Guided Night Hike During Dark Sky Week Big Bear

In conjunction with Care For Big Bear’s Dark Sky Week

Experience the magic of Big Bear after sunset during Dark Sky Week, a special evening event in partnership with Care For Big Bear’s Dark Sky Initiative. This guided night hike combines scenic forest trails, education about light pollution, and a chance to experience the incredible night sky above Big Bear.

Before the hike, participants will gather at the Big Bear Visitor’s Center for special Dark Sky presentations and refreshments. Learn more about why protecting the night sky matters for wildlife, ecosystems, and future generations.

Then we’ll head out on a guided twilight hike through the forest under the stars, returning by bus to Big Bear Visitor’s Center.

At 7,000 feet and away from major metropolitan light pollution, Big Bear offers excellent conditions for stargazing and night sky photography. However, artificial lighting threatens this natural resource, which is why community programs like the Dark Sky Initiative work to preserve our skies.

Join us for an evening of nature, conservation, and stargazing in the San Bernardino Mountains.

Trail Rating: Easy (suitable for most fitness levels). | Ages 7 and up. | All participants must sign a Release and Waiver of Liability before joining the hike. | All bookings are non-refundable. | Hikes take place rain or shine, unless conditions are deemed unsafe by the guide. | For the comfort and safety of all guests, pets must be on leash, and owner is responsible for abiding by SBNF regulations. | Participation is at your own risk. Big Bear Hiking Adventures is not responsible for loss, injury, or damage to personal property.

*Are you a Big Bear local? Any person physically located in Big Bear for the Wednesday night event is a local in our hearts. Join us. You are welcome!

About the Dark Sky Initiative

The Dark Sky Initiative, led by Care For Big Bear, is a community-wide effort to protect Big Bear’s night skies from light pollution. The program encourages residents, businesses, and visitors to adopt responsible lighting practices and preserve the valley’s unique stargazing environment.

Big Bear’s elevation and distance from major urban areas provide ideal conditions for viewing constellations, planets, and even the Milky Way on clear nights. Protecting these dark skies benefits:

• Wildlife that rely on natural light cycles
• Human health by supporting natural circadian rhythms
• Local tourism, including stargazing and night photography

By attending this event, you’re helping support awareness and conservation of Big Bear’s natural night sky.

What is Dark Sky Week and Why It Matters

Dark Sky Week is a special initiative led by Care For Big Bear that brings attention to the importance of preserving the night sky, reducing light pollution, and fostering a deeper connection to our natural surroundings in the Big Bear Valley.

In addition to this event, Dark Sky Week will also have presentations, stargazing sessions, and educational content designed to remind us that our night sky is not simply aesthetic, it plays a vital role in ecosystem health, wildlife behavior, and even human well-being.

By participating in Dark Sky Week, guests will do more than walk a trail, they will show up for Big Bear’s forest environment, for the nocturnal creatures, for the clarity of our dark skies, and for the future of our shared outdoor playground.

The mission of Care For Big Bear is rooted in four guiding principles: care for community, appreciate the natural environment, respect our neighbors, and enjoy the valley together. Their participation helped realize these goals.

What to Bring

Reserve Your Spot

Space is limited to 30 participants per night.

Join us for an unforgettable evening exploring Big Bear’s forests and night sky while supporting the Dark Sky Initiative.