March 2022 Big Bear Today Magazine

Page 16—March 2022
THE BACK PAGE
Hike, bike, skate, stroll on Pedal Path
Hike, bike, skate, stroll or even jog
beautiful Alpine Pedal Path along
the north shore of Big Bear Lake.
The 3.2 mile out and back paved path
has been a family favorite for years and
after paving, widening and other improvement
projects in recent years is in terrific
shape. New signs and benches were installed
in 2019 along with drainage improvements
and debris removal when California
Land Management adopted the trail.
Hugging the lake while it meanders
along the north shore, Alpine Pedal Path
serves up magnificent vistas of obviously
the water but also both ski resorts, surrounding
mountains and more. It’s usually
cited as one of the most popular things to
do in Big Bear and it’s easy to see why.
With southern exposure snow melts fast
and users are assured plenty of sunshine.
Along the way the path traverses past
lush meadow and under dense Juniper pine
forest, past Meadow’s Edge picnic area and
around Serrano campground. Eventually
Alpine Pedal Path concludes near the Solar
Observatory. Elevation gain is minimal
as the path is mostly level with nothing
more than minor dips and drops, making it
as nice for strolling arm-in-arm couples as
for those jogging or biking.
In addition Alpine Pedal Path offers
great jumping-off access to other north
shore trails. Use it to walk a
short distance to Woodland Interpretive
Trail and you won’t
need an Adventure Pass. Ditto
with Cougar Crest, a little further.
There’s also a connection
to Big Bear Discovery Center.
Park on Stanfield Cutoff
to catch the route just west of
the elementary school. The
level paved path is both wheelchair
and pet- friendly, plenty
wide for all users as it treks
west next to the lake, first
reaching Carol Morrison east
boat launch and then Meadows
Edge. Several benches along
Alpine Pedal Path serve as
great resting spots, serving up incredible
lake and mountain views.
With such great lake access anglers
can usually be seen along the way testing
their skills. Even on a recent winter day a
handful of fisherman had rods in hand.
Walk all the way to the Solar Observatory
and back and it’s a six-plus mile hike, worthy
in any book.
Adding to the allure of Alpine Pedal
Path is the completion of the Stanfield Cutoff
Trail, expanded last fall with Sandalwood
Dr. connector. Completely resurfaced,
a segregated portion of Stanfield
Cutoff’s west shoulder is set aside for hikers
and bikers, with protective guardrail installed,
pavement markings and decorative
railing.
It runs from Big Bear Blvd. to North
Shore Dr. and is a safe way to reach both
Alpine Pedal Path and also Stanfield Marsh
Big Bear Today
Hike, bike, skateboard and more on Alpine Pedal Path
Wildlife and Waterfowl Habitat on the east
side. The project cost approximately $1.3
million, and was funded by State grants and
dedicated Measure Y (transient occupancy
tax) funding.