Where to Hike in Big Bear Lake, California

Hiking in Big Bear Lake with a Baby

The Champion Lodgepole Pine Trail is an easy hike for beginners and is located on the south side of Big Bear Lake. In this trail, you’ll find one of the largest Lodgepole Pine trees in the world. An exciting walk through the forest that leads to a wide meadow called Bluff Meadows, and that’s where you’ll find the Ancient Tree of Big Bear Lake. 

Our little one was excited as we are for this hike. He even gave us a full smile, and that picture hangs in our living room now which marks our first family hike together. Let's go!

How to get there: Champion Lodgepole Trail

Big Bear Frontier to Champion Lodgepole Trail: 30 mins drive

Beware: You must use a 4-wheel drive going up the mountain. Driving up the mountain was not a joke. Expect rocky roads and a very wild, bumpy ride.

Location: Champion Lodgepole Pine Trail (1W11)

Entrance fee: Free

Parking: Street Parking

Route: Champion Lodgepole Trail 1W11 - USDA Forest Service

Distance:  1 mile (out and back)

Duration: 30-45 minutes

Elevation: 7,500 feet

Highlights: Largest Lodgepole Pine trees in the world.

My favorite people in the world. Life has never been the same. But I wouldn't change a single thing.

This is where it begins. 

The beginning of the trails looks interesting as there’s a small bridge over a dried riverbed. We went during Fall so the river is dry. 

It’s a great hike for beginners. 

Look around you'll find some interesting rock formations.

There’s also not much elevation.

I love it when there are two gigantic trees in between me, I feel like I’m being welcomed into a different world.

I try to take pictures to mark where we were and to avoid getting lost. This trail is far from civilization and taking the wrong path is not an option, especially since we have a baby. 

Random bark of a tree. Don't forget to look around and enjoy the wonders of nature.

It’s nice to see trail signs along the way, at least we know we’re in the right direction.

This is it! The Largest Lodgepole Pine Trees in the world. 

Leave no trash behind. Just wonderful memories.

The pictures we have does not give justice to the enormous size of this pine tree. 

Find someone who shares the same passion and love for nature. I was blessed to find my one and now I have another one, I can't wait to do more adventures with our little man.

Heading back now...

My husband and I took turns holding our baby. He’s not heavy but as we get further to the end of the trail he felt heavier. It’s a wonderful feeling to be able to introduce our little one to the hiking world. 

We followed the same path going back to the street parking. 

Hiking with a baby is not a joke. It’s tiring but fun. I get to see my baby’s fascination with nature, even thou he slept when we got to the end of the trail and headed back to the car, ahahaa. 

Safe travels. 

This is definitely a feasible hike in  Big Bear Lake with an Infant. Our kiddo loved everything he saw and he slept like a baby on our way back to the cabin.

You might also like: What to do in Big Bear Lake, California

Have fun and be safe ^__^

Do you want more adventure?

Why not do something extraordinary like Hang gliding in Los Angeles, California.

Where am I going next?

My next adventure is hiking Sequoia National Park, California. Home of the World's Largest Tree!