer picnic tables, shade, and lake access.
You can also reach the trail from:
- Cougar Crest Trailhead via the Alpine Pedal Path Spur (1E50.1) and pedestrian tunnel
- A short pathway from the Big Bear Discovery Center
Restrooms are available at both picnic areas and the Discovery Center.
About the Trail
The Alpine Pedal Path is one of those trails Big Bear locals use all the time — it’s easy, scenic, and perfect for a relaxed outing. Right from the start, you’re walking alongside the lake with big, open views of Bear Mountain, Snow Summit, and the San Gorgonio range. On calm mornings, the water is completely still and reflects the mountains beautifully; at sunset, the light hits the lake in deep gold and orange.
Because it’s fully paved and mostly flat, you’ll see a little bit of everything out here: families with strollers, kids on bikes, people walking their dogs, and locals getting in their daily exercise. It’s an accessible trail with plenty of room, and the vibe is always laid-back.
The scenery shifts as you move along. Some stretches are wide open with constant lake views, while others dip into breezy pine pockets that offer shade. There are several spots where you can step off the path and get down to the shoreline — great for photos or simply enjoying the water.
Even though it’s one of Big Bear’s more popular routes, it rarely feels crowded thanks to the trail’s width and open layout.
What to Expect
Scenery & Highlights
- Big, unobstructed lake views from start to finish
- Snow Summit and Bear Mountain across the lake
- Pine-lined sections that offer shade
- Lakeshore pull-offs perfect for photos and quick breaks
- Wildlife is common (ducks, geese, osprey, occasional bald eagles)
Trail Conditions
- Smooth pavement the entire way
- Very easy terrain — suitable for bikes, strollers, wheelchairs (with assistance)
- Wide enough for two-way use
- Sunny and shaded sections mixed throughout
Seasonal Notes
- Summer: Warm and sunny; start early for cooler temps.
- Fall: Crisp air and beautiful shoreline color changes.
- Winter: Snow/ice possible in shaded areas — use caution.
- Spring: Cooler weather with chances of wet patches from melting snow.
Connecting Trails
Alpine Pedal Path Spur – Trail 1E50.1
This spur connects the main path to:
- Cougar Crest Trail (moderate difficulty)
- Big Bear Discovery Center
It passes under Highway 38 through a pedestrian tunnel and is a great option if you want to extend your outing into a longer or more challenging hike.
Points of Interest Along the Way
- Juniper Point Picnic Area: Great mid-trail stop with tables and shade
- Meadows Edge Picnic Area: Quiet area with lake access
- Serrano Campground: Trail’s eastern endpoint
- Big Bear Discovery Center: Nearby exhibits, ranger info, and restrooms
Nearby Amenities
- Restrooms at picnic areas and Discovery Center
- Picnic tables and benches
- Lake shoreline access
Tips for Enjoying the Trail
- Head out early for calm water and fewer people
- Bring water — sunny sections can get warm
- Keep dogs leashed; bikes use the trail too
- Winter mornings can be icy in shaded areas
- Best sunset views are from the west-facing shoreline sections
Map & Directions
From Big Bear Village:
Drive east on Big Bear Blvd, turn left onto Stanfield Cutoff, and park along the roadway near the trail entrance.
View on Google Maps
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Alpine Pedal Path in Big Bear paved?
Yes. The entire Alpine Pedal Path is fully paved, making it one of Big Bear’s easiest and most accessible trails for walking, biking, strollers, and wheelchairs (with assistance).
How long is the Alpine Pedal Path? Question
The Alpine Pedal Path is 3.2 miles long from Stanfield Cutoff to Serrano Campground. This distance is the official measurement from the U.S. Forest Service.
Where does the Alpine Pedal Path start?
Most people start at Stanfield Cutoff, which has the easiest parking and quickest access to the trail. You can also enter from Juniper Point, Meadows Edge, or the Cougar Crest Trailhead via the spur path.
Is the Alpine Pedal Path dog-friendly?uestion
Yes. Dogs are allowed on the Alpine Pedal Path as long as they are leashed. The trail has plenty of room for safe walking with pets.
Final Thoughts
The Alpine Pedal Path is the perfect trail when you want something easy, scenic, and accessible for the whole family. Whether you’re walking, biking, or just soaking in lake views, it delivers classic Big Bear beauty with almost no effort — a must-do for visitors and a year-round favorite for locals.
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