Big Bear Car Tours: Top 5 Scenic Drives & Road Trip Ideas

Big Bear Lake, California, is just more or less known for its attractive slopes during winter and its lovely lake activities throughout the summer. But that isn’t all that Big Bear offers; so, what really tends to amaze visitors is the abundance of incredible driving routes ideal for exploring this attractive mountainous region. These drives provide spectacular views, attractive forests, and access to quaint towns; so, that could just mean that there’s an ideal scenic drive for everyone looking to see Big Bear from the comfort of their own car. You know, just imagine seeing all the things to do while traveling at your own pace and stopping wherever you please. This really is the ideal way to explore Big Bear, alright! So, join us, and maybe you’ll discover the five most gorgeous car tours you really shouldn’t miss for what could be your next driving trip.

1. Rim of the World Scenic Byway (Highway 18)

Highway 18, more often called the Rim of the World Scenic Byway, is truly a year-round experience that, basically, provides what I would call a top-tier view. So, think about winding your way past dense forests and alongside the crest of the San Bernardino Mountains, that is, that’s where you find yourself on this drive. That could just give you glimpses of the valley floor way off in the distance, which, I feel like, could just be some unbelievable photo opportunities. This very byway offers access to a handful of scenic stops; you see, you can grab a good bite to eat in the quaint mountain communities dotted along the way; also, what is really the best thing is that these stops are just short jaunts that really break up your driving adventure.

I think that this route is especially magical in autumn, because of, I want to say, its turning of the leaves along the way; yet, just be ready for potentially heavy traffic and always possible weather that could get in your way during winter. Remember to check road conditions prior to really setting out, alright. Then, you might even just get lucky, like your family member might. Their most very favorite thing to do along this route is stop at Lake Arrowhead for a lakeside walk. Plus, they do grab an afternoon coffee at a locally owned cafe. This drive is truly what your average family could see when they close their eyes and picture their perfect family car rides.

2. Big Bear Lake Discovery Tour

This, the Big Bear Lake Discovery Tour, offers a circumnavigation of the entire Big Bear Lake and might just give you multiple chances to really enjoy its unique features. You know, you can start in the town of Big Bear Lake and drive in whichever direction best fits what you are trying to achieve that day. So, that is, that by doing this, you might discover several picturesque spots, just maybe like the East Boat Ramp or perhaps the Serrano Campground. But maybe these won’t interest you. This could just be a day out driving that is really based upon enjoying views of the lake. Is that wild to consider, or what? It really feels so free; so, what is the actual best thing is that you can park at whatever vista or campground catches your eye, alright.

Now, be sure to plan at least, I don’t know, a full morning or day for this tour to honestly take in all of the lake views and possible recreational stops. Now, I feel I need to stress that during the summer months, finding parking at prominent viewpoints gets, like, pretty competitive, I hear; yet, this shouldn’t honestly deter you from experiencing this trip. It tends to add to what I believe is this really relaxed nature of the exploration; yet, you, you may feel different. As I am saying, if you are really more of a lone traveler, it really might make sense to plan to tour this route in either spring or fall, is that so, too? This helps really secure parking; meanwhile, there’s also, just a bit, the benefit of having fewer visitors during off-peak seasons.

3. The Onyx Summit Scenic Byway

This scenic route, you see, takes you to the very highest point within the San Bernardino Mountains; then, the Onyx Summit Scenic Byway gives unparalleled views and definitely brings chances for just discovering what is like that untouched landscape that most miss out on. So, think of traveling alongside parts of the San Bernardino National Forest; actually, what really amazes me is this drive is one that mixes up both paved roads and unpaved paths; for instance, these paths will really give what could be great options for both hiking and what could be awesome mountain biking adventures. It actually really caters to what is seemingly many different tastes and activity preferences, is that so?

Just, just be sure you take into account the elevation gains and prepare what might be yourself and anyone else who may ride alongside. You really need enough drinks and definitely, also, high-energy snacks. Furthermore, for your piece of mind, what about making sure your automobile is equipped for driving on varied surfaces? Do that! Basically, depending on when you find yourself planning this very drive, always be ready for sudden weather conditions. I might also consider packing an extra blanket during the colder times of the year. You may want to dress your body with some added layers, for warmth. Basically, you could also encounter snow even during what would typically be warmer times of year. So, what would my mom always say? Always better safe than sorry.

4. Exploring Holcomb Valley

If you want a blast-from-the-past type adventure that doesn’t always need a car, then Holcomb Valley, also referred to as one of Southern California’s richest gold mining locations in the mid-19th century, could be what might just spark your interests. While you don’t need to always see things from within a car, a drive through this very valley opens what is a world where it really feels like you are going back through time. Yet, keep in mind, access to most of what could be the former areas from way back when does require an automobile or, alright, maybe some form of higher-clearance four-wheel-drive transport; still, it could just honestly be what helps just discover several abandoned mining locations.

So, you see, while discovering what could be remains of the past is fun, it’s always better to treat each part of your route with honor and never interfere, since what might just honestly look like discarded wood can just be parts of someone’s old foundation or house. Then, a day here is perfect for anybody who really finds beauty and mystery in mining and early California history; so, that could just mean bringing a camera and photographing the different types of wildlife could honestly be better than really digging to hopefully “strike gold,” which I really do believe may be what some visitors dream of.

5. Pioneertown and the High Desert Loop

The High Desert Loop, combined together with Pioneertown, provides you with both nature and that memorable early California architecture that makes this region unforgettable, if that’s something you’re alright with seeing. By combining nature-based sightseeing along with those historical glimpses, what is really an awesome combination may just come together here; you know, maybe, you are going for what really helps create an unforgettable tour. Of course, you can kick things off in Pioneertown and walk throughout the iconic streets built as a film set in the 1940s and 50s and is honestly an immersive time machine to what the Old West used to really seem like. Next thing you could do, should do, drive across the open roads that help create that High Desert Loop.

Remember to bring enough drinks; then, bring snacks with you to ensure your health throughout your entire tour. Plus, ensure that you wear sturdy shoes and that you might just feel prepared to encounter changing environmental conditions. Also, keep an eye out for those colorful desert blossoms if you are planning to visit in springtime; you may want to go at this exact period. I have heard from people that going during certain periods provides what many have thought about, when expressing, being amazing wildflower scenery and that, just, maybe you will never be able to find scenery that compares. Plus, going during off-peak times ensures what may be those empty roads, something many long for that are fans of the lone adventurer lifestyles.