Big Bear Discovery Center
Parking Details
- Cost:
- Free
- Capacity:
- 50+ spaces
- Type:
- Visitor Center
- Restrooms:
- Yes
- Hours:
- During center hours (seasonal)
About This Parking Lot
A large free lot (50+ spaces) on North Shore Drive, open during center hours — one of Big Bear's best free parking options and the smart alternative for reaching Cougar Crest Trail (a 0.6-mile walk east on the Alpine Pedal Path avoids the $5 pass and the tiny Cougar Crest lot).
🥾 Trails Accessible from This Parking Lot
This parking lot provides access to the following trails:
Cougar Crest Trail
Moderate4.8 miles roundtrip
720 ft
2-3 hours
Cougar Crest Trail is one of Big Bear's most popular and rewarding hikes, offering stunning panoramic vistas of Big Bear Lake and the surrounding San Bernardino National Forest, pl...
View Trail Details →Alpine Pedal Path
Easy3.2 miles one-way (6.4 miles roundtrip)
50 ft
1.5-2 hours
The Alpine Pedal Path is Big Bear's premier accessible trail, featuring a smooth, paved asphalt surface that makes it perfect for walkers, runners, cyclists, strollers, wheelchairs...
View Trail Details →1.5 miles loop
300 ft
45 minutes - 1 hour
The Woodland Interpretive Trail offers an educational journey through Big Bear's diverse mountain ecosystem on an easy 1.5-mile loop that's perfect for families, nature enthusiasts...
View Trail Details →