{"id":2591,"date":"2015-07-05T00:24:00","date_gmt":"2015-07-05T00:24:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/?p=2591"},"modified":"2024-07-28T22:02:45","modified_gmt":"2024-07-28T22:02:45","slug":"castle-rock-hike-in-big-bear","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/castle-rock-hike-in-big-bear\/","title":{"rendered":"Castle Rock Hike in Big Bear"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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When it\u2019s hot<\/span> during the summertime, we all look to the mountains nearby for relief and if you head up to Big Bear in Southern California, one great hiking option is to Castle Rock.<\/strong>\u00a0 It is one of the most popular hikes in the Big Bear Lake region and for good reason: it passes through rugged granite rock outcroppings, offers great views of Big Bear Lake, gives access to other scenic areas if you wish to hike further and provides a great workout because of the hiking trail\u2019s incline.\u00a0 You can\u2019t help but breathe in all that fresh mountain air.<\/p> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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The trail starts out quite steep with a 500 foot elevation gain in the first half mile but it soon levels out.\u00a0 The distance to Castle Rock itself is one mile from the parking area however, our hike continues for another mile past Castle Rock taking you to Bluff Lake and the Champion Lodgepole Pine.<\/p>\n

Since this trail is one of the most popular hikes in Big Bear, it can be a little busy, especially on the weekends, but not many people venture past Castle Rock so you might have the rest of the trail to yourself (like we did).<\/p>\n

Getting There<\/h3>\n

The trailhead for Castle Rock is located along Hwy 18 and you can get there by driving either 1.1 miles east from the Big Bear Dam or 0.8 mile west from the parking area of the Boulder Bay Park.<\/p>\n

There is limited parking at the trailhead.\u00a0 The best parking is on the south side of Hwy 18 (where the trailhead is located) with about 15 or so spaces just off the road.\u00a0 There is also a turnout east of the trailhead on Hwy 18, on the opposite side of the road, that can accommodate more parking.<\/p>\n

Once parked, walk carefully, looking for traffic, to the east side of where Hwy 18 makes a near 180 degree turn.\u00a0 Look for the \u201cBig Bear Lake City Limit\u201d sign and right next to it is the sign marking the trailhead.<\/p>\n

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The Hike<\/h3>\n

As mentioned, the trail starts out steep and most of us are not used to the 7,000 feet (2,133 m) elevation.\u00a0 Take your time, stop often and breathe in all of that fresh, pine-scented air. \u00a0When you stop to catch your breath, make sure to look up an enjoy all the pine trees. \u00a0About halfway through this steep section are a couple of benches where you can sit and rest.<\/p>\n

In about half a mile, the trail becomes less steep and meanders through a maze of granite rocks.\u00a0 It\u2019s fun to spend some time here and look around.\u00a0 Be sure to look behind you for sweeping views of the lake and Big Bear area.\u00a0 There are lots of side trails here so, when you\u2019re ready do continue, look for the signs that mark the true trail.<\/p>\n

Castle Rock<\/h3>\n

Soon after this outcropping, you\u2019ll pass Castle Rock on the right side of the trail.\u00a0 You won\u2019t see it at first but it will peek out between the trees.<\/p>\n

Follow the trail past Castle Rock on the left side and watch for rock climbers scaling its eastern face. \u00a0There is also a trail that goes along the rock’s right side. \u00a0If you\u2019d like to test your rock scrambling skills, find your way to the south side of the rock, as there are places there where you can climb up to the top.\u00a0 You\u2019ll be rewarded with an unobstructed view of the entire valley below.<\/p>\n

More…<\/p>\n

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Pictures<\/h3>

Below are some pictures of what you will see along the way.<\/p> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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