Big Bear hike with lake swimming: Local's favorite route

The lake water is warmer to swim here than in the middle of the lake.

A guided hike in Big Bear leads to one of the least known scenic viewpoints overlooking the lake, followed by a swim off a private dock in Big Bear Lake Harbor. The 2-mile hike gains about 300 feet of elevation through pine forest and ends with roughly an hour to swim and relax on a stationary boat. Life jackets and parking fees are included. You can bring your own lunch or request the guide to pick up restaurant food from the village (paid separately via Venmo).

The experience

The hike itself is the setup for the swim. You'll climb a 2-mile trail through the pine forest to reach a scenic viewpoint most visitors never find, gaining about 300 feet of elevation on the way. The first hill is the steepest part, so expect to work for it. This is a real workout, not a stroll. Once you reach the viewpoint, the guide gives you directions to a nearby private dock in Big Bear Lake Harbor, just a short walk away.

After the hike, you spend roughly an hour at the dock swimming and relaxing on a stationary boat moored in the harbor. This matters because the water here is warmer than in the middle of the lake, and unlike boat rentals on Big Bear Lake (which don't allow swimming), you can actually get in the water. Life jackets are provided and required for anyone under 13 by California law. Bring lunch and drinks if you want: the guide supplies an ice chest to keep everything cold during the hike, or you can request them to pick up to-go meals from local restaurants in the village (you pay for the food directly).

The whole experience runs about 3 hours. Parking at the dock is covered in the price. Kids as young as 4 can join, and the hike is suitable for all fitness levels, though the elevation gain means you'll feel it on the way up.

What’s included

• Life jackets.
• parking fees at the dock.
• use of a stationary boat to lounge on while swimming.
• an ice chest to keep your lunch and drinks cold during the hike.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 13 May 2027

AgesAdult (14 to 75 years) · Youth (12 to 13 years) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6

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.

Prices and times updated 16 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcome

Operated by Amber Holloway

Is this one for you?This is a guided hike with a swim stop, not a boat tour or lake cruise. You hike first, then relax and swim at a docked boat afterward. Choose it if you want a real mountain workout followed by a cooling-off swim, rather than a leisurely water-based outing.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 13 years); Child (4 to 11 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

How steep is the hike to the lake viewpoint?

The 2-mile hike gains about 300 feet of elevation, with the first hill being the hardest part. It's described as a real workout (you'll be sweaty by the top), but the trail itself is easy to moderate once you get past that initial climb.

Can I actually swim in Big Bear Lake on this tour?

Yes, you swim off a private dock in Big Bear Lake Harbor after the hike. The water here is warmer than in the middle of the lake, and unlike boat rentals on Big Bear Lake, swimming is allowed. Life jackets are provided and required for children under 13.

What should I bring for the swimming part?

Bring a swimsuit and a towel. You can also bring your own lunch, beer and drinks. The guide provides an ice chest to keep them cold during the hike. If you'd rather not pack food, the guide can pick up to-go meals from local restaurants in the village (you pay for the meals separately).

How long do we spend swimming and relaxing at the dock?

You'll have roughly an hour to swim and relax on the boat after the hike. The whole tour, including the hike and the dock time, takes about 3 hours.