Snowshoe Tour Big Bear Lake: Local Guide, Hot Chocolate Included

Walk snowy Big Bear trails with someone who knows where the snow actually is

A guided snowshoe tour through Big Bear Lake's winter forest led by a local with over 20 years of experience, available December through March. The guide chooses between easy and moderate trails based on snow conditions and your preference, leads you to a viewpoint overlooking the lake, and includes hot chocolate, coffee or tea. Snowshoe rentals are optional and available through local shops for under $30 or directly from the guide for groups of three or fewer.

Step-by-step itinerary

Guided snowshoe hike in Big Bear

• Meet local nature host
• Choose easy or moderate trail
• Hike or snowshoe through forest
• Visit secret Big Bear Lake view
• Rent snowshoes if needed

The experience

Big Bear Lake's only snowshoe tour with a professional guide means you're walking trails chosen by someone who lives here year-round. When snow is scarce in the valley, the guide knows exactly where it sits in the higher forest. You pick easy or moderate terrain when you book, and the guide adjusts the route based on what's on the ground that day: sometimes snowshoeing through oak and pine, sometimes hiking if conditions allow. Most trips end at a viewpoint overlooking Big Bear Lake itself.

The tour runs two hours and includes hot chocolate, coffee or tea. Kids as young as 8 can join standard group tours. Younger children need a private booking. Snowshoe rentals aren't part of the package, but local shops like Blauers and Goldsmith's rent them for under $30, and the guide can arrange rentals directly for small groups of three or fewer. Just text to arrange it. Bring your own hiking or snow boots, sunscreen, sunglasses and water.

What’s included

• Hot chocolate, coffee or tea.
• expert guidance on Big Bear's snowy trails from a local with over 20 years of experience.
• route chosen based on current snow conditions and your preferred difficulty level.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 59 years) · Senior (60 to 75 years) · Child (8 to 17 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

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 16 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by Amber Holloway

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and leads at a pace suited to all fitness levels, so families and mixed-ability groups move together comfortably. Book the easy option if you're new to snowshoeing or hiking in snow. Choose moderate if you want a more challenging climb to the viewpoint.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 17 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

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.

Can I do a snowshoe tour in Big Bear if I've never snowshoed before?

Yes. The guide offers easy trails suitable for all fitness levels and can match the difficulty to your experience. Snowshoe rentals are available locally for under $30, and the guide can walk you through how they work before you start.

What's the Big Bear Lake viewpoint the guide mentions?

Most guided snowshoe hikes end at a secret Big Bear Lake view location: a spot overlooking the lake itself that the guide reaches by choosing trails based on current snow conditions and your fitness level.

Can my 6-year-old join this tour?

Children younger than 8 can join, but only on a private group tour that you book separately. Standard group tours welcome kids from age 8 onward, depending on their energy level.

Do I need to rent snowshoes, or can I bring my own?

You can bring your own or rent. Local shops rent snowshoes for under $30, or the guide can arrange rentals directly for groups of three or fewer: text the guide to set that up before your tour date.

What should I bring besides snowshoes?

Bring your own hiking boots or snow boots, sunscreen, sunglasses and water. The tour includes hot chocolate, coffee or tea, so you don't need to pack a drink.