Winter Solstice Hikes in Big Bear
Welcome Winter in the Mountains.
Join us around the winter solstice for a guided hike through the Big Bear forest. Come enjoy the quiet of the season, the changing forest, and a little time outside as winter begins.
There’s Something Special About the First Day of Winter
The winter solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. Around here, it also means the mountains are settling into winter.
The forest gets quieter. The air gets colder. The landscape begins to change.
Whether the trails are covered in snow or simply showing the first signs of the season, it’s a beautiful time to be outside.
So come take a walk with us, enjoy the mountain air, and welcome winter the simple way: with a little time outdoors.
A Simple Way to Welcome Winter
You don’t need a big celebration or a complicated plan to enjoy the change of seasons.
Sometimes it’s enough to step outside and notice what’s happening around you.
We’ll spend time exploring the trail, taking in the winter landscape, and enjoying the slower feeling that comes with this time of year. It’s an opportunity to leave the holiday rush behind for a little while and simply enjoy being in the mountains.
And if winter decides to really show up, there may be another way to experience it…
Snowshoeing May Join the Adventure!
If the Snow Arrives, We’ll Let You Know
We generally keep our guided snowshoeing offerings separate from the Winter Solstice Hike so you can choose the experience you actually want.
If we get enough snow around the solstice, we may open special Winter Solstice Snowshoe hikes.
Those will be announced separately once we know conditions are right.
Snowshoe experiences will have their own dates, details, and pricing.
Choose Your Trail
Two ways to welcome winter.
Woodland Trail
A peaceful winter hike through the forest on an easy 1.5-mile loop. Woodland is a great choice if you’re looking for some fresh mountain air and a chance to enjoy the changing season without taking on a strenuous climb.
1.5 miles · Easy · 1.5 hours
Cougar Crest Trail
If you’re looking for more of a challenge, Cougar Crest takes you higher into the mountains with beautiful views along the way.
It’s a more demanding hike, but the climb gives you plenty of opportunities to take in the winter landscape along the way..
5 miles · Moderate/Difficult · Appx. 4 hours
Woodland Trail – $30
9:00am
2026 Dates Coming Soon
Cougar Crest – $80
12:00pm
2026 Dates Coming Soon
A Few Things to Know
- Mountain temperatures can be significantly colder than in town, so come prepared for winter weather.
- Trails may be uneven, icy, muddy, or snow-covered depending on conditions.
- Comfortable, supportive hiking shoes or boots are recommended.
- Please arrive a few minutes early so we can get everyone ready before the hike begins.
Come Prepared
✓ Comfortable, supportive hiking shoes or boots
✓ Warm layers
✓ Water
✓ Gloves and a warm hat
✓ Sun protection
✓ A small snack
Ready to Welcome Winter?
Come spend a little time outside, breathe in some cold mountain air, and enjoy the forest as a new season begins.
