January 2022 Big Bear Today Magazine

Page 16—January 2022
THE BACK PAGE
Winter horseback rides, petting zoo at BLS
igh in the hills above East Big Bear
Valley, the views are expansive and
neverending, especially when Hyou’re sitting high in the saddle.
Horseback riding is a great way to explore
Big Bear backcountry, especially in
winter. Let the horse do the walking during
guided tours at Baldwin Lake Stables,
where there’s a steed for every ability level
ready to do all the work through snow on
rocky trails or while climbing steep hills,
as riders soak in scenic beauty that stretches
in all directions.
Baldwin Lake Stables has horses with
all temperaments, from tame for first-time
novices to spirited, perfect for the adventurous.
Those heading out on guided horseback
rides must be at least age seven and
48 inches tall.
Rides one, two, three or even four
hours in duration depart daily from
Baldwin Lake Stables, past ranches along
Pioneertown Rd. into the forest. Longer
outings venture onto the famous Pacific
Crest Trail, rising high into the sky past
scrub and shrubs and cactus, surrounded
by pine trees and views that go on and on.
The well-maintained PCT is mostly
level with only a few moderate climbs
along the Valley’s eastern ridge, with amazing
views of the Big Horn Wilderness and
high desert beyond. The riding in fact has
been compared to areas in Colorado, Wyoming
and Northern Arizona, serving up
peace and
tranquility on
rides along
trails that are
just minutes
away from
Big Bear Village
or Snow
Summit and
Bear Mountain.
A l s o
popular are
summer sunset
rides,
which lead to
a spectacular
scenic overlook with a great vantage point
to watch the sun setting to the west, one of
Big Bear’s best opportunities to view the
stellar show. No surprise that East Big Bear
Valley is considered to have some of the
best equestrian trails in the Southland.
Winter is a great time to experience
horseback riding, with snow-covered trails
under clear blue skies and magnificent
frosty peaks all around. Plus horses really
love tromping around in the snow!
Baldwin Lake Stables has over 30
years of offering horseback adventure in
Big Bear and screens dozens of horses annually
for temperament, the number one
priority being that the horse is sure-footed,
calm and safe. Private guides are available
for those who want to learn more about
Big Bear’s fascinating history, including
Big Bear Today
Experience snow-covered trails on horseback rides at Baldwin Lake Stables
upclose looks at unique landmarks in the
area including the famed Eye of God.
There’s even hand-led pony rides
around the corral for younger buckaroos
that cost just $10. Children especially love
to spend time in the adjacent petting zoo,
mingling with and getting their hands on
pigs, goats, sheep, bunnies, chickens, emus
and llamas.
Baldwin Lake Stables is designed after
an old western town which makes for
great photos and selfies. Advance reservations
recommended. All guides work for
tips so be sure to take care of yours.
Baldwin Lake Stables is at 46475
Pioneertown Rd. in Big Bear City. Call
(909) 585-6482.
bigbeartodaymag.com