Big Bear Today Magazine November 2022

Volume 34, No. 5 November 2022

www.bigb eartodaymag.com

The Mountain’s Monthly Lifestyle Magazine

Fall for Fall

on Pine Knot Trail!

• Laughs Galore at ‘Comedy for a Cause’

• Downhill Tubing is On at Big Bear Snow Play

• Mountain Christmas Boutique, Santa's Arrival

• 2-for1 Hiking on Ponderosa,

Whispering Pines Trails

Page 2—November 2022

From the Publisher

Hike Fern Trail for

canyon views, history

with Skyline closure

Towering pine trees and sprawling

canyons. A few ferns and wildflowers

all around. Even a brief history

lesson on Big Bear’s fox farming past.

So why haven’t I hiked Fern Trail long

before now?

The answer lies across the parking lot

on upper Clubview above Bear Mountain.

Skyline is Fern’s big brother, a worldclass

professionally designed trail stretching

over 15 miles to the west and offering firstclass

mountain biking and hiking.

Since opening several years ago, Skyline

is always the route that my hiking

boots naturally gravitate to. Not that Fern

hasn’t caught my eye before. It’s just that

at first glance Fern seems shrouded in

shrubs with no canopy, sun drenched, not

as appealing as big brother.

But on this October Saturday, it’s the

only option. The eastern terminus of Skyline

Trail is closed after September’s

Radford Fire burned perilously close and

caution tape is strung across the trail.

There’s even an official-looking Forest

Service truck parked nearby. Obviously

someone means business, as a motorcyclist

who tries to skirt by on adjacent Skyline

Dr. soon discovers and is turned back.

So instead I head north on Fern and

quickly find out that first glances can be

deceiving. Less than 100 yards in and I’m

suddenly dwarfed by towering pines

stretching to the sky. Sprawling canyons

across the way. All along well-packed trail

that’s a pleasure to walk on.

Or ride on, for that matter. I may not

have paid attention to Fern through the

years but it’s a natural extension for twowheelers

coming over from Snow

Summit’s Scenic Skychair on Skyline Trail

or famous Fall Line a half-mile below before

the closure. Fern completes a terrific

lift-served loop by connecting at the bottom

with Bristlecone, a short pedal back

to Summit.

The chair is closed for the season as

the resort readies for winter that might arrive

this month but that hasn’t deterred

several cyclists from biking up from elsewhere

and then descending on Fern. I also

encounter several more biking up the trail,

climbing a few hundred vertical feet on the

1.5 mile long trail.

Fern may be short but it is definitely

sweet. Not just mountain bikers are enjoying

this pristine path either. During my

journey I encounter parents with a child

in tow, who leaps from log to log whenever

they let go of his hand. There’s a

young couple walking a dog and another

girl training, in full workout mode.

There’s more than just fine hiking and

biking on Fern too. About a mile in there’s

a kiosk noting Big Bear history. Fox farm-

ing was big at one time in this area around

a hundred years ago, providing silver fur

coats for Hollywood elites.

R.T. Moore’s Bear Valley Fox Ranch

opened in 1923 and at one time had some

100 pairs of silver foxes, a color variant of

common red foxes. Before long there were

two dozen such operations in the Valley,

building a lucrative fur business that lasted

into the Great Depression and making it

the second most important industry in Big

Bear, after cattle ranching.

Big Bear sported prime conditions for

raising foxes with freezing winters. The

colder the winter, the more lush fox coats

were, and the more valuable. Fox farmers

built 20-foot lookout towers to protect their

property. The superb quality of the fur was

borne out in 1936 when a large supply sent

to the International Fur Exchange in London

brought the highest prices of any shipment

ever made.

Eventually, the fox boom fizzled due

to increased costs of food, taxes and other

countries like Russia getting in on the action.

The foxes may be gone, but the awesome

hiking on Fern Trail remains!

* * *

Last year I wrote about a couple of

cool, short hikes off Hwy. 38 that I had

never done. Only to find out they were still

technically closed from the El Dorado Fire,

though no signage or caution tape was

around to indicate it.

Nevertheless the plan all summer was

to run the story on these two hidden gems.

Only Mother Nature kept getting in the

way, first with torrential thunderstorms in

the area that closed Hwy. 38. Then came

the Radford Fire, again shutting the highway

down for a while.

So third time’s the charm this month

and you’ll find the story on The Back Page.

Allow an extra two or three hours on the

way down the mountain and check out

Ponderosa and Whispering Pines Trails. If

you’re like me you’ve driven past them

countless times and never stopped; do so

now and you won’t be disappointed.

Of course, as luck would have it, as I

write these words the first potential snow

of the season lurks. Oh well, if it happens

these two trails are fun snowplay areas too!

Have a good one.

Marcus

ON THE COVER: One of Big Bear’s best color shows in fall takes place on Pine Knot Trail,

where an abundance of oaks provide colorful canopy. Get there before winter though!

Volume 34, Number 5 November 2022

4

6

9

10

16

Publisher

Marcus G. Dietz

Associate Publisher

Sandra L. Dietz

Publishing Consultant

Bret Colson

Technical Consultant

Charles Dietz

Photography/Distribution

Steve Dietz

John Daskam

Mark Gauger

In This Issue...

Big Bear Today

Fall Colors, Great Hiking on Pine Knot Trail

Each fall the oak trees put on a great color display and this

year’s show is especially nice on this longtime favorite hike.

Get ready for a few lake views and lots of yellow and orange

and if you go far enough you’ll reach Grandview Point and its

180-degree vistas. If not, autumn is reason enough to hit Pine

Knot and the Aspen Glen trailhead is pretty cool too.

Winter is On at Big Bear Snow Play

Actually inner tubers started sliding down the runs at the

Southland’s largest snow play area before Halloween! As

temperatures allow snow will pile up and soon there will be

Glow Tubing sessions as well. Check out the expanded snack

bar and base lodge and take a turn on the Ropes Course.

Mountain, Village Christmas Celebrations

Ring in the holiday season with two great events. Christmas in

the Village is on Nov. 25 with tree lighting and entertainment,

and the shopping season gets underway with Mountain

Christmas Boutique at the Convention Center for three days

(story page 7)...2-for-1 coupon on page 9!

New Bar at Bear, Deck at Snow Summit

Off-season improvements returned to the resorts with more

than $3 million spent between them. As the season hopefully

gets underway this month check out the cool new indooroutdoor

bar at Bear’s Laybacks and a new deck and more at

Snow Summit. Then break out the boards and skis and get

ready to ride!

2-for-1 with Ponderosa, Whispering Pines

Two hikes across Hwy. 38 from each other mean one great

adventure. Walk in the footsteps of Lassie on one and take in

sprawling views of Santa Ana River basin and beyond from the

other. You’ve driven past them, now stop and hike them!

Great hiking on Fern Trail, whether you

have 2 legs or 4. See story this page

DEPARTMENTS

2

3

13

14

From the Publisher

Potpourri

Area Map/

Calendar of Events

The Almanac

Big Bear's most complete

listings for recreation,

dining, and more.

Big Bear Today is a monthly magazine covering recreation,

dining, nightlife, and events in Big Bear. Reproduction of any

material, without the express written consent of the Publisher,

is prohibited. Advertising/editorial, call Big Bear Today at (909)

585-5533. Mailing address: PO Box 3180, Big Bear City, CA,

92314. E-Mail: bigbeartoday@verizon.net. Member, Visit Big

Bear and Big Bear Chamber of Commerce. Internet Address:

bigbeartodaymag.com

Production: Offset printing by G.W. Reed Printing, Inc.

Color prepress by 2-Bit Studio.

Manuscripts and Art: Contributions are welcome. Big

Bear Today is not responsible nor liable for unsolicited

manuscripts or art. Materials received will not be returned.

© Copyright 2022 Big Bear Today

Big Bear Today November 2022—Page 3

POTPOURRI

Patriotic music, dignitaries, colors presentation!

Honor veterans at

Nov. 11 ceremony

Honor American heroes during Veterans

Day ceremonies open to the public

on Friday, November 11.

Ceremonies begin at 11 a.m. at Veterans

Park, just east of Pine Knot on Big Bear

Blvd. The national anthem will be performed

along with other patriotic songs

and Civil Air Patrol Cadet Color Guard will

bring in the colors. For several years the

songs have been sung by the Unaccompanied

Minors, students of The Voice Studio

Live music, hot drinks, free to the public!

Chirp Hatchiversary

sees cake, program

Live music, special program, cake and

more highlight Chirp Nature Center’s 4th

“Hatchiversary” Saturday, November 12.

Celebrate supporting wild birds and

connecting people to nature during festivities

in Chirp’s Backyard Event Center.

Warm up with heaters and hot drinks as a

panel of distinguished guests who have

supported and influenced Chirp’s journey

reveals insights and shares a common future.

Popular local band Dr. Harrison and

the Credentials, a group of talented teachers,

will play classic and contemporary

rock music. From venues like Big Bear

See the sights and sites of Big Bear

with free rides aboard the Mountain Transit

trolley.

Popular visitor destinations like the ski

resorts, Big Bear Village, restaurants, supermarkets

and more are serviced by the

trolley. Visit shopping, restaurants, lodges,

grocery stores, Big Bear Alpine Zoo and

more as the trolley rolls through each area

every 30 minutes so the wait is never long.

Leave the car behind and let Mountain

Transit do the driving!

The service is offered 15 hours each

day throughout Big Bear Valley. The trolley

runs from Boulder Bay to Big Bear Airport,

first time it has been serviced by pub-

of Diane Sloan Kubeja, some who have

gone to sing at Carnegie Hall and other

venues.

Participating dignitaries will include

City of Big Bear Lake Mayor Rick Herrick

along with other distinguished local and

regional guests..

American Legion Riders Chapter 584

is hosting the event along with the City.

It’s the fastest growing group within the

American Legion and promotes programs

through service to the community, including

motorcycle safety.

Call (909) 866-4845.

Ride in style to resorts, Village, restaurants, more!

See the sights with

free trolley rides

Discovery Center and The Cave, at events

including 2022 Tour de Big Bear and teaming

with MountainTop Strings, the band

has a well-earned reputation for terrific

classic rock with a wide play list.

Register in advance for the free celebration,

held from 4-5:30 p.m., as Chirp

events often reach capacity. As an added

incentive, RSVPs receive a free gift bag.

Chirp Nature Center has all the supplies

birders need at home or for walks and

talks, including guides, checklists, binoculars

and more. Along with birdhouses,

feeders, fountains, feed geared to mountain

birds, gift items and more.

Chirp is located at 578 Bonanza Trail.

Visit ChirpforBirds.com/events to register

or call (888) 412-4477.

lic transportation. It’s ideal for getting to

Snow Summit and Bear Mountain too; just

catch the red line and be dropped off at the

base area—no parking hassles!

For schedules visit Mountain Transit’s

website and check out maps for the Red,

Gold and Blue Lines. Then just hop on the

trolley and ride for free! Also download

the free phone app which shows where trolleys

are in real time.

The free trolley service is a cooperative

effort among Mountain Transit, the

City of Big Bear Lake, Big Bear Airport,

San Bernardino County (Supervisor Dawn

Rowe), Big Bear Mountain Resorts, and

Visit Big Bear. It’s intended to make it

easier for residents and visitors to get

around Big Bear Valley and reduce traffic

congestion with a fun old-time ride.

Visit MountainTransit.org for details.

Three routes to choose from mean a free trolley ride is near by

909.878.4FUN

at North Shore Landing

& Holloway’s Marina

Pirate Ship Lake Tours Aboard ‘Time Bandit’

Narrated lake tours aboard

1/3 replica of a Spanish galleon

seen in the movie ‘Time Bandits’

• Pirate Booty for the Kids

• Cocktails for Adults • Sunset Tours

www.HollowaysMarina.com or www.BigBearBoating.com

COZY CHALETS WITH FIREPLACES & GREAT VIEWS...

LOCATED AT SNOW SUMMIT'S BASE AREA...

JUST STEPS TO THE SKI LIFTS!

Also Available

Lakeside RV Park

with

Full Hookups!

www.800BigBear.com

Enough Pause. Fast Forward to fun

with Big Bear Today!

Time to Push Play!

• Waverunners • Jet Skis

• Sea Doos! • Kayaks, SUP

• Wakeboard/Water Ski Rides

• Poontoon Boats

and Fishing Boats!

Remodeled Bathrooms and Store

Packed with all the ways to get out and just have FUN,

from the lake to the trails.

Social Distance on a bike, take a hike, drop a line,

make time for nine (holes, that is).

Keep your distance, and your sanity, with Big Bear Today!

And when you can't

PICK US UP,

then CLICK US UP

for online adventure!


www.BigBearTodayMag.com


Fun hiking, fall colors on Pine Knot Trail

Big Bear Today

Aspen Grove, one of only two natural

occurring aspen stands south

of the Sierras (featured in October

2022 Big Bear Today), is open but difficult

to get to. The other aspen stand at

Arrastre Creek is smaller and remote, even

harder to reach.

So for a fall color fix right here in Big

Bear just five minutes from The Village

you can’t beat Pine Knot Trail, where

there’s nice Aspen Glen picnic area for

trailhead and lots of parking. The show

unfolds each year with hues of gold and

yellow as abundant oaks turn color, interspersed

between pine trees.

As autumn progresses hikers and bikers

see acorns along the trail as a further

reminder of the season. Hike far enough

along Pine Knot Trail and you’ll reach the

ultimate sight, Grandview Point, with

sprawling 270-degree vistas of 11,502 ft.

Mt. San Gorgonio and surrounding Wilderness

area.

The trek begins at Aspen Glen picnic

area—be sure to have an Adventure Pass

if you park—where oaks serve notice of

the show to come. A well-treed developed

trailhead with picnic tables, restroom facilities

and signage makes for a great start-

ing point. There’s also community fire pit

and barbecues though those are currently

closed.

Even if winds and weather strip away

the color show, Aspen Glen is a great recreation

spot with picnic tables and is popular

with the snow play crowd when the

white stuff comes along. A great starting

point for snowshoe treks as well.

The trail was rerouted a few years ago

up the picnic area’s southern ridge, a great

improvement from the previous barren,

dusty death march. A little over a half-mile

of trail was rebuilt, done entirely by Southern

California Mountains Foundation’s

Urban Conservation Crew. The reroute was

to protect the endangered Ash Grey Paint

Brush associated with Pebble Plain terrain.

As hikers climb the portal they

traverse with more gentle, gradual climbing,

punctuated by steeper sections. Along

the way Pine Knot joins with mountain

biker favorite Cabin 89 trail at a wellmarked

junction. One of the formerly socalled

“illegal” trails lining the south shore

network, Cabin 89 also has seen rehabilitation

as the Forest Service seeks to bring

such routes up to its standards.

Usually there’s piles of acorns under

With or without fall color, Pine Knot Trail is a great hike or bike (left)

oaks along the way, a major food source

for native Serrano Indians in Big Bear Valley.

But on this mid October outing acorns

were everywhere! Strewn up and down the

trail, I practically tripped over all the acorns

in different shapes and sizes, crunching a

few when I stepped on them.

Pine Knot continues across the ridge

to seamlessly connect with the old trail

above a seasonal stream. The trail skirts

neat places, like Alpine Slide and nowclosed

Snow Forest ski area with occasional

lake views. There’s even a recentlyinstalled

bench at a great vista overlook

for comfort. Yet the main view is the bountiful

color that occasionally serves as

canopy, creating amazing ambiance when

backlit.

After a couple miles the trail crosses

forest road 1N01, then continues up the

ridge another mile past Deer group camp—

great spot for a break with beautiful

meadow views underneath tall pine trees—

to Skyline Dr. (2N10) and worldclass

singletrack trail of the same name open to

hikers, bikers and equestrians.

Three miles each way to Skyline plus

another quarter-mile spur leads to

Grandview Point, aptly-named to be sure

with sweeping 180-degree views. Vistas

fall away from your feet to the bottom of

the Santa Ana River drainage below and

stretch to the high peaks of the San Bernardino

Mountains across the way. Morning

is best time to enjoy the view before

afternoon haze rolls in.

Pine Knot Trail is practically hallowed

ground for mountain bikers. The site of

many Team Big Bear races through the

years, going up it has a nice sustainable

climb and coming down serves up top

notch singletrack. At this time of year with

Scenic Skychair closed for the season there

are fewer riders descending but still expect

to find a few diehards pedaling up or down.

In all hikers and bikers can expect to

tally over 1,200 feet of vertical climb on

their journey, most of it at a steady clip

which never seems like that much of a

grind. Or just treat Pine Knot Trail as an

out-and-back, going as far as you care to

travel, and enjoy fall colors, lake views and

more along the way.

—by Marcus Dietz

Aspen Glen/Pine Knot Trail (40105

Mill Creek Rd.) just west of Alpine Slide.

Call Discovery Center (909) 866-2790.

Views abound along Pine Knot Trail, whether it’s from aptly-named Grandview Point (left) or the lake along the three-mile (each way) route up


Nature walks, crafts at Discovery Ctr.

Head to Big Bear Discovery Center

for a wide range of activities and outdoor

exploration for the whole family.

Indoors the facility remains closed after

a major remodel and the shutdown. But

outside there’s Nature Discovery Trail to

hike and naturalist guided treks on weekends,

information booths with Adventure

Passes and permits, fun activities for kids

and more. Discovery Center is open Thursday-Monday

9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Nature Discovery Trail is an easy

half-mile loop the whole family will enjoy.

Fairly level with minimal elevation

BB Tavern at meeting

Travel back in time to 1916 and the

development of Big Bear Tavern at the next

general meeting of the Historical Society

on Thursday, November 10.

It was a harsh winter that year. Nevertheless

the venerable “Ambassador of Big

Bear” was developed and became a popular

meeting place and centerpiece of the

Valley. Learn about the Tavern’s fascinating

history and preservation by the Presbyterian

Synod as the conference grounds

and camp it is today with Cheryl Matthews.

The meeting is at 7 p.m. at Bridges

Presbyterian Fellowship at 579

Knickerbocker in Big Bear Village and is

free and open to the public. Opportunity

drawing with terrific prizes like gift baskets

and items from the museum gift shop

are highlights. As are refreshments including

delicious desserts and cookies.

gain, the trail winds through the forest with

several signposts noting mountain flora

like pinyon pine, service berry, Indian

paintbrush, Kennedy’s buckwheat and

more. There’s benches to take a break and

views that include the ski resorts and San

Gorgonio Wilderness in the distance, even

peek-a-boo vistas of Big Bear Lake.

Saturdays at 1 and 2 p.m. and Sundays

at 11 a.m. and noon see free Nature

Walks along Nature Discovery Trail led

by naturalists who describe in more detail

what visitors are seeing. These 30-minute

adventures are non-strenuous and fun for

the whole family.

Children experience the forest firsthand

in an outdoor “classroom” just for

them at Discovery Center. Ages 2-7 delight

in the Nature Discovery Zone—first one

in the National Forest system—which

combines education and unstructured play

areas just for youngsters, and now there’s

new areas to explore.

Nine interactive areas encourage outdoor

exploration and even children older

than the recommended age group enjoy the

activities. The zone lets kids climb and

crawl, build and dig, gather and enjoy art,

plus there’s Pollinator Pathway, Messy

Materials and Music and Movement.

Discovery Center is also a great place

to catch Cougar Crest Trail; park there

and no Adventure Pass is required unlike

at the nearby trailhead. The short half-mile

connector path is a nice forest walk more

enjoyable than the beginning of Cougar

Nature Discovery Zone is filled wtih fun kids activities like climbing and more

Crest trail anyway. Just be sure to return to

your car before Discovery Center gates

close at 5 p.m.

Nature Crafts are fun hands-on programs

and there’s a seasonal one to enjoy

on November 12. Create fun fall-colored

trees with Discovery Center volunteers

from 10-11 a.m. The program is free and

fun for the whole family.

Discovery Center often slates other

programs including birdhouse building,

story time and more so visit the website

mountainsfoundation.org for the latest.

Also note that the facility is closed on holidays

including Nov. 11 for Veterans Day

and Nov. 24-25 for Thanksgiving.

Discovery Center (909) 382-2790

If You Can’t Pick Us Up...

Click Us Up!

BigBearTodayMag.com


BBSP open with snow, deck, snack bar

Early season snowmaking allowed

Big Bear Snow Play to get a

jumpstart on the 2022-23 winter season

with one of its earliest openings ever.

Families started sliding down three

full-width, snow-covered runs just before

Halloween. Southern California’s largest

inner tubing area became the region’s first

or in the air at Big Bear Snow Play and

Ropes Course

Est. 1947 by Andy Devine

as the Sportsmans Tavern

Open Nightly 4:30 p.m.

Inside & Out

"Still haunted by our Ghost George"

recreation area to open for winter. Big Bear

Snow Play has plenty of reasons to be excited

for the season, with expanded base

lodge that features snack bar and 3,000 sq.

ft. of seating, serving goodies like burgers

and pizza.

Just part of an enlarged, renovated

base lodge that more than doubled in size

and is now two stories featuring

a 6,700 sq. ft. observation

deck that serves up great

views of snow play action.

The project literally required

the roof to be raised! The

deck is amazing too with radiant

heat and wrapping

around the entire building.

All of which enhances an

already top shelf snow play

experience. At one time the

old Rebel Ridge ski area, Big

Bear Snow Play sports by far

the longest inner tubing runs

in the region. With ski areaquality

fan snow guns roaring

at every opportunity snow

is piling up even as you read

these words.

Several machines lining

the slopes allow Big Bear

Snow Play to take full advantage

of good snowmaking

conditions. As the season

progresses snow is made

whenever possible so depths

Fine Dining in a Rustic Stone & Log Retreatt

Fine Steaks • Seafood • Prime Rib • Lobster

Enjoy Great Food

in a Historic Setting

OPEN

THANKSGIVING DAY!

Reservations Highly

Recommended

Customer Appreciation Days!

$7 OFF Select Entrees

(Monday —Thursday)

Molekule Air Purifiers

for Safety of Customers & Staff

www.CaptainsAnchorage.com

Rare Photos, Memorabilia,

and More!

_

Advance Reservations

Highly Recommended

can reach 30 feet or more—three stories

high—ensuring tubing through Easter. Sessions

are held daily 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

So much product allows Big Bear

Snow Play to build its own signature snow

features in addition to traditional downhill

runs. Features like whoop-di-doos, bumps

and berms that really add to the tubing experience

are built as the season progresses.

Nightly grooming means tubers enjoy

perfect surface conditions each morning

with corduroy snow.

Getting to the top of all the snow

would be a real chore if not for two Magic

Carpet uphill lifts. Just step on and step

off! No uphill climb to tucker parents and

kids out so they save energy for downhill

fun and get all the runs they can handle.

For a special treat try after dark Glow

Tubing sessions at Big Bear Snow Play

from 5-9 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and holidays,

set to begin Thanksgiving weekend.

The slopes already looked like a Christmas

tree for night tubing when 11 RGB

strobes that change sequences from color

to color and 1,500 LED lights were installed

and then even more lighting was

put in two years. Now the slopes are a virtual

kaleidoscope of colors with all the

shades of the rainbow reflecting off snow.

Enhancing the experience even more

are colored inner tubes instead of tradition

black tires. Red, white and blue camo

tubes—the area went to colorful inner

tubes instead of the black tire-look several

years ago which really light up after dark,

especially when the black light comes

around. Even the Magic Carpet uphill lift,

Big Bear Today

Ultimate group selfies on inner tubes at Big Bear Snow Play, now open

Earn your Thanksgiving Day dinner—and

burn those Oktoberfest calories

at the same time—with a run beforehand

during the annual Big Bear Turkey Trot

on Thursday, November 24 at Meadow

Park.

Burn the calories to come later in the

day with three, six and nine mile road

runs. Turkey Trot is family friendly—

strollers welcome—with the course a

relatively flat three-mile loop through

Eagle Point. Runners do two or three laps

for the longer races. Race start is at 9:30

a.m. Three-milers are treated to a yoga

warm up routine with Colin Schour before

the race.

Registration fees are $45 through

enclosed for guest comfort, is lit up.

Plus the runs get a fresh groom after

the day seesion to provide a perfect corduroy

surface that gets faster as the evening

progresses. All tubing sessions at Big Bear

Snow Play are $40, children $25, which

includes tube rental and Magic Carpet lift

ticket.

The 6,400 sq. ft. Big Bear Ropes

Course adjacent to the lodge is open yearround,

weather permitting with over 30

challenging elements including suspension

bridges, ropes, spinning log, curved bars

and more. The state-of-the-art ropes

course, only one in Big Bear, is two stories

high with an engaging mix of obstacles

and challenges that bring out your inner

Ninja warrior.

Unlike Ninjas, guests are wearing

five-point, full-body safety harnesses that

are tethered into the structure, so there’s

zero chance of falling as they navigate obstacles

like spinning log or a variety of rope

challenges. The advanced safety system

is unique. A slider “puck” attached to the

safety harness that can only be inserted or

removed by a certified operator is locked

into a continuous belay track system that

follows participants through every station.

There’s curved bars that adventurers

must wind their way around and swinging

steps. Along with a variety of suspension

bridges, some with wide-open gaps and

others dangling ropes to grasp onto. Even

an 80-foot descent on the Sky Rail zipline

with automatic braking. Sessions are $12.

Big Bear Snow Play/ Ropes Course is

at 42825 Big Bear Blvd. (909) 585-0075.

Earn dinner at Thanksgiving Turkey Trot

Nov. 18 and $50 from Nov. 19-23, youth

$25. Add $10 for day of event sign ups.

Registration includes custom shirt

and bib plus commemorative medal. In

true Turkey Trot tradition a turkey is

awarded to winners for the family feast.

Races start and finish at Meadow

Park (41220 Park Ave., Big Bear Lake)

where there’s finish festival and family

activities. Run in bear or turkey costumes

to compete for prizes then hang around

for raffles. Prizes are awarded to the top

three finishers in each age group.

Proceeds benefit local food pantries

and Open Air Big Bear, which celebrates

and supports outdoor events in the valley.

www.bigbearturkeytrot.com..


Mtn. Christmas, live music at Wyatt’s

52nd Oktoberfest ends Nov. 5

The shopping season gets off to a roaring

start when the Convention Center at

Big Bear Lake hosts its 38th annual

Mountain Christmas Boutique arts and

crafts show over Thanksgiving Weekend.

For three big days November 25-27,

handmade arts, crafts and unique holiday

gifts will be presented by many crafters

from throughout the Western United States.

There’s wire-wrap gem jewelry, handmade

hats and scarves, personalized Christmas

ornaments, homemade jams and oils, vintage

clothing and more with one-of-a-kind

gifts for every budget.

Mountain Christmas Boutique is the

largest holiday show in the mountains and

the longest-running. Returning vendors

and new favorite crafters present holiday

items including wreaths, handmade Santas

and treats. Some vendors were at the justcompleted

52nd Oktoberfest.

The whole family gets in on the fun at

Mountain Christmas Boutique. There’s

kids activities like free visits with Santa

on Friday and Saturday and holiday arts

and crafts. Enjoy great festival food and a

wide selection of beers including crafts,

wine and cocktails plus holiday libations.

Doors open at 10 a.m. daily with shopping

till 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m.

Sunday. Admission is $4, $3 seniors, ages

3-14 are $2, three and under free.

Save money with the 2-for-1 coupon

on page 9 valid all three days. Locals Day

is Sunday with free admission for all Big

Bear residents.

With Oktoberfest winding down

Wyatt’s Cafe & Saloon at the Convention

Center returns to its regular schedule

in November, open Wednesdays plus Fridays

and Saturdays with live music, starting

Nov. 11-12 featuring favorites Southern

Spirit.

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Regulars at Buckeye Jack’s, Southern

Spirit has played everywhere from the old

Crazy Horse in Orange County to the late

Cocky Bull in Victorville during 25-plus

years of music. Opening for the likes of

Martina McBride, Brooks and Dunn and

Toby Keith, among others, along the way.

Enjoy great western grub including

half-pound burgers, famous wings and

much more, full bar and entertainment with

live bands Fridays and Saturdays.

Also on the lineup is Terry McRaven

Band on Nov. 18 and Cumberland Gap on

December 2. Note Wyatt’s is closed some

dates for private events so call ahead.

Cowboy Church under the pine trees

is on Saturdays at noon. Enjoy an inspiring

nondenominational service with message

by Pastor Eric.

More shopping fun is on tap next

month during the 3rd annual

Christkindlmarkt, a German Christmas

Faire, held under the pine trees for December

17-18. Join in as Wyatt’s celebrates

Christmas indoors and out with live music,

carolers, vendors, German treats and

libations and more. There’s contests for all

ages and visits with the Christkind (Christmas

Angel) and of course Santa Claus.

Kids activities include scavenger hunt,

ornament arts and crafts, find the Elf on

the shelf and nightly Christmas Wish Tree

lighting ceremony. Christkindlmarkt also

features handcrafted items and baked

goods from Germany.

Wyatt’s family-friendly New Year’s

Eve party on Dec. 31 again stars the renowned

western band Doo Wah Riders.

There’s bounce house and arts and crafts

for the youngsters and midnight champagne

toast at midnight for parents to ring

in 2023. Reservations are highly recommended

with limited ticket availablity.

The Convention Center is on the boulevard

at Division 1-1/2 miles east of the

supermarkets. Call (909) 585-3000. Coupon

for discount admission on page 9.

The 52nd edition of Big Bear

Oktoberfest closes in style Saturday, November

5 with its Encore season finale.

Last call for chicken dancers as toprated

Oktoberfest concludes its

abbreciated eight weekend run. Those savory

bratwursts, topped with tasty

sauerkraut and German mustard, are gone

after this. And the German bakery that

provides the streudel won’t be sending

any more once the final chickens have

danced the last of nearly 500 dances.

As an added incentive Encore is

dedicated to American Heroes. U.S. military,

veterans, law enforcement, frontline

healthcare workers and firefighters enjoy

free admission and there’s patriotic songs

and toasts to first responders.

Da Stube Buden closes out

Oktoberfest with performers who know

the event well. Juergen Schwarze and

keyboardist Reinhold Reiter have played

together for over three decades, primarily

as members of The Express Band.

The pair play songs like “Let’s Go Beer

Drinking” and “Beer Barrel Polka”

among other favorites. Popular Terry

McRaven band plays on the outdoor High

Altitude Beer Garden Stage.

Oktoberfest Encore is from 1-11 p.m.

with admission $30, $20 seniors and $12

children 12 and under. Catch a free ride

to Oktoberfest with Mountain Transit

(story page 3) and there’s free rides home

to your door at evening’s end.

Call Convention Center at (909)

585-3000 or www.BigBearEvents.com.

18


Civil War to Ives, Brad plays 9,000 songs

Rare indeed is the listener who can

stump Brad Riesau from Silver

Moon with a song request. That’s

because he estimates he’s played over

9,000 tunes since coming to Big Bear in

2006!

But even he was a little surprised when

a group from out of town came up to request

Burl Ives. From the depths of Brad’s

playlist came “Wayfaring Stranger” and

“Mr. Froggie Went A-Courtin.”

“Nailed it,” he said with a chuckle.

A night of laughs is in store during

“Comedy for a Cause” at Big Bear Elks

Lodge on Saturday, November 5 with proceeds

benefitting DOVES.

Comedian, character actor and voice

over artist Mark Christopher Lawrence

headlines a talented lineup that also includes

Hans Hilton and Josiah Moreno.

Lawrence is best known for his role as Big

Mike on NBC’s “Chuck” and is a two-time

Emmy winner.

He’s appeared on many television programs

including “My Name is Earl,” “Heroes,”

“Martin,” “Crossing Jordan,”

“Dharma & Greg,” “Touched by an Angel,”

“Seinfeld” and many others. Film

credits include “Planet of the Apes,” “Terminator

2,” “Judgement Day,” “Tales from

the Hood” and others.. Along with appearing

as esoteric DJ Tone Def in 1994’s “Fear

of a Black Hat.”

Rock, blues, country, standards,

reggae, even songs from the Civil War are

part of his playlist, gleaned from working

and playing in the music industry for decades

in a variety of capacities. For many

years he teamed with late bass player Hank

Kalvin, who passed away this summer, to

form the popular duo Silver Moon. Sometimes

sitting in with Brad the last few years

has been Emmy nominated engineer Rusty

Smith and 8-string picker Randy Boswell.

Brad plays his wide variety of music

Lawrence headlines comedy show

Hilton meanwhile is a stand-up comedy

veteran who has performed at

Southland venues including the Improv in

Ontario, Roosevelt Hotel Theater and recently

at Balboa Wine. Comedy veteran

Moreno is also on the bill, sure to leave

listeners laughing after appearances

throughout San Diego.

The show is hosted by Eric Gillman,

“Sharpest Guy You Know.” Doors open at

7 p.m. with the laughs starting at 8 and

there’s a cash bar. Tickets are $20 and available

at Eventbrite.com.

Proceeds benefit DOVES of Big Bear

Valley which provides safety for and empowers

victims of domestic abuse. The

evening is sponsored by Easterby and Associates

real estate.

Elks Loge is at 40611 Village Dr. Call

(909) 866-3557

to Stillwells restaurant every Saturday from

6-9 p.m. He’s also at Big Bear Mountain

Brewery on Red Ant Hill near Alpine Slide

from 5-8 p.m. on Thursdays Nov. 3 and 17

and Tuesdays Nov. 8 and 22, plus Fridays

Nov. 11 and 25 from 6-9 p.m., and Sunday

Nov. 20 from 2-5 p.m. Along with gigs at

Barrel 33 and The Pines Tavern on the lake.

“People love to request their favorite

tunes and I love to play all kinds of music

and have a decent memory for melodies

and lyrics,” Riesau said. “Having an iPad

full of so many great songs, I can usually

get close to something they request.” Some

nights see him play 60-80% requests.

Fulfilled courtesy of Brad’s guitar,

harmonica and musical memory that’s catalogued

so many songs he’s come across

through the years. He’s worked in concert

and music promotion for people like Willie

Big Bear Today

Man of 9,000 songs Brad Riesau, at Stillwells and Big Bear Mountain Brewery

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Nelson, with whom he spent four years,

along with Derek Trucks, Herbie Hancock,

Bruce Hornsby, members of the Rolling

Stones, Dave Brubeck and many others.

He also owned a Delaware music store

in the 1980’s and 90’s and still returns there

to play with his longtime band Porch

Chops. Plus a Bob Dylan cover band,

Riesau has written over 400 originals

and released 15 of his own group and solo

projects and produced, arranged, co-wrote

and/or coordinated albums/sessions for a

variety of artists. Plus recorded as sideman

on sessions for still more artists. Before Big

Bear he founded popular Delaware bands

Porch Chops and Love Minus Zero, and

Goldrush in San Diego.

Song notes course through Brad’s

veins and he’ll do anything the music businesses

offers. As a journalist he’s written

nationally for Jazziz, Relix, Dupree’s Diamond

News magazines and local for Big

Bear Today. For two years he served as

musical director for Bear Valley Center for

Spiritual Enrichment.

Call Stillwells (909) 866-3121 or Big

Bear Mountain Brewery (909) 878-0616


Tree lighting back with music, Santa

Ring in the holidays at Christmas in the Village with tree lighting, music

First it was a significant snow event

and then Covid. Then the annual Christmas

in the Village holiday tree lighting ceremony

was for some reason moved to the

weekend before Thanksgiving.

Now the 2022 event is back on its traditional

day-after-Thanksgiving date of

November 25. The official start of Big

Bear’s holiday season, the family-friendly

event is till packed with Christmas carols,

local dignitaries and performers, and the

traditional arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus,

who will set up for the season in their little

house in the Village.

The 5 p.m. event culminates with the

lighting of the towering holiday tree at the

corner of Pine Knot and Village Dr. The

recently renovated business district complete

with fire pits and seating is a great

place to welcome the season and maybe

there will even be a little snow, just hopefully

not as much as in 2019, when it forced

the event to be significantly scaled back.

The outdoor celebration features the

arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus on their

traditional Big Bear sleigh—a City of Big

Bear Lake fire engine—which delivers the

couple right to the holiday house they’ll

inhabit all season on the corner for pictures

and to pass out candy.

Holiday entertainment features Big

Bear’s original Mountain Marvelettes,

Kylar Carmody, Tori Waner, Jessica

Brasher and Jodi Cline. The talented performers

reunite for the event, singing holiday

classics like “Rockin’ Around the

Christmas Tree,” “Deck the Halls” and others

to go with their standard song list of

hits from the 1940’s, 50’s and 60’s.

Don’t let their youth fool you; the

Mountain Marvelettes have become a Big

Bear phenomenon, appearing at events for

the Arts Council and Discovery Center

singing classic standards like “Lollipop”

and “Sugartime.” The girls all starred in

Community Arts Theater Society (CATS)

shows, and some were selected to join

young singers from around the country in

performing at Carnegie Hall.

Also performing is singer Nikki

Sparks, a favorite at Big Bear venues including

Stillwells, 572 Social and others.

“She’s a little bit country, a little bit rock

and roll” with a terrific voice and playlist

that covers everything from Shania Twain

to Bon Jovi.

Sparks released her first CD three

years ago with the ballad “Misunderstood”

getting airplay on country stations. Her rendition

of “O Holy Night” is absolutely

spine-chilling as she nails the high notes

with precision and she’s released a holiday

album, A Big Bear Christmas.

The tree lighting ceremony illuminates

an enormous and beautiful Village pine.

Warm up with hot beverages offered by

Big Bear Lion’s Club on the corner of Pine

Knot and Village Dr. and huddle in front

of outdoor fire pits in front of Copper Q,

Amangela’s and The Cave.

Big Bear Lake dignitaries will also

participate. Arrive early to shop the 60-plus

unique stores and restaurants in the Village

before streets are closed to traffic at 4

p.m.

Festivities may also include Voices of

Christmas, strolling carolers dressed in

Dickens-style attire singing traditional and

contemporary songs a cappella till about

8:15 p.m. Professional singers—each a soloist

in his or her own right—present over

100 songs and have been seen on the hit

television show “Modern Family.” The

group is affiliated with The Wonderelles

who entertained at Christmas in the Village

a few years ago.

The Village will be festively decorated

for the holidays with lots of activities on

tap each weekend. Enjoy the brick-paved

sidewalks and brilliant holiday lights that

are so impressive each winter.

And don’t miss seven carved bears and

other woodland critters in a variety of poses

scattered throughout the Village for amazing

mountain selfies, some large enough

to sit on. Post to Facebook or Instagram.

Won’t find those selfies on Amazon!

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New bar at Bear, deck at Summit

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

T○ wo million dollar upgrade to

Laybacks Bar on Bear Mountain’s

famous sundeck. Another $1.2 million

in improvements in the rental shop.

After a two year hiatus in upgrades

due to Covid, offseason work was happening

again at the resorts, mostly at Bear

Mountain. And while there were no onmountain

changes, perhaps the biggest

news is what didn’t happen: flames from

September’s Radford Fire, while flickering

close, were kept off property.

The fire approached the ridgeline on

the backside of both Snow Summit and

Bear Mountain but never reached the top.

Guests may see charred trees and terrain

off the backside, but otherwise their ski and

snowboard days won’t be affected one iota

when the winter season gets underway,

typically but not always in November.

What will make a difference are the

base area improvements at Bear. The iconic

sundeck will have a new look with the redesigned

indoor-outdoor bar at Laybacks.

With double sided service it will be functional

on cold days as well as warm ones,

allowing guests on the deck and inside the

main lodge to be served simultaneously..

In addition there’s new windows and

radiant heat flooring along with outdoor

heaters. “It’ll create better guest flow and

customer service,” said Justin Kanton of

Big Bear Mountain Resort.

The work is all part of a three-phase

renovation that began in 2019, doubling

the size of the deck to around 26,000 sq.

ft. And it didn’t just get bigger either; custom

benches were built onto the slope edge

of the deck and a new outdoor dining location

on the west end was installed. Along

with three new fire pits and $250,000 in

outdoor furniture, all part of $5 million in

improvements.

Summer also saw Bear’s rental shop

get a cash infusion to make the equipment

procurement process more efficient. Between

them the bar and rental shop received

over $3 million in improvements.

Bear debuted its new Adventure Academy

in 2018—Snow Summit has one

too—one-stop shops for family rentals, lift

tickets and sports school programs, 6,000

feet of much-needed space. There’s a dining

venue serving artisan pizzas, full service

coffee bar and spirits, and the deck

buildout will make it even easier to get to.

The third phase of the base area project

calls for a fully paved path to the facility.

Snow Summit’s base area also sports

a new look. The Slopeside building, on the

west side below Chair 2, received a full

facelift with rebuilt framing, new Trex deck

and remodel of the Driftwood BBQ.

There’s also a new deck to enjoy in

the area known as the Meadow below

Chair 1. Completed in the summer, the

spacious deck is ideal for a game of

cornhole while enjoy a bite from nearby

Bighorn Smokehouse.

Snow Summit and Bear Mountain

Church Directory

Bear Valley Center for

Spiritual Enrichment

579 Knickerbocker Rd., Big Bear Lake

(Bridges Presbyterian Fellowship)

Sundays 11:45 a.m.

(909) 866-8081

Bear Valley Church

Big Bear

41960 Big Bear Blvd.,Big Bear Lake

Sundays 10 a.m.

(909) 866-3951

www.BVCBigbear.org\

Believers Chapel

42180 Moonridge Rd., Big Bear Lake

Sundays 10:30 a.m.

Wednesday Bible Study 6 p.m.

(909) 866-2552

Foursquare Church

at Big Bear Airport

501 Valley Blvd., Big Bear City

Saturday Worship 6:30 p.m.

Sundays 10 a.m.

Wednesday Bible Study 6:30 p.m.

(909) 856-6259

www.bigbearfoursquare.com

Bridges Presbyterian

Fellowship

579 Knickerbocker Rd.

Big Bear Lake

Sundays 10 a.m.

(909) 866-5683

www.bigbearpresbyterian.org

Calvary Chapel Big Bear

1001 Holden Ave. Big Bear City

Sundays 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.


(909) 866-9328

Christian Faith Center

39853 Crocus Dr. Big Bear Lake

Sundays 10 a.m., also on

Facebook Live

(909) 273-9234

www.cfcbigbear.com

Church of Christ

41035 Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear Lake

Sunday Worship 10 a.m.,

Bible Class at 11 a.m.


(909) 866-2828

Community Church

Big Bear

40946 Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear Lake

Sunday Worship 8:45, 10:30 a.m.

Wednesday Dinner/Study 6 p.m.

(909) 866-7523

guests will notice a different destination

for some shuttle service too. BBMR and

Bear Valley Community Healthcare District

(BVCHD) agreed to exchange property

parcels in the offseason to better serve

their respective constituents.

BBMR swapped the five acre lot

known as Fox Farm or Garstin to the District

in exchange for 10 acres on nearby

Sandalwood Dr. Grading and other work

has taken place to transform the land into

remote parking lot that’s double the size

with compact gravel.

Of course none of this means anything

First Church of Christ

Scientist

550 Squirrel Ln., Big Bear Lake

Sunday Services/School 10 a.m.

www.cschurchbigbearlake.org

Seventh Day

Adventist Church

349 E. North Shore Dr.,

Big Bear City

Saturday Worship 11 a.m.,

lunch follows

(909) 585-2275

www.BigBearSeventhDayAdventisChurch.org

Sheperd in the Pines

Lutheran Church

42450 North Shore. Dr., Big Bear

Lake

Sunday Worship 10 a.m.

(909) 547-0934

www.SITPBigbear.org

Spirit of Peace

Lutheran Church

42324 North Shore Dr.

Big Bear City

(St. Columbas Episcopal Church)

Sunday Service 10 a.m.

(909) 866-7239

Big Bear Today

Bear Mountain’s amazing sundeck is getting a new indoor-outdoor bar, part of

over $3 million in improvements at the resorts

if there isn’t white stuff on the slopes, and

BBMR has invested millions in the last decade

to enhance already powerful

snowmaking systems. Huge compressors

were installed in 2018 at both Bear Mountain

and Snow Summit to increase air pressure

capacity.

Both draw from a virtually unlimited

water supply courtesy of Big Bear Lake,

enabling 150-plus fan guns between the

two resorts along with traditional nozzle

hydrants to make incredible amounts of

snow. bigbearmountainresort.com

St. Columba’s

Episcopal Church

42324 North Shore Dr.,

Big Bear City

Sunday Services/

Communion 10 a.m.

(909) 866-7239 * (951) 809-5232

www.stcolumbas.bigbear.com

St. Joseph’s Catholic

Community Church

42242 North Shore Dr., Big Bear

Lake

Monday-Friday Mass 8 a.m.

Saturday Reconciliation 4 p.m.,

Mass 5:30

Sunday Mass 8 and 11 a.m.,

Spanish 1 p.m.

(909) 866-3030

Summit Christian

Fellowship

41965 Garstin Dr., Big Bear Lake

Sunday Worship 10 a.m.

Wednesday Bible Study 6:30 p.m.

(909) 878-HOPE (4673)

SummitChristianFellowship.com

The Journey Church

800 Greenspot (Hwy. 38)

Big Bear City

Sunday Service 9:30 a.m.

(909) 585-4428

TheJourneyChurchBigBear.com


Gifts, history meet at Village Faire

Carved bears or stuffed ones, cloth

purses, cozy animal print throws, yearround

Christmas room, incense and tasty

jerky. Plus best-priced metal signs in town

and Big Bear’s only bookstore!

All in a historic Big Bear setting that

may or may not have its own ghost.

Fill your holiday shopping lists at Village

Faire, open 365 days a year including

Thanksgiving Day, where there’s literally

thousands of gifts ranging from sports logo

items to dozens of chimes and tons of locally

crafted pottery. No supply chain

shortages here, only endless gift ideas,

from stuffed and carved bears and critters

galore to amazing 3D wall art that literally

pops out of the frames. Along with a treasure-trove

of tote bags, purses, handbags

and more..

The walls at the top of the stairs may

tell tales—the building used to house Big

Bear’s first hotel, the historic Navajo built

in 1920, kept busy by gold miners and ladies

of the night—but today the real story

is on the shelves, with goods from artisans

around town, the country, even the world.

Sixteen theme rooms present a wide

variety of gift ideas, from bears and wolves

to collectible Native American maiden

dolls from Kinnex, detailed by professional

artists, numbered and authenticated and

limited to 2,500 pieces. All found in the

Princess Room at Village Faire, where

there’s traditional dolls and dresses, tea

party sets and wallets.

The Pottery Room features handmade

clay plates and bowls crafted in Big Bear

by George and Terry Carver. For sports

fans there’s not one but two rooms filled

with memorabilia like playing cards, team

coffee cups, shot glasses, signs and more.

There’s a stadium’s worth of football

selections to choose from whether you root

for the Rams or Chargers and all the other

teams too. Unique are team totem poles not

found anywhere else, topped with bronco,

steelworker or ram’s head as the case may

be. Plus team lamps. banners, flags and

much more.

Baseball season is well represented

with plenty of Angels and Dodgers, Giants

and Yankees stuff to choose from, like

team coosies and lamps. Steins and

stemware, signs and clocks, blankets and

more, even Dodgers premium earphones

or Titans, Patriots, 49ers and other noise

isolating gear, the shelves are filled with

sports. USC and UCLA too.

Snow is guaranteed at Village Faire,

the indoor variety for six-plus dollars—just

add water. It lasts for weeks, feels like the

real thing minus the cold, and assures a

white holiday. Great for decorating too.

Three-dimensional art has to be seen

to be believed. Images of a wolf actually

appear to step out of the frame. Put your

hand into the image and watch it meld in!

Puppy and ocean images available too.

Handmade fanny packs are cool as are

“Love Camping” wind chimes ideal for

trailers. Warm up with flannel sherpa

throws or don unique pine cone earrings

that are very popular. As are intricately designed

bear lamps. Discover infant wear

like Big Bear onesies and tanks tops.

Village Faire has a little something of

everything: Classic metal signs with everything

from cars and cowboys to superheroes

and Route 66 come at the best prices

in Big Bear.

Bearly used books fills an entire room

with hundreds (thousands?) of titles to

choose from, paperbacks and hardcovers

from fiction and nonfiction to SciFi and

more. It’s the only bookstore in town.

Another room contains a wide selection

of classic vinyl albums, from artists

like Led Zeppelin, Grand Funk Railroad,

Doors and many others. Including rare releases

from Bob Welch and more.

Village Faire also has award-winning

Jeff’s Famous Jerky, seen on Forbes.com

and Men’s Health magazine. Made from

real steak it’s tender and moist, not the dry

Enough Pause. Fast Forward to fun with Big Bear Today!

Collectible Native

American dolls, just one

of many treasures at

Village Faire, along

with bears galore

leather sometimes passed

as jerky, in intense flavors

like jalapeno and cranberry

jalapeno. Bacon and

chicken jerky in assorted

flavors too.

Corn bags are very

popular. Warm it in the microwave

on chilly nights

or stick it in the freezer on

hot days, then drape over your neck and

shoulders for soothing comfort. Machine

washable too, and priced at just $16.98.

Village Faire is at 40794 Village Dr.

above Leather Depot. (909) 866-8220.

Time to Push Play!




And when you can't

PICK US UP,

then CLICK US UP





New coaster, old favorites at Slide

New coaster that’s the only one of its

kind in California. Longtime favorite Alpine

Slide and high-flying Soaring Eagle.

Plus family-favorite snow play area.

There’s a plethora of ways to play at

Alpine Slide, which in the past couple

years has introduced one-of-a-kind rides

to go along with its traditional standbys.

The hard part is choosing which adventure

to explore first!

Mineshaft Coaster is the attraction

drawing all the attention after opening in

2020. No wonder: riders on carts they control

encounter three complete 360° corkscrew

turns, steep descents, two 100-foot

tunnels, dips and drops galore, all during a

mile-long gravity-fueled adventure that can

reach speeds of up to 27 mph at multiple

points during the ride Or slow, if that’s what

you prefer, because you’re in control of the

cart..

Two up tracks on a motorized

bullwheel pulley system provide the uphill

lift, including a long one out of a cool new

start house built at the bottom. The real fun

is on two downhill tracks, as carts cross

three 200-foot bridges, shoot through S-

turns and catch a few whoop-di-doos.

The entire ride is elevated above the

ground, at times two dozen feet up and at

a minimum four feet, really giving riders a

sense of speed as surroundings blur by. It’s

a roughly nine minute ride—faster drivers

can get closer to seven minutes— that left

Liana Martinez breathless.

“It’s really fun, I wasn’t expecting it

to be really fast but it was,” the Bakersfield

resident said. “There were a ton of twists

and turns too. It’s like a roller coaster

except we were able to brake along the

way. We’re definitely going to go again.”

Guests are secured by multipoint

safety belts at the start house. Rider in back

controls the cart’s braking mechanism and

is required to keep at least 80 feet from the

sled in front. But Mineshaft Coaster

features “Smart Cart” technology with a

computer controlled, fail-safe magnetic

braking system that gently applies brakes

if a cart approaches too close to another.

Plus each ride is equipped with speed

governor and centrifugal brake to control

top speed.

Each cart features specially designed,

lockable seat belts and shoulder restraints

to assure rider comfort at all times. Plus

carts have energy absorbing front and rear

buffers. Mineshaft Coaster tickets are $20

per person, children $10. The ride is open

seven days a week, all year long Cool

videos are your ride will soon be available..

Alpine Slide makes its own snow

when conditions allow to offer family

inner tubing. The area’s ski resort quality

Lenko snowguns blanket the slopes in just

a couple good nights, providing winter

even when storms don’t arrive.

There’s an enclosed 210-foot long

Magic Carpet uphill lift to take guests and

their tubes to the top of all the snow—just

step on and step off! Nightly grooming just

like at the ski resorts ensures smooth tub-

Big Bear Today

A mile of drops, dips and turns await riders on Mineshaft Coaster

ing on perfect corduroy snow.

Tubing under the stars was introduced

at Alpine Slide years ago and has become

wildly popular. Guests love sliding on

snow that gets another fresh groom after

the day session. There’s new glow lighting

and the snow gets faster and faster as

the evening progresses.

Tubing is offered daily from 10 a.m.-

4 p.m. with night sessions Fridays, Saturdays

and holidays from 5-9 p.m. starting

Thanksgiving weekend. All sessions are

$40, $25 small child, and include tube

rental.

Soaring Eagle is a zipline-like experience

with a couple notable differences.

Riders sit instead of lie down and ride up

to the top tower backwards. Plus guests

don’t have to apply any brake or use any

skill set, since it’s an amusement park ride

rather than zipline, so they’re just along

for the ride.

What a ride it is! Between the two towers

riders soar 500 feet—close to two football

fields!—and reach speeds up to 26

mph, with a vertical drop of about 125 feet.

It’s the first ride of its kind in California

with the nearest other one atop the Rio

Hotel in Las Vegas. There’s no bulky shoulder

harness to wear so guests feel, well, as

free as birds while they fly.

Double seat belts secure up to two riders

and they shoot to the top tower facing

the ground, almost as fast as when they’re

coming down, in an experience that’s as

exhilarating as the descent. Soaring Eagle

costs $12 per rider.

Unleash your inner Olympian while

navigating sleds you control down two

quarter-mile long cement tracks on the famous

Alpine Slide, only one west of Utah..

The sleds sport ball-bearing wheels and

teflon runners so snow and ice aren’t necessary,

but otherwise the ride is the same

as drivers whip through turns and down

long straightaways. It’s a ride so real

bobsledders could train at Alpine Slide and

lets everyday folks get a taste of the Games’

exciting event.

Riders control how fast—or slow—

they go down the track in the most unique

ride around.

Each sled carries one or two guests—

typically parent with a young child. Pulling

the control handle toward you applies

brake and slows the sled down; pushing

forward releases it and allows the sled to

roll freely. Far from an amusement park

attraction where there’s little or no guest

interaction, Alpine Slide offers an experience

that’s different every time down, since

riders control their own speed. Bobsled

rides cost $9 each, $40 for five-ride book.

Alpine Slide is at 800 Wildrose Ln.

Call (909) 866-4626, open daily.

Watch the snow pile up at Alpine Slide for inner tubing thanks to snowmaking

Big Bear Today

HOMESTYLE

QUALITY...

Steaks

East

Seafood

Valley's

Pasta

Only

Chicken

Bakery!

Voted Big Bear's

Best Breakfast!

DAILY Breakfast Special!

Every Saturday Night

All-You-Can-Eat

Beef Ribs!

NIGHTLY DINNER SPECIALS

WED—CLOSED

THURS—PRIME RIB

FRIDAY—HOMEMADE POT PIES

OR SURF & TURF

SAT—ALL-U-CAN-EAT BEEF RIBS

CHICKEN POT PIES IF AVAILABLE

SUN-HOLIDAYS—PRIME RIB

FRESH CATCH OF THE DAY FRI/SAT

After lunch or dinner...

treat yourself from our

Bakery!

Caramel-topped apple

dumplings...cheesecakes...

apple streudel...fresh-baked pies

of the season!

Also Available to Go!

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Dine Next to Our 2 Cozy

Fireplaces or Under Trees on

Our Outdoor Patio!

337 W. Big Bear Blvd.

(2 miles east of the Convention

Center in Big Bear City)

(909) 585-7005

...FAMILY

PRICES!

To To Los Angeles

and Orange County

Captain John’s

S

Marina

CAPT. JOHN’S GROUT BAY

West Boat Ramp

MARINA WINDY POINT

W E

North Shore

Landing

Castle Rock

Trail

Holcomb

Valley

BOULDER

BAY

1989 25 YEARS 2014


GILNER POINT

Must dial area code (909) with all

number unless otherwise noted

November

4-6

Clue; the Play features mystery,

murder and fun at the Performing

Arts Center (40970 Big Bear

Blvd.), presented by Big Bear

High School at 7 p.m., 2 p.m.

Sunday matinee. $14, senior/

student $9. 866-4970.

5

Restoration Volunteer Day from

9 a.m.-1 p.m.; seed collecting in

the Big Bear area. Must preregister

by emailing lunderwood@

mountainsfoundation.org.

5

52nd Annual Oktoberfest Encore

concludes at the Convention

Center with Da Stube Buden

1-11 p.m. $30, $20 senior, $12

child. 585-3000.

5

Comedy for a Cause 8 p.m. at

the Elks Lodge features Mark

Christopher Lawrence, Hans

Hilton and Josiah Moreno. $20,

proceeds benefit DOVES.

Eventbrite.com.

5-6

Free Nature Walks at Discovery

Center Saturday 1 and 2 p.m.,

Sunday 11 a.m. and noon. 382-

2790.

10

Historical Society Meeting 7

p.m. at Presbyterian Church

(579 Knickerbocker); Cheryl

Matthews presents history of

Big Bear Tavern. Free, desserts,

opportunity drawing.

11

USFS Fee-Free Day in the forest;

no Adventure Pass required

on Veteran’s Day. 382-2790.

11

Veterans Day Ceremony 11

a.m. at Veterans Park; presentations,

dignitaries, including

Mayor Rick Herrick. 866-5831.

METCALF

Holloway

BAY Marina

Big Bear and Vicinity

Pleasure

Point

Performing Arts

Center (PAC)

Polique Canyon

Trail

Solar Observatory

BIG BEAR LAKE

Mill Creek

Mill Creek

Alpine Slide

at Magic Mtn.

Pine Knot

Trail

Cougar Crest

Trail

Woodland

Trail

Discovery Center

Serranno

Campground

East Boat

Ramp

EAGLE POINT

Swim

Beach

Big Bear

Pine Knot

Marina

Marina

Meadow Park

Town Trail

12

Chirp’s 4th `Hatchiversary’ celebration

4-5:30 p.m. with music

by Dr. Harrison & the Credentials,

panel discussion, cake,

more. Free. 578 Bonanza Trail.

(888) 412-4477.

12-13

Free Nature Walks led by naturalists

at Discovery Center explore

local flora and fauna Saturday

1 and 2 p.m., Sunday 11

a.m. and noon. 382-2790.

19-20





a.m. and noon. 382-2790.

24

Big Bear Turkey Trot at 9:30

a.m. starts and finishes at

Meadow Park (41220 Big Bear

Blvd.) with 3, 6 and 9 mile

events. 866-8555.

25

Christmas in the Village featuring

Santa’s Grand Entrance &

Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5

p.m. kicks off the holiday season

with entertainment in the

Village. Free. 866-6190.

25-27

Mountain Christmas Boutique

at Wyatt’s Grill & Saloon at the

Convention Center; holiday

shopping, music, Santa from

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fri. and Sat.,

10-3 Sun. 585-3000.

26-27





a.m. and noon. 382-2790.

December

3

Restoration Volunteer Day from

Walk

Board

November 2022—Page 13

Big Bear City

Moonridge

For updated calendar of events visit us on the Internet!

www.bigbeartodaymag.com

CC

Club View Drive

Big Bear Mountain

9 a.m.-1 p.m.; seed collecting in

the Big Bear area. Email

lunderwood@mountainsfoundation.org.

10-11

`A Winter Showcase ’ with excerpts

from The Nutcracker Ballet,

Grinch and more by

Moonridge School of Dance at

the PAC 7 p.m., 2 p.m. Sunday

matinee. $25, senior/student

$20. 866-4970.

11

Disney vs. Broadway+Holiday

Winter Voice Recital 2 p.m. at

the Elks Lodge (40611 Big Bear

Blvd.) by the Voice Studio of

Diane Sloan Kubeja. 866-3557.

17

Goldsmiths Boardhouse Series

Race #1 from 9-11:30 a.m. at

Snow Summit; slalom. 844-GO2-

BEAR.

17-18

Inner Tube with Santa Claus at

Big Bear Snow Play 10 a.m.-4

p.m. Saturday, Sunday at Alpine

Slide. 585-0075,866-4626.

17-18

Big Bear Christkindlmarkt Christmas

Faire at Wyatt’s at the Convention

Center with live music,

carolers, vendors, German treats,

more. 585-3000.

31

Goldsmiths Boardhouse Series

Race #2 from 9-11:30 a.m. at

Snow Summit; giant slalom. 844-

GO2-BEAR.

31

New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade

at Snow Summit at 7 p.m.,

followed by free party in the

base area with DJ. 866-5766.

31

Wyatt’s Family New Year’s Eve

Party 5 p.m. at the Convention

Center with live music by Doo

Wah Riders, family activities.

585-3000.

To Victorville, Barstow

& Las Vegas

Museum

Big Bear

Alpine Zoo

To Angelus Oaks

and Redlands

E

V

E

N

T

C

A

L

E

N

D

A

R


Recreation

Guide

Action Tours

Zip through the trees on nine ziplines.

Segway along Village streets, discovering

Big Bear history at the same time on a most

unique tour and ride. Learn tree rope climbing

skills like rappelling from certified

instructors or seasonally snowshoe through

the forest. (909) 866-0390.

Alpine Slide

Shoot down a tobogan-style ride at Magic

Mountain, as a hand lever allows you to

control the speed. After an exhilerating

run, ride the chairlift back to the top for

more fun. $9/ride, 5-ride books $40.

There’s also a snowplay area with Magic

Carpet uphill ride, plus miniature golf,

Go-Karts, Soaring Eagle, family-priced

snack bar, video games. Open daily. Big

Bear Blvd., 1/4 mile west of the Village.

(909) 866-4626.

Bike Rentals

Bear Valley Bikes across from Alpine

Slide has a variety of bike rentals. Front

suspension $10/hour, $30/4 hours, $40/all

day. Full suspension $20/hour, $50/4

hours, $70/all day. Full suspension demo

$25/hour, $60/4 hours, $85/all day. 40298

Big Bear Blvd. Call (909) 866-8000.

Goldsmiths Pedego Electric Bike Shop

has a variety of electric bike rentals, 42071

Big Bear Blvd. (909) 866-2728.

THE ALMANAC

Enough Pause. Fast Forward to fun

with Big Bear Today!

Time to Push Play!

Bingo

The Elks Lodge hosts stirring Bingo games

each Friday night at 7 p.m. All are welcome

ages 18 and over. 40611 Big Bear Blvd.

west of the Village, across from Lakeview.

(909) 866-3557.

Bowling

The Bowling Barn offers new lanes with

automated scoring for bowling enjoyment.

Also arcade games and full-service cocktail

lounge with pool. Glow Bowling after

dark with black lights, sounds. Open daily.

40625 Big Bear Blvd. (enter on Bonanza).(909)

878-BOWL.

Discovery Center

The Discovery Center on the north shore,

two miles west of Stanfield Cutoff, is a

breathtaking facility overlooking the lake

and offering informational galleries, self

and naturalist guided tours, Adventure

passes and wilderness permits, and recreation

programs. Open Thursday through

Monday. (909) 866-3437.

Fishing

Catch some fun with Big Bear Charter

Fishing on a 22' fully loaded, super comfortable

boat with afriendly, expert guide

Aaron Armstrong. Open or private charters

for individuals or groups of all ages.

All gear provided—rods, reels, bait, lures,

drinks and snacks. Bass fishing too aboard

a Ranger Comanche. At Holloway’s Marina;

(909) 866-5706.

Gold Rush Mining Adv.

The adventures are real and so are the

Big Bear Today

Recreation • Dining • Nightlife • And More

Road Conditions: (800) 427-ROAD quickmap.dot.ca.gov

Win cash pots during Friday night bingo games at the Elks Lodge, open to the

public. Call (909) 866-3557

treasures! Pan for gemstones and fossils

millions of years old in the working sluice

with water wheel, crack geodes to reveal

prescious stones within, find real pearls in

oysters and unearth dinosaur bones and

poop. Emporium with mining and dinosaur

theme gifts plus old fashioned fudge,

candy, sarsaparilla and more. 50016 Big

Bear Blvd. (909) 866-5678.

Helicopter Tours

See Big Bear from above during aerial

tours by Helicopter Big Bear. The lake, ski

resorts, desert and surrounding mountains

can be viewed aboard a climate-controlled

Robinson R44 helicopter, departing daily

out of Big Bear Airport. The helicopter

seats up to four, pilot plus three passengers,

and tours start at $35 per person based

on two passengers. (909) 585-1200.

Hiking

There’s dozens of trails and natural areas to

enjoy the rugged beauty of the San

Bernardino National Forest. From easy

strolls along the lake to stenuous climbs

into the mountains, there are trails for all

abilities, including families, within a short

drive of Big Bear. For information on all

trails in the Valley and the required

Adventure Pass, visit the Discovery Center

on North Shore Dr., about two miles west

of Stanfield Cutoff. (909) 866-3437.

Alpine Pedal Path is a very easy 3.5 mile

(each way) paved trek following the lake

on the north shore. Popular with hikers,

bikers, skaters, strollers and wheelchairs

as it passes Carol Morrison East Boat

Launch, Discovery Center, Serrano

campground, Solar Observatory and more.

Stanfield Cutoff Trail is a great connector

with parking off Big Bear Blvd.

Castle Rock Trail is a short but strenuous

hike, that ends with a panoramic view of

Big Bear Lake. Legend has it that a beautiful

Indian maiden, jilted by her lover, took her

life by leaping from this towering 100 ft.

monolith. It’s reached after a mostly uphill,

.8 mile walk past a stream and featuring

beautiful views. Located on Hwy. 18

between Boulder Bay and the dam; park on

the lake side of the road.

Cougar Crest Trail is a moderate twomile

(each way) hike. As it winds above the

lake’s north shore, it offers up great views

of water and the surrounding mountains.

Trailhead is on North Shore Dr. about two

miles west of Stanfield Cutoff, .6 mile

from the Discovery Center where you can

park without an Adventure Pass.

Woodland Interpretive Trail is a short,

scenic family stroll with minimal elevation

gain, located on the north shore near Cougar

Crest. Free trail maps (available at the

Continued on page 15



Social Distance on a bike, take a hike, drop a line,

make time for nine (holes, that is).


And when you can't

PICK US UP,

then CLICK US UP




Stroll along Stanfield Cutoff Trail for lake views and access to North Shore’s

Alpine Pedal Path


trailhead or Discovery Center) identify

markers along the route noting local

vegetation, wildlife areas, etc.

Pacific Crest Trail comes through Big

Bear from Onyx Summit through the East

Valley to Hwy. 18 and then past Holcomb

Valley Rd. and Cougar Crest through

Holcomb Valley before continuing its 2,638

mile journey from Mexico to Canada. Call

the Discovery Center to find out where to

catch this famous international trail.

Pine Knot Trail from Aspen Glen picnic

area climbs the southern ridge above Alpine

Slide three miles (each way) to Skyline Dr.

2N10, through lush meadow and stands of

white fir and Jeffrey Pine. Continue another

1/4 mile to Grand View Point for spectacular

180-degree vistas.

Holcomb Valley

At one time, Big Bear Valley was thriving

gold country. The last remaining signs of

this historic chapter in Big Bear history are

featured in a driving tour through what is

known as Holcomb Valley. Totaling 11.6

miles over a dirt road, the tour offers stops

at Two Gun Bill’s Saloon, Hangman’s

Tree, Pigmy Cabin, Metzger Mine, and

more. Free maps available at the Big Bear

Discovery Center on the North Shore—

call 866-3437. Allow three hours for the

drive.

Horseback Riding

Baldwin Lake Stable is open year-round

for horseback riding. Rates are by the hour,

offering one, two, three and four-hour rides

with longer rides heading along the famous

Pacific Crest Trail plus sunset rides. A

variety of spectacular mountain trails with

horses for all riding abilities. For little

buckeroos there’s hand-led pony rides and

petting zoo. Reservations suggested for all

rides. Big Bear Blvd. east to stop sign at

Hwy. 38, go through intersection, veer left

on Shay Rd. to 46475 Pioneertown Rd.,

Big Bear City. (909) 585-6482.

Mineshaft Coaster

First ride of its kind in California! Ride

carts you control on a mile-long track with

steep drops and climbs, 360-degree

corkscrew turns, two mining tunnels and

more. Up to two can ride at one time. Open

daily at Alpine Slide, on the boulevard 1/4

mile west of the Village. (909) 866-4626.

Miniature Golf/Go Karts

Putt ‘N Around, located at the Alpine Slide

at Magic Mountain, features a landscaped

18-hole miniature golf course complete

with water hazards and breaking greens.

Then there’s an oval-shaped go-kart track

with high-banked turns, which nine Can

Am racers—including four two-seaters—

with Honda 5.5 horsepowers engines and

an array of safety features zip around.

Open till 9 p.m. daily. 866-4626.

Snow Playing

Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain, which

has snowmaking to ensure snow, offers

great inner tubing daily 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and

there’s a Magic Carpet to take riders to the

top. Night tubing (5-9 p.m.) Fridays and

Saturdays plus holidays. All sessions $35

which includes tube rental and lift. The

area also has the Southland’s only Alpine

Slide and a great outdoor deck, plus the

Putt ‘N Around go-karts and miniature

golf course. 1/4 mile west of the Village on

Big Bear Blvd. $40, small child $25. (909)

866-4626.

Big Bear Snow Play has Southen

California’s longest tubing runs. Two

Magic Carpet lifts mean guests never have

to walk back to the top and snowmaking

lets the area build features to enhance the

experience. Heated base lodge and paved

parking. Next.to Motel 6 on the boulevard

one mile east of the supermarkets.Sessions

daily 10 a.m.-4 p.m. plus Glow Tubing

sessions Fridays, Saturdays, holiday

periods 5-9 p.m. All sessions $40, small

child $25, which includes tube rental. (909)

585-0075.

Snowshoeing

No lift lines—nor lift tickets to buy—

makes snowshoeing one of the fastestgrowing

winter sports. A great way to

escape the crowds and enjoy the serenity of

Big Bear’s endless hiking trails covered by

winter’s snow. Get maps, directions etc.

from the shop below or Discovery Center.

Snow Skiing/Boarding

Southern California’s best downhill skiing

can be found at Snow Summit and Bear

Mountain, and now an interchangeable

lift ticket is good at both every day except

sellouts! Snow Summit features a compact

mountain with excellent trail diversity,

After Dark...

Big Bear’s Nightlife & Entertainment Guide

ALLEY OOPS SPORTS BAR—Full cocktail service in Alley Oops Sports Bar at the

Bowling Barn. Watch the big game on big screen TVs, pool tables, good food,

40625 Big Bear Blvd. (909) 878-BOWL.

BIG BEAR BAR & GRILL—Midweek karaoke, horseshoe pit, great food and drinks.

42164 Moonridge Rd. (909) 878-0802

BIG BEAR MOUNTAIN BREWERY— Craft microbrew beers, food in a cozy

atmosphere. Music seven days a week including Brad Riesau from Silver Moon 5-

8 p.m Nov. 3, 8, 17 and 22, 2-5 p.m. Nov.20, 6-9 p.m. Nov. 11 and 25. 40260

Big Bear Blvd. (909) 878-0616.

THE LODGE AT BIG BEAR LAKE—Brad Riesau from Silver Moon at Stillwells

Saturdays 6-9 p.m. Country and rock singer Nikki Sparks plays Fridays 6-9 p.m.

40650 Village Dr. (909) 866-3121.

THE PINES LAKEFRONT/TAVERN—Live music Fridays and Saturday evenings

with Mike Cross on the piano, joined by top bass players. Duke Michaels and Peggy

Baldwin Saturdays and Sundays 1-4 p.m. 350 Alden Rd. (909) 878--0506.

WYATT’S CAFE & SALOON—Open Wednesdays with country dancing, Fridays

and Saturdays with live music starting Nov. 11-12: Southern Spirit. Nov. 18: Terry

McRaven Band (closed on 19th); Nov. 25-27 Mountain Christmas Boutique. Dec.

2: Cumberland Gap (closed on 4th). Wyatt’s is at Convention Center, Big Bear Blvd.

at Division. (909) 585-3000.

while Bear Mountain has been turned into

an all-mountain freestyle park. Both resorts

have high-speed detachable quad chairs,

terrain gardens, halfpipes, and beginner

ski packages. Call (844) GO2-BEAR or

visit bigbearmountainresort.com.

Soaring Eagle

Zip 500' downhill on the new Soaring

Eagle attraction at Alpine Slide, only one

of its kind in California. Reach speeds up to

26 mph during the dramatic downhill

descent—only after riding backwards to

the top! Up to two can ride at one time.

Open daily. On the boulevard 1/4 mile

west of the Village. (909) 866-4626.

Zoo

Grizzly and black bears, bobcats, coyotes,

mountain lions, eagles and other animals

now have a new state-of-the-art home at

new Big Bear Alpine Zoo with creature

comforts for both animal residents and

guests. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. with animal

presentations and special programing. 747

Clubview off Moonridge Rd. $15 adults,

$10 ages over 60 and children 3-12, two

and under free. (909) 584-1299.

Big Bear City

BARNSTORM RESTAURANT—

Comfortable dining at the airport. Open

daily for breakfast and lunch, dinner

Thursday through Sunday with nightly

specials and Saturday night entertainment.

German food a specialty plus steaks,

seafood, chicken, burgers. Ground floor at

the airport. (909) 585-9339.

THELMA’S TWIN PINES-Homestyle

cooking at awesome prices make this a

family dining favorite. Daily breakfast,

lunch and dinner specials. All-you-can-eat

NEW

WEBSITE

Live weather!

Photo Gallery!

PDF Reader!

beef ribs on Saturday nights, and homemade

pot pies are big favorites. Open daily for

breakfast, lunch, dinner. 337 W. Big Bear

Blvd. Call 585-7005.

Big Bear Lake

BIG BEAR MOUNTAIN BREWERY—

Fresh microbrewed beer served with hot

and cold sandwiches, soups, salads and

appetizers in a cozy atmosphere. Weekend

live entertainment. 40260 Big Bear Blvd.

just west of Alpine Slide. 866-BEER.

CAPTAIN’S ANCHORAGE—Historic

and rustic, this restaurant, built in 1947 as

the Sportsman’s Tavern and once owned

by Andy Devine, is a Big Bear favorite

with specialties like prime rib, Alaskan

King Crab legs, seafood, and steaks. Allyou-can-eat

homemade soup and salad bar,

romantic seating, and cocktails in the Andy

Devine Room. Open for dinner daily from

4:30 p.m. Moonridge Rd., just off Big

Bear Blvd. (909) 866-3997.

DYNASTY—Authentic Szechuan cuisine

with an array of specialty dishes. Mongolian

BBQ too and great cocktails. 40989 Big

Bear Blvd. 866-7887.

OLD COUNTRY INN-Family-style home

cooking at this local’s favorite with

breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Steaks,

German and Italian specialties and much

more with great weekday specials. 41126

Big Bear Blvd., east of Pine Knot. Call

866-5600.

STILLWELLS—In Northwoods Resort,

open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with

fresh seafood and pasta dishes, gourmet

steaks, homemade soups and scrumptious

desserts. 40650 Village Dr. (909) 866-

3121.

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Page 16—September 2022

THE BACK PAGE

2-for-1 on Ponderosa, Whispering Pines

Whip around the sharp right turn

on Hwy. 38 in the Barton Flats

area on the way to Big Bear and

you’re likely to miss two family-friendly

hiking trails.

That means you’ll blow right by panoramic

views of the Santa Ana River drainage

from the Ponderosa Nature Trail.

Forego towering pines and beautiful wildflowers

along Whispering Pines Trail,

where a 1969 episode of “Lassie” was

filmed. And miss out on great strolls under

forest canopy of pine and black oak

along two easy routes that combine to total

about a mile of hiking, but serve up an

amazing outdoor experience.

Certainly in 30-plus years I’ve never

stopped to check out these two enticing

treks even though I’ve passed them hundreds

(thousands?) of times. And I’m not

alone; both trails are lightly used even

though they’re across the highway from

each other with ample trailhead parking in

spacious turnouts. Indeed mostly they’re

used in winter for snow play.

Finally last month I made the halfhour

drive from Big Bear to explore these

two beauties I’ve never set foot upon. Interpretive

displays along the way, benches,

sprawling views and towering trees, there’s

something to love on each trail which combine

to total about 1.2 miles and 300 feet

of elevation gain. And true to form, not one

other soul on either.

As you’d expect the terrain is similar

given they’re so close in proximity but

there’s differences too. Ponderosa starts on

the west side of Hwy. 38 and starts with a

nice climb and

displays that detail

the flora and

fauna that call it

home. The namesake

trees, for instance,

can live

for 300 years and

some of those

along the hike

were around during

Spanish exploration

days.

Woodpeckers

in this area

Big Bear Today

Sprawling views from Ponderosa Pines Trail; numbered posts, forest

beauty on Whispering Pines

don’t migrate. Acorn woodpeckers find

acorns on the trail—your boots will crunch

them along the walk—and red-breasted sap

suckers find trees to drain. Displays note

incense cedar, black oak, white fir and

more pines.

After a short distance the trail arrives

at an amazing view point where the Santa

Ana River drainage unfolds below, and

stretches to distant peaks beyond. Nice

bench to enjoy it from too. A shorter loop

returns to the trailhead but a better option

continues down the drainage under abundant

oaks and pines to with lots of shade

provided by ponderosas and oaks. The

steady sound of highway traffic dissipates

as well.

After Ponderosa, carefully cross the

highway to Whispering Pines, another interpretive

hike. Except there was no guide

to identify the ten posts along the .6 mile

hike on my visit and I couldn’t even find

one online. Nonetheless eyes are all you

need to enjoy stunning views of Yucaipa

Ridge and sprawling forest.

Over 50 years ago “Lassie” was filmed

here as a young blind girl, with the help of

the famous dog, ranger and nylon rope

along the trail, discovers confidence and

independence. You’ll feel the same way,

with gentle climbs and descents. And both

trails will be stunning in fall months as

black oaks change color.

For those desiring a little more hiking,

there’s terrific nearby options. Adjacent

Jenks Lake Rd. West leads to Forsee

Creek Trail and then South Fork Trail, both

of which lead into San Gorgonio Wilderness

(permit required). Or visit Jenks Lake

for water strolls and vistas.

Call (909) 382-2790

—by Marcus Dietz

Big Bear Today Magazine November 2022

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