About this tour
When Noah from our team laced up for this snowshoe tour around Big Bear Lake, we were keen to see if a local guide could actually find snow when the valley looked bare. Turns out, two decades of tramping these trails pays off — he threaded us through white-dusted pines and quiet meadows, reading the terrain like a map. The 2-hour outing lets you pick easy or moderate, so mates of varying fitness levels aren't left behind. Hot chocolate waiting at the end sealed the deal. Winter season runs December through March, and this is Big Bear's only outfit doing guided snowshoe walks.
Highlights
- Local guide knows hidden snowy trails when rest of valley looks grey
- Choose easy or moderate difficulty to suit your legs
- Proper hot chocolate (or coffee/tea) after the walk
- 2 hours on snow without the rush
- Works for families, older walkers, and keen hikers alike
- Service animals welcome on the trail
- Quiet forest walking, not crowded tourist routes
What to expect
You'll meet your guide, get a quick chat about which trail fits your mood and fitness, then head out into Big Bear's winter landscape. The pace is steady — nothing frantic — with the guide pointing out where snow sits best and reading the conditions as you go. Two hours covers decent ground without flogging you, and the forest quiets down once you're past the main areas. Noah's read was that the guide genuinely knows this place; he's not following a script or a GPS, he's working from 20-odd years of knowing where the snow sticks around.
The payoff is the stillness and the hot chocolate. Most folks finish feeling like they've had a proper morning rather than ticked a box. Weather's the only wildcard — December to March can throw rain as easily as snow — so dress in layers and brace for unpredictable conditions.
Good to know
This is a solid half-day if you're in Big Bear during winter and want to actually move your legs without committing to a full day hike. The guide's local knowledge is the real edge; he'll find snow when you think there isn't any. Works for families (all ages are fine), older mates, and mixed-fitness groups. Service animals get a green light.
Snowshoe rental isn't included (budget under $30 locally), so that's an add-on cost. Not advised if you're pregnant. The 2-hour window means early starts and you're done by mid-morning — some folk want longer. Big Bear's winter is moody; weather can flip, so be ready for rain or grey skies, not just postcard snow.
Your own hiking or snow boots (crucial), sunscreen, sunglasses, water, and a warm layer. Larger groups can get rental advice, so ring ahead to sort that bit. Peak season is mid-January through February when snow's most reliable.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.