After my visit to the Big Bear, California area last year, I’ve been keeping tabs on the trail development in the area… and the rapid progress has been cool to watch!
(To catch up on my Big Bear coverage from 2012, check out this three-part series: Downhill at Snow Summit, XC Trails, Big Bear Lake Amenities.)
Earlier this summer, Snow Summit Mountain Resort announced the opening of a brand-new bike park, with more trails to be added as the summer went along.
But Big Bear isn’t just about downhill… there are also excellent opportunities for cross-country riding in the region, and with the opening of 8 miles of the brand-new Skyline Trail on August 17th, those opportunities are expanding. For Big Bear, the addition of this multi-use singletrack trail is a big deal. “From my understanding this is the first new trail introduced to Big Bear in over two decades,” said Big Bear Valley Trails Foundation Chair Phil Hamilton.
The current section of the Skyline Trail was designed well and built to last by IMBA Trail Solutions. This flowy singletrack trail offers up some gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains, including Mount San Gorgonio.
Eventually, this 8-mile segment will be expanded into a 15-mile loop trail, which will form the backbone for a brand-new South Shore Trail System.
Keep an eye on the trail development in Big Bear, especially if you live in Southern California. What was already an excellent regional mountain bike destination is quickly evolving into a location that is bound to draw riders from all over the nation!
