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Well, Perhaps Not a Single Buck, but Close Enough

For those well versed in the art of Los Angeles “local” travel, Big Bear may be a frequently visited spot, especially when the snow is falling. But Big Bear isn’t known only for its awesomely-accessible skiing; in fact there are a wide variety of activities for every season. Plus, during the summer, a weekend getaway to

Bear can be done on a shoestring.

Your Survival Guide to a Weekend Bike Trip in Big Bear

The following article will get you from Los Angeles, all the way to the top of a biking trail, and back down again. Feel free to substitute in your own plans, but be sure to tell us what you did in our comments section.

A Little Bit of Planning

We’re all for being spontaneous. In fact, this particular “Escape of the City” guide on Big Bear is designed for just that, but there are a few things you should take care of ahead of time.

Packing

• Mountain bike, helmet, biking shoes, biking gloves, etc if you own them. (If you don’t, read the bike rental section)
• Biking clothes, sleeping clothes (think warm…yes, even in the summer)
• Camping gear. Think light – all you’ll really need are blankets/sleeping bags, thermarest pads, comfortable clothes, minimal toiletries, snacks (like nuts or some power bars), bottled water.

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Lodging

This STC guide gal likes to rough it just a tad (and I’ll show you how), but if you want to camp in an actual campsite, or if you’d rather a motel, here’s what STC recommends:

• Pineknot Campground – $20.  You’ll need to reserve a spot ahead of time. You can do this online or via phone. Maps and GPS can get you lost, so once in town here’s what you do: Take Big Bear Blvd. all the way to Summit Blvd. Turn right on Summit Blvd and follow it towards the Ski Slope. Right before you hit the slope’s parking lot, turn left on Switzerland. Take Switzerland down about a quarter of a mile and keep your eyes pealed. On the right hand side, there will be a turn off and it will be marked “Marine Access” – take this turn until you see signs for Pineknot Campground.  Your reserved site will likely be marked with your name.

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• Motel 6 Big Bear, 909.585.6666 – remember, the idea is that we’re going cheap here, not luxurious. This out-of-the-way lodging will only run you about  $60-$100 depending on the time of year. Plus, it is surprisingly close to the lake which can make for some great sunset walks.

Getting There

• I take my truck for the purposes of bringing the bike and gear, and sleeping cheap-style in the back of it. If you don’t have access to a truck, or you don’t want to rent one, any car will do, but 4-wheel drive is always a bonus.
• There are a lot of ways to get from Los Angeles to Big Bear. Here is one way: Take the 1-10 E to the 210 W. Merge on to 330 N and continue on to Hilltop Blvd. Hilltop will continue on to Big Bear Blvd which is HWY 18.

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Day 1

I like to do this as a two-day, one night trip. Pack up the truck and leave Saturday afternoon.

You won’t be dealing with too much traffic (usually) and you’ll make it up to Bear in time for Sunset. There are some great paths around the lake and public access beach areas which you can find off of streets like Lakeview. This is where the spontaneous part comes in just a tad; if you drive around, you’re going to discover some cool spots and luckily Bear isn’t so big that you’ll feel easily lost.

Once you arrive in town, it’s time to eat! For this summer trip on a budget, STC recommends Hacienda Grill.  It’s located at 41787 Big Bear Blvd (not far from where you’ll be camping), won’t require a reservation, and boasts amazing margarittas, beers the size of your head (seriously) and a self-serve salsa bar. During the week they have a happy hour, so if you’re making this a Friday/Saturday trip instead of Saturday/Sunday – whoop, bonus for you!

After you stuff yourself, it’s time to get rugged!

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Camping in the middle of “nowhere”!

If you’re up for it, the San Bernardino wilderness offers a ton of open space which this STC guide finds perfect for next-to-nothing camping and getting back to nature. Here’s how:

• Make sure you’re up for sleeping in your car, the back of your truck, or the folded down seat of your SUV.
• Go to the 7-11 on the corner of Big Bear Blvd and Summit and purchase a Wilderness Pass. It will cost you $5. While you’re there, pick up some toilet paper or wet wipes if that sort of thing suits you…and beer. Beer is always good.
• Take Big Bear Blvd east until you hit Moonridge Dr. Turn right on Moonridge and follow it until Club View Drive. Take a right on Club View (you may see signs for Bear Mountain). Pass the ski mountain, and the golf course and continue to take Club View drive until it turns in to a dirt road.  You will see signs posted saying you can’t park unless your Wilderness Pass is showing. Depending on the strength of your vehicle (hats of to those of you with out four wheel drive) drive the dirt path until you find a spot where you can pull off the side of the road and make camp. NOTE: There are no amenities, and there are wild animals. Dogs are allowed (though I recommend equipping your pup with an LED light, and again, be weary of wild animals like coyotes).

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Day 2

Now it’s time to pack up camp and head to the bike trails! For breakfast, iHop pancakes are always great. You’ll pass the iHop on Big Bear Blvd on the way to the bike shop.

Renting a Mountain Bike

• STC Recommends Bear Valley Bikes. As a Specialized dealer, they have a fleet of excellent mountain bikes for all levels. Their staff is friendly and can point you in the right direction to a trail that suits your needs and skill level.
• Don’t forget to purchase a trail map – $6

While there are a lot of Mountain Bike Trails in Bear, STC recommends the 1E01 Loop. It is near the bike shop. You can park in the Mill Creek Road Picnic area as this is where you will end up at the end of the 9-mile course. This is an intermediate course that contains amazing views and a great single track filled with fun obstacles.

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Total Cost of Trip

Gas – $50

Food for 2  – (Hacienda Grill for Fajitas and Beers, iHop for Coffee and Pancakes, Snacks) – $85

Adventure Pass – $5

Camping – $20 (FREE if you off-road it; $80 ish if you hotel-it)

Bike Rentals for 2 including bikes and helmets – $65

Bike Trail Map – $6

Total Trip – Approximately $230 for two people, for two days! (Hey, you can barely do a weekend in LA for $115 a person!) – Heather Broeker

This entry was posted on Monday, August 2nd, 2010 at 11:05 pm and is filed under Out of the City. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.