Cougar Crest Trail (Big Bear)

Trail: Cougar Crest

Miles: 5.3

Type: Out and Back

My Time: 90 mins.

Elevation Gain/Loss: 898 ft.

Difficulty: Easy

Parking Permit: Yes

Location: San Bernardino National Forest (Big Bear Lake)

There are many trails you can hike around Big Bear Lake, Ca. But, this is one of my favorites for hikers of all levels. If you are looking for a scenic family friendly hike, this is the one! Or if you want easy access to connect to the PCT, then this is the one! I have been on this trail two times. Both times I have seen hikers ranging from little kids to elderly people. Easily the most amount of families I’ve ever seen on one particular hike. So, FAMILY FRIENDLY if you are looking for such a hike. Dogs are allowed on this trail as long as they are on a leash. If you were to do just the Cougar Crest Trail, itself is about 5.3 miles roundtrip, just shy of 900 feet of elevation gain. It is very steady with the incline, nothing “too crazy” to tire you out.(although I know everyone’s level varies) I’ve also witnessed a ton of people trail running on this one. As I mentioned before, it does connect with the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail). So if you please, you may go much further if you’re looking to get a lot of miles in.Overall the terrain isn’t too crazy, so I can see why people trail run it! But there are some kind of rocky sections which may lead you to want to watch your step.

Unfortunately, majority of the trail is sun exposed. If you plan to go in the summer time, in the middle of the day, it may get pretty hot! So don’t forget to bring your sunscreen, sun protective wear and extra water. But……because it is not very covered…this means you have many opportunities to view Big Bear Lake. These opportunities will arise once you’ve hiked up roughy halfway. You will probably be enticed to take pictures of the lake as hike up…but I do recommend waiting until you reach the top. As it is the best unobstructed view of the lake.

I did notice they have added some benches along the trail for those who do get tired. This way your breaks will allow you to sit and take in the views. I am pretty positive most/if not all of these benches had lake views. If you don’t think you’re going to make it to the top, then just aim for one of these lake view benches.

You do need to have an Adventure Pass, America the Beautiful Pass, OR just pay for a day pass. The only exception to this is those who are camping in the Serrano Campsite. They have paid for their campsite and are allowed to walk from their campsite. The passes can be bought online, local REI, closest Ranger Station to trailhead or sometimes local Mini Marts/ 7-11’s.

There is a fairly small parking lot at the trailhead which fills up quickly. This trailhead is located on the Northside of the lake. For those who don’t know which side the Northside is. It is the opposite of Big Bear Village(the main little downtown area).

You may also want to try this trail in the winter for a snow hike! I have not hiked this trail in the snow. I have hiked Pine Knot Trail, on the Southside, in the snow and it was a winter wonderland!

Just a reminder California National Forests are closed until at least September 17th, 2021. Unfortunately you might have to wait a few weeks until you can go explore this area.

As always pack it in and pack it out!

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