Big Bear Lake Fall Colors in Los Angeles 2025

The Big Bear Lake area, located in San Bernardino National Forest, is one of the best leaf-peeping destinations in Southern California. The beautiful clear lake, the Bear Mountain, Snow Summit, and Bear Lake Village boast many scenic outlooks with plenty of deciduous trees, transformed with amber and bronze tones in the fall.

Best time to see fall colors in the Big Bear Lake

The best time to see fall colors in the Big Bear Lake region comes from mid-October to early November. Golden quaking aspens, cottonwoods, black oaks, big leaf maples, and willows make a fall hike in the area simply magical. Thanks to crispy sunny weather and fall colors, fall is perhaps the best time to visit San Bernardino National Forest.

Hiking Trails

Some of the best leaf-peeping routes in the Big Bear include Mill Creek Road Trail, the Skyline Trail, the Pine Knot Trail, and the Castle Rock Trail. The 2-mi (3-km) Castle Rock Trail is a short and easy way to experience fall foliage abundance and marvel at the beautiful views of Big Bear Lake. The more challenging 6-mile (10-km) Pine Knot Trail begins at the Aspen Glen Picnic area. After a moderate climb, you'll be rewarded with a great view of Big Bear Lake and Mt. San Gorgonio. If you wish to explore the area further, take the 1.5-mile (2.4-km) Aspen Grove Trail, located in the San Bernardino National Forest.

Scenic Sky Chair

To marvel at the stunning fall foliage from above, take the Scenic Sky Chair at the Big Bear Mountain Resort (BBMR). A mile-long route boasts panoramic views of the San Bernardino National Forest. The ascent ends at the top of Snow Valley (7,841 ft) or at Snow Summit (8,200 ft). Children 12 and under ride for free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Scenic Drives

A 17-mile Big Bear Lake Loop is suitable for both driving and biking since there's little traffic. The scenic road goes around the lake, with stunning views of vibrant fall foliage against the background of the sky-blue lake. The Loop Road features several scenic outlooks for taking pictures and soaking in amazing nature vistas all around.

State Route 38 from Big Bear Lake to Oak Glen will be an enchanting fall experience. One of the highest roads in Southern California, this route is part of the Rim of the World Scenic Byway, a 110-mile road through the San Bernardino Mountains from Cajon Pass to San Gorgonio Pass, which delivers the most amazing fall foliage views. After leaving Big Bear, the road goes up to Onyx Summit at 8,443 ft (2,573 m), then descends to Cienaga Seca Creek and ascends to Angelus Oaks, crossing the ridgeline of the highest San Bernardino peaks.