September 27, 2025 - Big Bear is renowned as Southern California’s cycling capital, boasting fabulous road, mountain bike, and gravel cycling routes.

Situated amidst the stunning San Bernardino National Forest at an altitude of 6,752 feet, the region provides ideal cool temperatures for summer cycling, along with picturesque views of the Arctic Circle (CA 330) around Big Bear and Baldwin Lakes.

Big Bear Lake came into MTB prominence in the ’80s and ’90s as a mecca for downhill mountain biking. The area has hosted many races, including the NORBA National Championship Series. With over 100 miles of cross-country trails weaving through the National Forest, Big Bear has something for riders of all disciplines and abilities.

Big Bear Mountain Resort’s Summit Bike Park and Snow Valley Bike Park feature Southern California’s best lift-served downhill trails and cross-country riding, with 23 downhill routes and 60+ miles of cross-country trails.

The region has also hosted major road cycling events, including the Amgen Tour of California, while the annual Tour de Big Bear is a leading North American Gran Fondo that attracts over 2,500 riders, from 39 states and seven countries, who come together for this fabulous cycling festival.

Hosted by the Big Bear Cycling Association (BBCA), the Tour de Big Bear features stunning road routes for all skill levels, Family Fun Rides, and thrilling gravel rides such as the 50- mile Dirty Bear and 25-mile Dirty Cub. This year, the event introduced XC mountain bike racing with the 50km Dirty Burro XC MTB race.

BBCA recommends countless local trails for riders of all disciplines including the 15-mile MTB singletrack Skyline Trail that traverses the mountains above Big Bear Lake, the flat and scenic 17-mile Big Bear Lake Loop for roadies that takes riders around Big Bear Lake, and for gravel riders try the climb up Van Dusen Canyon, perfect for beginners, or the Bristlecone Trail leading to scenic areas like Holcomb Valley.

The City of Big Bear Lake and area offers lodging accommodations for any style and budget, from full-service hotels with traditional services, to private vacation home rentals, pet-friendly lodging, cabin rentals, quiet wooded cottages and more.

The dining scene is made for every appetite and occasion, from casual bites and pub fare to chef-crafted meals and locally loved wine rooms.