Big Bear Fall Colors Hiking Tour: Locals-Only Trails

Choose your own pace through the oak forest as the leaves turn gold and orange.

A guided hiking tour through Big Bear's fall colors on locals-only trails, led by a Big Bear resident who picks the best foliage each day and adjusts the pace to match your group. The hike climbs uphill through oak forest with views of Big Bear Lake. You decide how many miles to cover and whether to stop for photos or wild berries along the way. Dog-friendly and kid-friendly with the option to slow down for families or beginning hikers.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike Big Bear fall colors trail

• Meet guide at scenic autumn area
• Learn Big Bear history and tales
• Hike uphill through oak forest
• Enjoy views of Big Bear Lake
• Stop for photos at scenic spots
• Try local wild berries if available

The experience

Where are the best fall colors in Big Bear on the day you want to hike? A local guide knows. Instead of guessing which trail to take in October or early November, you meet your guide at one of several scenic autumn areas and head up a leave-covered path into the oak forest. The guide picks the peak foliage spot for that particular day and leads you through the Big Bear Valley's best leaf-peeping terrain, sharing local history and tales of life in the mountains as you walk.

The hike goes uphill, so it's not classified as easy, but the pace is yours to set. Beginning hikers and families can move slowly. Those looking for more distance can cover extra miles. You decide how many miles to trek and where to stop for photos or to try seasonally available wild berries. All the trails offer views of Big Bear Lake as you climb higher into the forest, and your guide will show you other photo opportunities along the way.

Hiking poles are available if you request them in advance. The tour runs 2 hours and is dog-friendly, so bring your dog if you'd like. Infants and small children can ride in a stroller or pram.

What’s included

• A licensed guide who leads the hike and shares Big Bear history.
• hiking poles available upon request in advance.
• dog-friendly and kid-friendly pacing.
• access to locals-only trails with views of Big Bear Lake.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 10:00Last departure this season: 10 Nov

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (18 to 59 years) · Senior (60 to 75 years) · Youth (10 to 17 years) · Child (2 to 9 years) · Infant (under 2)

GroupUp to 40

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomeNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Amber Holloway

Is this one for you?This is a shared tour with a guide who sets the route and pace, so it suits hikers who want expert knowledge of where the fall colors peak each day without the planning. If you prefer to hike solo or choose your own trail, a self-guided option would work better.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 17 years); Child (2 to 9 years); Infant (under 2).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How do I know which trail we'll hike on the day of my tour?

Your guide picks the trail based on where the fall colors are peaking that particular day in October or early November. You'll meet at one of several scenic autumn areas in Big Bear Valley, and the guide will have scouted the best foliage beforehand.

What if I'm not a strong hiker or I'm just starting out?

The guide adjusts the pace to match your fitness level and experience. You hike at whatever speed you prefer and cover as many or as few miles as you'd like. Beginning hikers and families regularly join these tours.

Will I have chances to take photos on this hike?

Yes. The guide shows you several photo opportunities along the way, and the oak forest with fall colors and views of Big Bear Lake provide plenty of scenic shots. This tour is popular with photographers looking for great leaf-peeping images.

Do I need to bring hiking poles?

Hiking poles are available if you request them in advance. You don't need to bring your own, but you can arrange to use them when you book.