Big Bear Private Hike: Scenic Lake Swim Experience
5.0
20 Ratings
Big Bear Lake
Experience the best of Big Bear with a private hike to a hidden lake viewpoint, followed by a refreshing swim in the warm waters of Big Bear Lake. Enjoy a picnic on a boat and indulge in delicious to-go lunches from top-rated restaurants.
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
-
Mill Creek Road - You will be taken on a fantastic hike up to see some of the best views Big Bear has to offer. This is a very pretty easy hike through the pine forest. In my opinion, this is one of the prettiest hikes in the Big Bear Valley.
After we get sweaty on the 2-mile hike up to the lake viewpoint, I will give you directions to get to the dock, very close by, and we will go for a swim off the dock in the Harbour.
Feel free to bring lunch to enjoy on the boat. I will provide an ice chest in my car for you to stash your lunch or cold drinks in if you request it in advance.
We will spend about an hour swimming and relaxing at the boat.
This hike is a little hard on the first hill. We do gain about 300 feet elevation gain on the hike so you will more than likely be sweating. It’s a great workout before the relaxing part of our experience at the lake!
What's Included
- Included dock parking fees
- Provided life jackets
- Comfortable lounge boat
Additional Information
The locals really cherish this hike in Big Bear that leads to one of the hidden scenic viewpoints of the lake.
The ideal way to unwind after a vigorous summer hike is to take a dip from a dock at the lovely Big Bear Lake Harbor! Interestingly, the water here is warmer than in the middle of the lake for swimming. Here’s a tip that most tourists aren’t aware of - if you hire a boat at Big Bear Lake (it can be a bit expensive), you can’t swim off the rental boats. A refreshing swim in the alpine Big Bear Lake, is a great way to cool down after a hot day’s hike.
If my guests wish to have a post-hike picnic on the boat, they can bring their own lunch, beer, and drinks. I’ll carry an ice chest for storing their lunch while we’re hiking. If requested, I can even fetch to-go lunches from a great nearby restaurant in the village (as a food aficionado, I’m acquainted with all the top-notch eateries in Big Bear) for my hikers to relish on the boat after the climb. (Please note that hikers would need to Venmo me so I can pay for their meals).
- Kids under 13 years old they must wear a life jacket while on the dock or swimming per California law.
- You can also bring fishing gear if you wish to fish off of our dock.
Location
949 Tulip Ln
Tulip Lane
My hikers can meet me at the corner of Mill Creek and Tulip. I'll be in a black Subaru SUV. From here they can follow me in my vehicle to the hiking destination. We will hike for about an hour, then my guests can follow me in their vehicle to the boat docked in the harbor a short distance away.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(20 Ratings)
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597candices
Jul 27, 2022
Loved the hike - We loved our hike; it was absolutely beautiful. Amber was very easy going, informative, and communication was a dream. Would definitely recommend and will book with her again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
J1309qvnicos
Jul 24, 2022
Great on a hot day - Awesome time swimming off the boat on a hot day! The hike was really pretty and we never would have found this hidden hike on our own.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kikijoeyes
Jun 2, 2022
The best part of our trip to Big Bear - This was our second experience with the Hungry Mountaineer and the best thing we did while on holiday in Big Bear! The hike was great but relaxing on the boat was amazing! I highly recommend booking this during the week when it is quiet. It was so peaceful relaxing on the boat in the harbor with a book. Our guide even let us stay longer than the three hours! We are booking this every summer.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marilynnlara
May 31, 2022
Excellent Private Hike Guide - Amber you were absolutely perfect! Your knowledge of flowers, birds, hiking trails, and other fun facts about Big Bear was greatly appreciated. Thank you for introducing us to your dog Carly and allowing us to enjoy lunch on your fabulous boat. Lunch was absolutely delicious ( pulled pork sandwich from Bone Yard restaurant ). This private hike exceeded our expectations and we look forward to hiring you again in the near future.
Thank you again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Itsmybirthday931
May 30, 2022
Loved swimming in the harbor after the hike - This is the second outdoor experience we have done with the Hungry Mountaineer hiking guide. My kids absolutely love the hike and it was easy enough for them to do. The tour guide even knew a hike that we could do with a stroller which was so helpful!
My kids really enjoy swimming in the lake after the hike. The water in the harbor was not very deep so it was a really great experience for them and not to overwhelming.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Thelovelytrojan
Aug 16, 2021
Amazing Outings for Solo Hikers or Small Groups! - I've been on a few hikes with Amber and she's awesome! Very knowledgeable of the area and leads at a perfect pace. I'm SLOW and I never felt like I was being dragged uphill walking with her which is how I usually feel when I don't hike solo.
I've had a separate outing with her and a larger group at the lake with her boat as well. A great time every time, thanks Amber!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sunshine11689877276
Jul 29, 2021
Fun Summer Trip with Amber - This is our first Summer Vacation in Big Bear so we (Family of 5 and a puppy) are searching for someone that can take us around on a family friendly trail. We had such a great time hiking and chilling at the lake with Amber.
I highly recommended Amber. She’s so knowledgeable for the area and has great personality. You won’t be disappointed.
Thank you again Amber for our Fun Summer Trip in Big Bear :)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jenny
Jul 1, 2021
First Hike in Big Bear - It was our first hiking experience in Big Bear and Amber made it a wonderful experience for our family. There were 9 of us, with children ages from 9-17, and we have never hiked before. Amber took us to a beautiful location where we can explore the area and had a beautiful view of the lake. It was a very gentle hike with lots of trees and shades. Hanging out on the boat in the harbor was also fun. Would totally recommend this experience to first timer hikers visiting Big Bear.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Judemonster25
Jun 30, 2021
Amazing guide, amazing hike - Amber knows her stuff! She’s super friendly and took us away from the more traveled areas which was awesome. She was well prepared and as an extra bonus she has the cutest dog ever who accompanied us on the hike and made it that much more special.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Leasig2021
Jun 29, 2021
Professional - Amber is extremely knowledgeable and experienced. She knows the trails very well and creates a fun element for people of all ages. Do yourself a favor and book a hike with Amber! You will not regret it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
