Castle Rock Trail
The most popular short hike on the southwest shore of the lake, climbing a giant rock for a view over all of Big Bear Lake.
The trailhead of Castle Rock Trail is beside CA-18, about 1.5 km east of the Big Bear Lake Dam. The round trip is about 4 km with an ascent of about 200 meters. The path is mostly gravel and granite, and the slope is steep but short. The destination is a huge granite boulder shaped like a castle. From its summit you can see the whole lake and the mountains on the opposite shore, making it a classic spot for panoramic photos of Big Bear Lake. There are few roadside parking spaces at the trailhead, so arriving before 9 a.m. on weekends is safer. The route has no shade or water, so wear non-slip shoes, bring water, and be careful near the top of the rock.
Opening hours
All day (daytime recommended)
Nearby sights
- Boulder Bay Park
- Big Bear Lake
- Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain
- The Village at Big Bear Lake
- Butler Peak Fire Lookout
- Alpine Pedal Path
- Cougar Crest Trail
- Big Bear Discovery Center