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Driving around Big Bear Lake is one of the easiest and most popular ways to experience the area.
Whether it’s your first visit or a quick weekend trip, the loop gives you a full view of the lake, access to several scenic stops, and a good feel for how Big Bear is laid out — all without needing to hike.
It’s a simple drive, but knowing what to expect and where to stop can make a big difference in how much you enjoy it.
How Long Does It Take to Drive Around Big Bear Lake?
About 45 to 60 minutes without stopping.
Most visitors take longer since there are multiple places to pull over, take photos, or spend time near the lake.
If you’re planning to stop along the way, expect it to take closer to 1.5 to 2 hours. or more if you plan to hike.
The Route Around Big Bear Lake
The drive follows a loop around the lake using:
- Big Bear Blvd (south side)
- North Shore Drive (north side)
Most people start on either side and make a full loop, but the experience can feel different depending on direction and time of day.
Local insight:
Traffic tends to build on the south side near the Village, the dam, and Boulder Bay. The north shore side is usually quieter and easier to pull over.
Interactive Driving Map - Drive Around Big Bear Lake
What the Drive Around Big Bear Lake Is Actually Like
Driving around Big Bear Lake is less about getting somewhere and more about taking your time.
On quieter days, it’s a relaxed loop with plenty of chances to pull over and enjoy the views.
On weekends — especially mid-day — it can feel more like a slow, stop-and-go drive, particularly near Boulder Bay and the dam.
Here's a quick overview of the route:
Begin in Big Bear Village, where you can grab food or coffee before your adventure.
- Head east on Big Bear Blvd (Hwy 18) and turn left onto Stanfield Cutoff.
- Turn left on North Shore Drive (Hwy 38) to travel the scenic north side of the lake.
- Follow North Shore Drive west, stopping along the way.
- At the Big Bear Dam, turn left to return via the south side of the lake.
- Continue east on Big Bear Blvd back into The Village.
This route creates a full loop around Big Bear Lake, offering continuous mountain and lakeside scenery.
Popular Stops Along the Drive
There are several places worth pulling over as you drive around Big Bear Lake. Some are quick stops, while others are worth spending more time exploring.
Local tip:
Some of the smaller turnouts are easy to miss if you’re not looking for them, especially along the north shore.
Stanfield Marsh
Your first stop comes quickly at Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve, located near the corner of Stanfield Cutoff. This area has seen great improvements in recent years, including a new parking lot with restrooms and an easy boardwalk that makes the marsh accessible for all ages.
Stanfield Marsh is one of the best places in Big Bear to spot birds year-round. Depending on the season, you may see ducks, geese, herons, and other waterfowl. Early morning and late afternoon tend to be the most active times. Even if you don’t walk the full boardwalk, it’s worth pulling in for a few minutes to take in the quiet contrast to the busier parts of town.
From here, continue driving over Stanfield Cutoff, which offers some of the best elevated lake views from the east end—especially nice in the morning when the water is calm.
Alpine Pedal Path
As you continue over Stanfield Cutoff, you’ll get elevated views of the east end of the lake. This stretch is especially scenic in the morning when the water is calm and reflections are strongest. It’s a short drive but one of the most underrated viewpoints on the loop.
Once you reach North Shore Boulevard, you’ll find access to the Alpine Pedal Path. This paved path runs along the lake and is popular for walking, biking, and casual sightseeing.
It’s flat and easy, making it a good option for all ages. While there’s a main trailhead, there are also several pull-offs along North Shore Blvd where you can hop on for a short stretch rather than walking the entire path.
Read more about the Alpine Pedal Path
Woodland Interpretive Trail
Continuing west (make a left near the elementary school), you’ll reach the Woodland Interpretive Trail.
The Woodland Interpretive Trail is a short, self-guided loop that offers a closer look at Big Bear’s forest environment rather than lake views. The trail is approximately 0.5 miles and typically takes 20–30 minutes to walk at an easy pace. It’s mostly flat, making it a good option for all ages and fitness levels.
Along the loop, interpretive signs explain the surrounding pine forest, native plants, and how the local ecosystem changes with the seasons. It’s especially helpful for visitors who want context about the area—why certain trees grow here, how the forest is managed, and what wildlife depends on this habitat.
This stop works well for families, first-time visitors, or anyone looking for something educational but low-effort. It’s also a nice contrast to the more open shoreline stops along the drive, giving you a feel for Big Bear’s forested interior before continuing on.
Juniper Point Picnic Area
The Juniper Point Picnic Area is a quieter lakeside stop along the north shore, offering picnic tables, shoreline access, and open views across the water. Compared to the busier south shore areas, this spot tends to feel more relaxed, making it a good place to pause without dealing with crowds.
It’s an easy pull-off along the scenic drive and works well for a short break, a packed lunch, or a quick walk along the water. On calm days, the lake here is often glassy, which makes it a nice stop for photos or simply taking in the surroundings before continuing around the lake.
Juniper Point is also a convenient mid-route stop if you’re pairing the drive with nearby trails or other north shore pull-offs, allowing you to break up the loop without adding much extra time.
Big Bear Discovery Center
The Big Bear Discovery Center is one of the most valuable stops along the scenic drive, especially if you plan to explore beyond the road. Parking here is free, and it’s one of the best places in town to get accurate, up-to-date local information.
Inside, you can speak directly with forest rangers about trail conditions, seasonal closures, weather impacts, and wildlife activity. They offer printed maps, explain which trails are best for your time frame and ability level, and can help you decide what’s realistic for the day—something that’s especially helpful if conditions change quickly.
Outside, the Discovery Center has a short, easy Discovery Trail that loops through the forest. It’s a good option if you want to stretch your legs, walk through a pine forest, and get a feel for the local landscape without committing to a longer hike.
Learn More About the Discovery Center
Driving Through Fawnskin
As you continue along the north shore, you’ll pass through Fawnskin, a small lakeside community that feels noticeably quieter than the south shore and the Village. This stretch of the drive offers a more residential view of Big Bear, with homes tucked into the trees and long glimpses of the lake through the shoreline.
There isn’t much in the way of dining or shopping here anymore—there used to be a popular breakfast spot, but it has since closed. Today, you’ll mainly find a small local market where you can grab a drink or quick snack if needed.
Fawnskin isn’t so much a destination stop as it is a scenic pass-through, but that’s part of its appeal. It’s a calm, low-key section of the drive that highlights a quieter side of Big Bear before the road continues toward more developed areas.
Grout Bay Picnic Area
The Grout Bay Picnic Area is a peaceful lakeside stop along the north shore, known for its quiet setting and open shoreline. When open, it offers picnic tables, lake access, and a calm place to take in views away from the busier parts of Big Bear Lake.
Grout Bay is closed seasonally, most often during bald eagle nesting season, to protect local wildlife. These closures are an important part of conservation efforts in the area, and they help preserve one of the key habitats along the lake. If the area is closed during your visit, it’s still helpful to know where it’s located for future trips or to understand why access is restricted at certain times of year.
When accessible, Grout Bay works well as a quiet pause on the scenic drive—especially if you’re looking for a low-key spot to enjoy the shoreline before continuing toward the dam and south shore. You can walk up the hill behind the picnic area and get amazing views of Big Bear Lake, and if you are lucky, catch a view of a Bald Eagle hunting over the lake!
Big Bear Dam Overlook
The Big Bear Dam marks the transition from the quieter north shore back toward the south shore and the Village. This overlook offers elevated views of Big Bear Lake framed by surrounding mountains, making it one of the most reliable viewpoints along the entire scenic drive.
From here, you can get a clear sense of the lake’s scale and see how water levels change throughout the year. It’s also a helpful spot for understanding how the lake is managed, especially during drought years or after heavy snowfall. Even a short stop is worth it, as the perspective from this area is very different from shoreline views elsewhere on the loop.
Because it sits right along the route, the dam overlook is an easy pull-off and a natural pause before continuing the final stretch of the drive back toward the Village.
Boulder Bay Park
Boulder Bay Park is one of the most recognizable spots along the scenic drive and a favorite final stop before heading back toward the Village. The park is known for its massive granite boulders rising directly from the shoreline, creating some of the most photographed lake views in Big Bear.
There’s a small parking area, picnic tables, and a short paved pathway that makes it easy to explore the shoreline without a long walk. This is a good place to slow down, stretch your legs, and take in wide-open views across the water. On calm days, the reflections around the boulders can be especially striking.
Boulder Bay is particularly scenic in the late afternoon when the light hits the rocks and surrounding hillsides. Even if you don’t stop long, it’s worth pulling in for a few minutes before completing the final stretch of the drive back to the Village.
Read the Boulder Bay Guide
Tips for Driving Around Big Bear Lake
- Start early if possible
- Take your time — don’t rush the loop
- Watch for cyclists along the road
- Use pullouts safely and don’t block traffic
- Be prepared for slower traffic on busy days
When Is the Best Time to Do the Drive?
Timing can make a big difference.
- Morning: Best overall (less traffic, easier parking)
- Midday: Busiest, especially on weekends
- Late afternoon: Quieter, but lighting starts to change
Seasonally:
- Summer: Clear views, busiest time
- Fall: Great for color and cooler weather
- Winter: Snow adds scenery, but check conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive around Big Bear Lake?
Driving the full loop around Big Bear Lake takes about 45–60 minutes without stops. Most visitors spend 2–4 hours stopping at viewpoints, picnic areas, and short trails along the way.
Do I need a map to do the scenic drive?
While the route is straightforward, using the interactive map on this page makes it easier to follow the loop, locate pull-offs, and decide which stops to explore based on time and conditions.
Is the scenic loop open year-round?
Yes, the road around Big Bear Lake is open year-round, weather permitting. Some picnic areas and trail access points may close seasonally, especially during winter storms or wildlife protection periods.
Do I need an Adventure Pass to stop?
A: Yes, at most National Forest trailheads and picnic areas. Learn more in our Adventure Pass Guide.
Is winter a good time to do the scenic drive?
Winter can be a great time for a scenic drive around Big Bear Lake on clear days. Snow-covered forests, quiet roads, and views of ski lifts add a different perspective. Drivers should always check road conditions and carry chains when required.
Are there places to stop and walk during the drive?
Yes. The drive includes access to short walks and easy trails such as the Alpine Pedal Path, Woodland Interpretive Trail, and lakeside picnic areas like Boulder Bay Park.
Is the scenic drive good for families or older visitors?
Absolutely. Many stops require little to no walking, and several areas have flat paths, picnic tables, and restrooms. It’s an easy way to experience Big Bear’s scenery without committing to long hikes.
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