Big Bear Today April 2019

Volume 30, No. 10 April 2019 

www.bigb eartodaymag.com 

The Mountain’s Monthly Lifestyle Magazine 

Pebble Plain 

Super Bloom! 

• Bear Break, Easter Fun Wind Down Winter 

• Lake's Up! Ultimate Trout Derby Too 

• Moonshine Bandits, Los Lobos, DSB at Cave 

• Remembering Photographer Richard Millener

Page 2—April 2019 

From the Publisher 

Magazine covers 

or old time photos, 

Millener was a jewel 

T 

hirty years ago, right around this 

time in 1989, the first-ever edition 

of Big Bear Today needed an Old 

Miners Days photo for the front cover. 

Not an easy thing to come up with, 

when you’re still living down the hill and 

working from afar. Fortunately somebody 

directed me to Richard Millener, who graciously 

provided a picture of a gal whispering 

into or kissing a burro’s ear, and this 

magazine was off and running. 

The consummate Old Miners photo 

from the consummate old miner, who 

passed away in his sleep last month. It 

wouldn’t be the last photo Millener provided 

for these pages, who never asked for 

money or anything in return for his work, 

save for a well-deserved photo credit. 

In return I would occasionally run his 

Old Time photos ad, most recently in December 

2018. It was an arrangement that 

worked for both of us off and on for nearly 

three decades. His photo of the Time Bandit 

pirate ship on the lake, smoke wafting 

from her cannon, adorned July 2009 cover. 

Big Bear Today isn’t the only one that 

looked to Richard for pictures. A beautiful 

photo of the snowy streets has been used 

by the Village Business Association in advertising 

and the Chamber of Commerce 

always relied on Millener to document its 

mixers and annual gala. He in turn donated 

countless dollars of photo services as raffle 

prizes, which is how wife Sandy and I got 

our passport pictures. 

Fun Run held by the Antique Car Club, 

lake cruises, evenings at Wyatt’s, you name 

it and Richard’s camera was there, always 

returning stunning memories wherever he 

went. In essence he was the town photographer, 

though never getting billed as such. 

Big Bear lost a real icon, an absolute 

one-of-a-kind treasure who never really got 

the respect he deserved. Millener was an 

award-winning photographer whose Old 

Time photos were legendary. Countless 

thousands went to his Village studio 

through the years to “git shot” as he called 

it, decked in duds from yesteryear. 

Or perhaps they posed in his booth at 

Big Bear Oktoberfest—he was a fixture at 

the event and folks lined up for photos between 

chicken dances. His costumes were 

always as amazing as his images, typically 

Wild West themed and accompanied by the 

right props. And he had hundreds of them, 

for all ages and sizes. 

When our kids were around 8 and 6 

they posed as desperados, complete with 

money bags, sticks of dynamite, guns, the 

whole bit. And did they look tough! Getting 

the expressions to match the setting 

was always a Millener specialty, and our 

otherwise happy kids looked like the two 

roughest hombres you’d care to meet. 

His camera peers noticed. Richard was 

the first Antique and Amusement Photographers 

International (AAPI) master photographer 

in California and was a regular 

at the group’s annual conventions in Las 

Vegas, taking dozens of top honors against 

hundreds of entries from not just across the 

country but Canada and Europe too. 

Awards for Best Portrait of Children, Pirate 

and Civil War photo, Couple, Self-Portrait, 

so many more dotted his resume. 

To many he was Big Bear’s old miner. 

He wasn’t really a miner but looked like 

one, with his long beard. Inevitably it was 

Millener that media sought when promoting 

Old Miners Days, and his whiskered 

face was seen on numerous magazines, 

newspapers, television including KTLA 

Channel 5 Morning News, many more. 

As the venerable event that celebrates 

Big Bear’s mining and western heritage 

struggled, Millener took over Old Miners, 

serving as its president his last few years. 

There were only a few events by then, Doo 

Dah Parade, Miss Clementine Contest, 

horseshoe tournament among them, but 

Richard worked hard to keep the tradition 

alive. Sad to think of what will happen to 

Old Miners Days now with his passing. 

Weddings, family portraits—he did a 

wonderful one of us—activities, Millener 

did it all, in his studio or at your home, by 

the lake or in the forest. Musicians relied 

on him for their band photos. Senior class 

portraits were another specialty, as we 

learned with son Michael. 

The photos the school shot were horrible, 

so we turned to Richard and he didn’t 

disappoint. Instead of the goofy smile Mike 

had sported in the school picture, Millener 

captured a more subtle, thoughtful one with 

gentle lighting that was just outstanding. 

Which we told him. In turn he said he 

used to do the school photos but had lost 

the contract to a down-the-hill group. The 

school district’s loss, to be sure. 

And now everyone is feeling the loss 

of this funny, capable guy. We last saw him 

at Wyatt’s pre-St. Patrick’s Day party just 

before he died. He sold event pictures of 

couples for five bucks, printed right there, 

and it had been a while since Sandy and I 

posed for one, so I suggested doing so. 

We didn’t. Wish we had. 

Have a good one. 

Marcus 

ON THE COVER: See wildflowers that grow in Big Bear and nowhere else in the world at 

Baldwin Lake Ecological Reserve, on self or guided tours on the famous Pebble Plain 

Volume 30, Number 10 April 2019 

4 

5 

7 

8 

16 

Publisher 

Marcus G. Dietz 

Associate Publisher 

Sandra L. Dietz 

Publishing Consultant 

Bret Colson 

Technical Consultant 

Charles Dietz 

Photography 

Steve Dietz 

John Daskam 

Mark Gauger 

In This Issue... 

Big Bear Today 

Walk on the Wild(flower) Side 

Big Bear’s favorite spring trail isn’t long, but packs a big 

wallop as it winds through Baldwin Lake Ecological Preserve, 

home to rare wildflowers found here and nowhere else. A 

visitor center at the trailhead is open select Saturdays and 

there’s weekly guided walks through the wildflowers, but the 

trail is always open showing off a real “super” bloom. 

Cash, Prizes on the line at Trout Tourneys 

The lake officially opens in April with an influx of water thanks 

to the great winter. Just in time for the first Ultimate Big Trout 

Derby with cash and prizes to reel in and a portion of the 

proceeds buying more fish for the lake. Marinas open this 

month and April often has the season’s best bite. Enjoy! 

Here’s the Dirt on Earth Day in Big Bear 

Bear Valley Electric hosts its own shindig with facepainting, 

energy saving ideas and more to raise planet awareness. Or 

clean up after others on Sled Cleanup Day...hike early season 

trails including the Pacific Crest...or raise money on it during 

the annual MS Walk. Celebrate at Discovery Center! 

Bandits, Lobos, DSB, O-Town at Cave 

April starts with a doubleheader weekend starring Moonshine 

Bandits and Los Lobos and continues on from there with a 

great lineup that includes DSB’s killer Journey tribute, The 

Untouchables and reality show boy band O-Town, back 

touring and joined by Ryan Cabrera. 

Zoo Visit Results in 7 Species for Photo Ark 

National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore was at Big Bear 

Alpine Zoo recently to photograph species for his unique Photo 

Ark project. His goal is to shoot all 12,000 creatures in 

captivity and at 9,000 he’s well on his way. The zoo served 

up seven more to his collection. In color on The Back Page. 

RIP photographer Richard Millener, old 

miner and hanging judge. Story this page. 

DEPARTMENTS 

2 

3 

13 

14 

From the Publisher 

Potpourri 

New! Area Map/ 

Calendar of Events 

The Almanac 

Big Bear's most complete 

listings for recreation, 

dining, and more. 

Big Bear Today is a monthly magazine covering recreation, 

dining, nightlife, and events in Big Bear. Reproduction of any 

material, without the express written consent of the Publisher, 

is prohibited. Advertising/editorial, call Big Bear Today at (909) 

585-5533. Mailing address: PO Box 3180, Big Bear City, CA, 

92314. Fax: (909) 585-9359. E-Mail: bigbeartoday@verizon.net. 

Member, Big Bear Visitor Bureau and Big Bear Chamber of 

Commerce. Internet Address: bigbeartodaymag.com 

Production: Offset printing by G.W. Reed Printing, Inc. 

Color prepress by 2-Bit Studio. 

Manuscripts and Art: Contributions are welcome. Big 

Bear Today is not responsible nor liable for unsolicited 

manuscripts or art. Materials received will not be returned. 

© Copyright 2019 Big Bear Today

Big Bear Today April 2019—Page 3

Page 4—April 2019 2018 

INCH-HIGH COLOR SHOW 

A short trail and volunteer-staffed Visitor 

Center present the unique Baldwin Lake Ecological 

Preserve in a whole new light 

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ 

A○ t first glance there’s nothing to suggest 

there’s anything special about 

this rugged, barren terrain. In fact 

the area for the most part lacks vibrant 

color, save for shades of clay soil and an 

endless expanse of blue sky horizon. The 

only thing that breaks up the stark horizon 

is nearby Baldwin Lake, the Valley’s naturally 

occurring body of water that only occasionally 

has water lapping at its shores. 

It’s only upon closer inspection that 

the uniqueness that is the Baldwin Lake 

Ecological Preserve comes to life. There’s 

color here, beautiful shades of yellow and 

red and purple, if you’re willing to look 

closely for it. There’s history too—some 

150 years ago this area was the epicenter 

of Southern California’s largest gold rush. 

Perhaps most significantly, there’s life here, 

no less than ten different floral species that 

exist here and nowhere else on the planet. 

A self-guided interpretive trail and 

visitor center explores Baldwin Lake Ecological 

Habitat via a short loop that visits 

11 marked posts. Developed by the Forest 

Service in conjunction with Fish and 

Game, the loop is short, just over a halfmile 

in length, and it presents a healthy 

dose of rare habitat and history. 

Pick up a free copy of the guide at the 

trailhead, located along Hwy. 18 in 

Baldwin Lake just west of Holcomb Valley 

Rd., or at the adjacent Ecological Reserve 

building, open select Saturdays 10 

a.m.-2 p.m. through June 22 and staffed 

by volunteers in a partnership between San 

Bernardino National Forest Association 

and Fish and Game Dept. 

The terrain is rocky so good footwear 

is recommended, and there is a touch of 

elevation gain, but the trail is well marked 

and easy to follow as it winds along old 

fire roads and even wagon trails from yesteryear. 

History abounds, starting at the 

Wildflower walks select Saturdays 

Baldwin Lake Ecological Reserve 

opens for the season on March 30 with 

free guided wildflower hikes and visitor 

center staffed by Southern California 

botanists. 

Join guided Wildflower Walks 

through unique Pebble Plain terrain. Volunteers 

identify some of the unique species 

that grow here and nowhere else in 

the world. Guided walks are also on April 

13, 27-28, May 11 and 25, and June 8 

and 22. The half-mile loop is free to walk 

anytime; bring your own lunch and water 

and wear hiking boots. Parking and 

restrooms are available. 

Learn about wildflowers endemic to 

Big Bear, like Parish’s rock crest which 

typically blooms in early spring. `Shooting 

Stars’ should be in peak bloom in 

April as well. Later in spring Kennedy’s 

Buckwheat emerges. Big Bear’s version 

of the Super Bloom is super rare! 

Best viewing is in April and May as 

colors are in full bloom and temperatures 

are still relatively cool. With the terrific 

winter the colors should really go off this 

spring. 

Pebble Plain is unique to Big Bear 

and there are other areas of it in the Valley 

besides the Preserve. There are sections 

in upper Moonridge that are also 

being set aside for preservation.. 

At Big Bear Discovery Center, free 

Nature Walks continue Saturdays at 1 

and 2 p.m. and Sundays at 11 a.m. and 

noon. Each 30-minute, non-strenuous adventure 

explores Discovery Center’s forest 

grounds as naturalists point out local 

flora and fauna plus local history. 

Call Discovery Center at 866-3437. 


Expansive views, rare terrain at East Valley’s Baldwin Lake Ecological Preserve 

building marking the trailhead—it once 

was known as the “Horse House,” a synonym 

for house of ill repute activities that 

reportedly went on here decades ago. 

As the trail winds through open sagebrush 

habitat overlooking Baldwin Lake— 

there’s water iat press time—visitors learn 

about the flora and fauna that call this area 

home. Deer, coyotes, mountain lions, a variety 

of small mammals, birds and reptiles 

live in this harsh terrain, where the sun’s 

rays are intense—bring your sunscreen— 

yet winters are harsh. Three types of jays— 

pinyon, Steller’s and scrub—are found in 

the San Bernardino Mountains. 

The trail’s highlight comes at posts #7 

and #8, as it visits Pebble Plain. Scattered 

patches of rocky clay soil are in fact some 

of the planet’s most unique terrain, believed 

to be created during the Pleistocene 

periods 10,000 years ago when glaciers 

covered much of the area. Pebble Plain is 

so unique, it has been compared to coral 

reefs with as many as 20 species in a square 

meter. 

Big Bear’s unique climate, particularly 

in spring—freezing nights, warm days— 

causes pebbles to literally push to the soil 

surface. It’s a habitat only the most hardy 

can survive in, like “belly plants” only an 

inch or two high, best viewed by lying 

down. Douglas’ violets (actually yellow), 

Parish’s rock cress, Bear Valley sandwart 

and others are mostly unique to this area. 

It’s among the highest concentrations of 

rare plants in North America! 

Belly plants contrast nicely with colorful 

displays that aren’t particularly 

unique, like red Indian paint brush, orange 

California poppies, and even purple lupine 

that smells like grape soda. Artifacts from 

the mining era are mixed in with more recent 

items that are purely trash...please 

leave the area exactly as you found it. 

Stop #10 marks western juniper, best 

identified by red stringy bark, scaly green 

leaves, and small light purple berries. These 

slow-growing trees are hardy and 

enduring...some in the forest are believed 

to date over 2,000 years! 

If this short loop isn’t enough hiking 

for you, continue east on Hwy. 18 another 

quarter-mile to Holcomb Valley Rd. and 

turn left. Just before the transfer station at 

the end of the road is the famed 2,638 mile 

Pacific Crest Trail. The section on the left 

is closed after last year’s Holcomb Fire but 

the southern section on the right sports panoramic 

desert views. 

Discovery Center is (909) 866-3437. 

www.BigBearToday.com 

(L) A group enjoys Baldwin Lake Ecological Preserve; get on yur belly for a good look at Douglass’ violets in bloom on the Pebble Plain

Big Bear Today April 2019—Page 5 

Reel in bucks, prizes at Trout Derby 

The influx of all the fresh water into 

the lake should make for incredible fishing 

in April, with the first of two Ultimate 

Big Trout Derbies a good time to find out 

with cash prizes on the line. 

The two-day event on April 20-21 is 

headquartered at The Pines Lakefront with 

cash prizes for the five largest trout each 

day. Fishing begins at 6:30 a.m. each day 

with trout weighed by 2:30 p.m. Saturday, 

12:30 p.m. Sunday. Awards and prize cer- 

Music, grub at Wyatt’s 

Hearty western grub and good times 

are happening at Wyatt’s Grill & Saloon 

at the Convention Center, with country 

dancing Wednesdays, live bands Fridays 

and Saturdays. 

On March 30 enjoy Born Country followed 

by Southern Spirit on April 5. Terry 

McRaven plays classic rock on April 6 with 

Solo Flight West on April 12 and Tessie 

and the Calico Cats April 13. 

Wyatt’s serves hearty portions of western 

grub like half-pound specialty burgers 

including the inches-high double barrel, 

chicken sandwiches, savory tri tip, wings 

and more. Plus kids are welcome with lots 

of room for them to run around and video 

games. Free country dance lessons too each 

Wednesday, with ballroom dance instruction 

Fridays with Greg West. 

www.bigbearevents.com or call (909) 

585-3000. 

The winning catch in last May’s trout tournament 

emony immediately follows. 

One trout per person can be weighed 

each day and there’s a great raffle too with 

fishing trips, restaurant gift certificates, 

lodging stays and much more. Tickets are 

$1 each and can be purchased online or at 

the tournament. 

Adult entry is $30, youth 17 and under 

$20 with $10 from every entry going 

toward purchasing trout for the lake. The 

second and final 2019 tournament is on 

May 18-19 at Holloway’s Marina. 

Preceding Fridays of each tournament 

on April 19 and May 17, Big Bear Fishing 

Association sets up Youth Fishing Club 

booth from 3-7 p.m. Youngsters and anyone 

else interested in learning to fish get 

hands-on help from members on equipment, 

casting and other topics. 

It’s all part of Big Bear Fishing 

Association’s mission to spread the joy of 

the sport by raising money for trout plants, 

promoting the outdoors and education for 

adults and youth alike. Join the Association 

for just $30 and get a host of benefits 

including monthly emails of results, local 

fishing news and photos, and 30 raffle tickets. 

There’s also sponsorships for businesses 

as well. 

Book lodging, boat rentals, Dynasty 

restaurant dining and more directly online 

at book.bigbearfishingassociation.org instead 

of third-party sites and a portion of 

the proceeds goes to stocking the lake. 

B i g 

Bear Lake 

officially 

opens for the 

season in 

April at its 

highest level 

in several 

years, and 

April showers 

and continued 

runoff 

should 

help its 

cause even 

more. In 

fact over 

17,000 acre 

feet of water 

has brought 

Catch Rainbow Trout...See Bald Eagles! 

Cantrell Guide Service 

Big Bear Lake's Longest Running Guide Service 

Thousands Caught Since 1991! 

Comfortable 24 foot pontoon boat... 

only guide boat on the lake with 

18 foot roof and full enclosure! 

Professional licensed guides John Cantrell 

and Cliff Fowler ("Fowler's Fish Tales") 

have over 80 years combined experience 

fishing Big Bear Lake! 

Private Tours / Only your party 

Sunset Tour - No Fishing Happy Hour (BYOB) 

All Equipment 

Provided! 

Below the Village (909) 585-4017 or (909) 239-7867 

www.bigbearfishing.net 

Pine Knot Marina • 400 Pine Knot Ave. • Big Bear Lake, CA 

Reel in the big one with Cantrell Guide Service, opening for the season April 1 

the lake level up substantially, at press time 

around 10 feet from full. With each acre 

foot measuring 325,851 gallons, that’s a 

lot of fresh water, giving the lake a nice 

refreshing spritz. 

All of which should make for a terrific 

lake season. East public launch ramp 

opens again for 2019 to go along with the 

west ramp and marinas that last year had 

to chase the lake will have a lot more water 

to work with. 

With the rising lake level there’s debris 

around the lake that needs to be addressed, 

and the Adopt-A-Shoreline program 

does just that. The season kickoff is 

on May 18 at 9 a.m. at Municipal Water 

District offices (40524 Lakeview Dr.) as 

909.878.4FUN 

at North Shore Landing 

& Holloway’s Marina 

Pirate Ship Lake Tours Aboard ‘Time Bandit’ 

Narrated lake tours aboard 

1/3 replica of a Spanish galleon 

seen in the movie ‘Time Bandits’ 

• Pirate Booty for the Kids 

• Cocktails for Adults • Sunset Tours 

groups and individuals sign on to maintain 

sections of shoreline. 

MWD provides trash bags, grabbers 

and gloves and removes bags of trash once 

they’re filled. All participants get a free T- 

shirt and the satisfaction that comes with 

keeping Big Bear Lake beautiful. 

Besides the two Ultimate Big Trout 

Derbies, two other popular fishing events 

return in 2019. Fishing for $50K is back 

on June 8-9 while Western Outdoor News 

returns with its annual Fall Troutfest on 

October 5-6. 

www.bigbearfishingassociation.org. 

bigbeartodaymag.com 

• Waverunners • Jet Skis 

• Sea Doos! • Kayaks, SUP 

• Wakeboard/Water Ski Rides 

• Poontoon Boats 

and Fishing Boats! 

www.HollowaysMarina.com or www.BigBearBoating.com 

COZY CHALETS WITH FIREPLACES & GREAT VIEWS... 

LOCATED AT SNOW SUMMIT'S BASE AREA... 

JUST STEPS TO THE SKI LIFTS! 

Also Available 

Lakeside RV Park 

with 

Full Hookups! 

Remodeled Bathrooms and Store 

www.800BigBear.com


Bear Break, Easter wind down winter 

W 

inter is going to run well into 

spring at Snow Summit and 

Bear Mountain, which plan to 

stay open through Easter Sunday, April 21. 

Indeed 150 inches of snow and more 

still falling at press time have made for epic 

conditions with both resorts fully open and 

sporting deep snowpacks as the season 

winds down. At Bear all four mountain 

peaks are open along with both base area 

pipes, tons of snow features and jumps all 

around. Virtually every run at Snow Summit 

is also doing business plus all the 

chairlifts. What a killer season it’s been! 

And it’s not over yet. Bear Break 

Spring means unzipped jackets... 

or no jackets! 

.com 

New! Night Glow Tubing! 

Fridays, Saturdays, Holidays 5-9 pm 

2019 returns March 29-31 with relay race, 

tube race,, retro little air contest and tons 

of prize giveaways, including 2019-20 season 

passes. Play big kid backyard games 

like colossal cornhole, big boy beer pong 

and mechanical bull on the deck. 

Chill—literally—with pond skimming 

each day from 2-4 p.m. across the 40-foot 

manmade lake in The Scene. Come in hot 

or you’ll cool quickly by splashing into the 

water short of successfully crossing the 

pond. Best overall impression wins and 

there’s bonus points for costumes and creativity. 

Someone will take home a 2019- 

20 Bear+Summit Anytime season pass. 

Plenty of music at Bear Break with 

free concert by theLine on Saturday at 4:15 

p.m. Sunday sees music by Low Lake 

Mountain Fire. Plus DJ Slip Matt on the 

deck. Bear Break opens with high speed 

tube racing on Friday at 2 p.m. down a 

course built special for the event. On Saturday 

it’s retro little air and Sunday sees 

teams of three compete in the relay race as 

they skip, hop and jump through an obstacle 

course. Next year’s Anytime Passes 

for winners! 

On April 20 there’s Easter activities 

at Snow Summit with egg hunt, live music, 

Easter Bunny photos and more. At 4 

p.m. there’s bounce house and face painting, 

both free, before the 4:30 p.m. “Don’t 

Drop the Egg” contest followed by “Best 

Easter Dressed” at 5. 

Easter egg hunt for ages 5 and under 

begins at 6:30 p.m. with ages 6-12 getting 

COVERED 

MAGIC CARPET 

RIDE UPHILL! 

Heated Base Lodge • Snack Bar • Family Fun! 

Winter Hours – Daily 10am – 4pm 

their turn at 7—bring your own baskets. 

At 7:30 Snow Summit’s “Movies in the 

Meadow” series continues with “Hop.” 

Enjoy the free outdoor film under the 

stars show on the resort’s huge inflatable 

screen in the courtyard with built-in fire 

pit plus two portable ones, heat lamps and 

tables with limited seating or bring your 

own folding chairs and blankets. The Bighorn 

Smokehouse is open for barbecue favorites 

like beef brisket smoked 14 hours 

and pulled pork smoked 12, sausage links, 

burgers, chicken and sides. 

While there’s still this season to enjoy, 

it’s time to think of next year. 

“Screamin’ Deal” season passes are on sale 

at their lowest prices of the year, good for 

the rest of this season and all of next. Midweek 

adult passes valid at both Snow Summit 

and Bear Mountain are just $289 while 

dual mountain passes good anytime are 

$449. Bear Mountain only anytime passes 

are $349. Don’t buy a ticket at the window; 

buy a 2019-20 pass instead! But 

hurry; prices go up April 8. 

Beat feet for a good cause when the 

2019 Big Bear MS Walk returns on Saturday, 

May 4 along North Shore’s paved 

Alpine Pedal Path. 

Join dozens of teams and hundreds 

of walkers for a morning walk along the 

lake followed by terrific party. Since the 

first multiple sclerosis walk in 2005, the 

Big Bear event has generated hundreds 

of thousands of dollars to assist MS sufferers, 

including those living in Big Bear 

Valley. MS stops people from moving and 

you can help make sure it doesn’t. 

The walk starts and ends at North 

Shore Elementary and travels along the 

paved Alpine Pedal Path. Choose from a 

1K walk or 5K walk, roll, stroll or run 

option. The lake is feet away from participants, 

and views of the ski resorts and 

snow-covered peaks of the San Gorgonio 

Wilderness in the distance are stunning. 

Along the way there’s rest stops with 

snacks and drinks. Alpine Pedal Path is a 

great early-season walk anyway and is 

popular with bikers, skaters and strollers. 

Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. 

Opening ceremonies get underway at 10 

a.m. with Big Bear Marine Corps Color 

Guard leading the way. There’s tons of 

activities to enjoy including information 

and vendor booths, music, and kids fun 


Pond skimming at Bear Break, Easter fun wind down winter at the resorts 

The best deals are Ikon Passes from 

Alterra Resorts, owner of both Big Bear 

resorts. Ride here plus there, at California 

resorts like Mammoth and June Mountains 

plus Squaw Valley-Alpine Meadows, all 

with unlimited access. Also neverending 

at Copper Mountain, Eldora and Winter 

Park in Colorado along with other resorts. 

Plus a select number of days at many 

more areas, like Deer Valley and Alta- 

Snowbird, Jackson Hole, Big Sky, Aspen 

Snowmass, Steamboat and more. Alberta’s 

Big 3 (Lake Louise, Sunshine Village, 

Norquay) is on the list too plus Solitude, 

Taos, and more. In all 38 destinations! Ikon 

Base Pass with limited holiday blackout 

days is $649. 

For $949 the Ikon Pass gives the best 

Alterra’s got as Steamboat becomes unlimited 

and there’s seven days instead of five 

at the other resorts with no blackouts. Renewing 

members save $30 on each of those 

prices. Best prices are through April 24. 

Visit bigbearmountainresort.com or 

call (844) GO-2-BEAR. 

Beat feet to beat MS at May 4 Walk 

zone with bounce house. The food court 

features grub from participating restaurants. 

The walk follows at 10:30. 

The finish line festival features food, 

music, facepainting, team booths and 

sponsor giveaways. MS Walk’s raffle always 

has lots of great prizes, like merchandise, 

gift certificates to local restaurants, 

overnight getaways in Big Bear and 

other destinations, and more. 

Those who raise $100 or more in donations 

get a MS Walk T-shirt. Raise $250 

or more and there’s amazing MS gifts. 

There’s prizes for Best Dressed and Most 

Spirited teams plus Inspirational walker. 

MS is a chronic, often disabling disease 

that attacks the central nervous system, 

with symptoms that differ from person 

to person. Although the progress and 

severity of MS cannot yet be predicted, 

recent advances in research and treatment 

give much hope to those affected by the 

disease. 

The Southern California Chapter of 

the National MS society depends on community 

support to fund local programs 

and accelerate national research projects 

to identify the cause and cure of MS. 

Call (909) 949-1363 ext. 66503 or 

register online at www.walkMS.org


Get outside for Earth Day expo, walks 

Celebrate Earth Day in Big Bear with 

a whole month of nature activities on tap. 

Bear Valley Electric Service holds its 

annual Earth Day Expo Friday, April 19 

from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. in its parking lot. Exhibitors 

include Department of Water and 

Power, Sierra Club Big Bear Group, Pine 

Knot Marina, Big Bear Discovery Center, 

the Chamber of Commerce and others. 

Admission is free. BVES is at 42020 

Garstin Dr.; call (909) 866-4678. 

Earth Day Sled Cleanup follows on 

April 20. Help restore the forest back to 

its pristine condition by picking up broken 

sleds and other trash from noon-4 p.m. 

All supplies are provided. Meet at Grey 

Squirrel Resort (39372 Big Bear Blvd. in 

Boulder Bay). Call (800) 381-5569. 

Of course Big Bear Discovery Center 

is a great place to celebrate the outdoors 

with recreation information, wilderness 

permits, mountain displays and more. Explore 

the woods with a naturalist during 

free Nature Walks every Saturday at 1 and 

2 p.m. and Sundays at 11 a.m. and noon. 

Each 30-minute, non-strenuous adventure 

teaches local flora and fauna plus local history 

while exploring Discovery Center’s 

forested grounds. 

Get inspired by nature to make fun 

items out of recyclable materials during 

Nature Craft programs on April 6, 13 and 

20. The 45-minute programs are at 10:30 

a.m. and are free. 

Children experience the forest firsthand 

in an outdoor “classroom” just for 

them at Discovery Center. Ages 2-7 delight 

in the Nature Discovery Zone—first one 

in the National Forest system—which 

combines education and unstructured play 

areas just for youngsters. 

Nine interactive areas encourage outdoor 

exploration and even children older 

than the recommended age group enjoy the 

Mud, obstacles task Spartan `Beasts’ 

FREE 

Bowling! 

Thousands of elite athletes will again 

converge on Snow Summit for two days 

of intense competition as Spartan SoCal 

Beast & Sprint Series returns May 18-19 

The event is again a U.S. National Series 

event with thousands of dollars in cash 

prizes so the best of the best will be here 

to tackle two challenging courses, designed 

to test even top trained athletes. Waves of 

250 entrants head out every 15 minutes for 

a steady stream of action out of the resort 

base area. 

On Saturday it’s the Spartan Beast, the 

most difficult race with 12-14 miles of distance 

and more than 30 signature Spartan 

obstacles to overcome. The obstacles are 

noteworthy in themselves—massive ladders, 

wall climbs, mud and more. Racers 

have to climb up the ski runs, under barbed 

wire, even cross fire as they test themselves 

as they climb to the top of Snow Summit 

at 8,200 ft. elevation. 

On Sunday it’s the Spartan Sprint, designed 

for first timers to seasoned veterans. 

The 3-5 mile course still packs over 

20 obstacles. Both days see Spartan kids 

races with half-mile, one and two mile 

courses and scaled down obstacles. Along 

with their own mini festival area filled with 

games and children’s challenges. 

At the base area there’s finish festival 

with lifestyle exhibits, vendors, music, 

food and more. Spectating is $20 online in 

advance or $25 on site and includes $5 in 

Spartan bucks redeemable at the merchandise 

tent, entry to the rocking festival area, 

and access to some of the obstacles on 

course, including the epic Gladiator pit and 

finish line. The new Spartan Big Bear 10K 

Trail Run is on Sunday, May 20. 

Test your own physical conditioning 

at the event with fitness challenges like 

pull-up, slosh pipe, Kaiser and traverse 

wall. At the post race party there’s music, 

food and beer. Call (800) 4 BIG BEAR. 

With this ad buy 2 games per person at 

regular price and your 3rd game is FREE! 

(Not valid when on wait list) 

Sports Bar, Arcade, Pizza, Burgers, More! 

GLOW BOWLING NIGHTLY! 

New Lazer Maze Attraction! 

The BOWLING BARN 

40625 BIG BEAR BLVD. • 878-BOWL (2695) 

THERE’S ALWAYS A PARTY AT THE BOWLING BARN! BBT—35 

Nature Discovery Zone lets kids explore the forest firsthand 

activities. The areas let kids climb and 

crawl, build and dig, gather and enjoy quiet 

time, plus there’s Pollinator Pathway, 

Messy Materials and Music and Movement. 

In addition the half-mile interpretive 

loop adjacent to Nature Discovery Zone is 

stroller-friendly for a forest walk the whole 

family will enjoy. 

Discovery Center is also a great place 

to catch Cougar Crest Trail; no Adventure 

Pass is required to park there and the short 

half-mile connector path is a nice forest 

walk more enjoyable than the beginning 

of Cougar Crest anyway. 

Bring the youngsters to Story Time 

on April 20 and 27 at 12:30 and 1:30 p.m. 

Wonderful books for ages 6 and under are 

read and there’s snacks too. Free admission. 

Also on May 11 and 25. 

Looking ahead, don’t miss next 

Standard 

Motel Rooms 

$75 

with Fireplace 

& Queen Bed 

Non-Holiday / Midweek 

Weekends Slightly Higher 

Subject to change without notice. 

month’s International Migratory Bird 

Day celebration at Discovery Center on 

May 11. From 10 a.m.-2 p.m. there’s information 

on local birds including walks, 

activities and nature crafts. Admission is 

free. And from 10-11 a.m. build your own 

sturdy birdhouse with each kit just $6, 

sponsored by Butcher’s Block. 

Discovery Center (909) 866-3437. 

Click Us Up 

Like You Pick 

Us Up! 


CLOSE TO VILLAGE, 

LAKE, DINNING 

CLOSE to SLOPES! 

Deluxe 

Spa Rooms 

$125 

with Cozy 

Fireplace 

(800) 255-4378 

local (909) 866-2166 

41121 Big Bear Blvd. • Big Bear Lake, CA 

www.BlackForestLodge.com


Bandits, Los Lobos, O-Town at Cave 


Headliner weekend with Moonshine 

Bandits and Los Lobos, tribute to 

Journey, country stars Parmalee, 

The Untouchables and O-Town make for 

an amazing April at The Cave Big Bear. 

The mountain’s intimate concert 

venue is hopping well before Easter with 

shows every Friday and Saturday and every 

seat front and center. With the dance 

floor mere inches from the stage, the audience 

is right on top of the show with sound, 

lighting and special effects that are concert-quality. 

All in a cozy setting with full 

cocktail service including craft beers, even 

“snow” fall. 

MOONSHINE BANDITS get the 

month off to a great start April 5. The 

band’s music reflects its Central California 

hard-driving roots, ranging from country 

rap on songs like “For the Outlawz” to 

the hit song “Get Loose.” It’s unique to be 

sure, a blend of West Coast beat and country 

twang, West Coast hip/hop and rap. 

The band’s live show features originals 

like “My Kind of Country,” “Whiskey 

River” and “We All Country” plus 

unique versions of other songs. Like Garth 

Brooks’ “Friends in Low Places” backed 

by a hip-hop driven beat. “Cali-country,” 

the debut disc for Moonshine Bandits on 

Average Joes Entertainment/Suburban 

Noize Records, features more of the band’s 

driving, good-time music sound, on songs 

like “California Country” and the party anthem 

“Throwdown.” 

It’s no coincidence that moonshine 

and whiskey are themes; Tex’s great-grandfather 

was a bootlegger in the Bay area who 

used his barbershop as a front. “My greataunt 

was actually pedaling it in baby carriages 

to politicians during prohibition,” 

Tex said. He is continuing the family tradition, 

albeit legally, by endorsing moonshine 

distilled in Modesto by Valley Spirits 

Distillery, 99 proof, un-aged whiskey 

available in original, apple pie and peach. 

Moonshine Bandits are touring their 

new Gold Rush album and previous Cave 

visits have been full-energy events. The 

band has over 15 million YouTube views, 

with a fan favorite video on CMT.com that 

hit #1 and on CMT’s High Five countdown 

that reached #2. Tickets $15-$35. 

LOS LOBOS follows on April 6, multiple 

Grammy-winning artists who rocketed 

to stardom in 1987 with their cover of 

Richie 

Valens’ 

“ L a 

Bamba.” 

The song 

topped US 

charts as 

well as the 

UK and 

several 

o t h e r 

countries. 

The band’s 

Headliner weekend 

April 5-6 with (right) 

Moonshine Bandits, 

Los Lobos (above); O- 

Town with Ryan 

Cabrera April 27 (left) 

Nortenos, country and 

other genres has been 

featured on well over a 

dozen albums featuring 

songs like “Will the 

Wolf Survive,” “One 

Time One Night,” 

“Come On, Let’s Go,” 

“Don’t Worry Baby, 

“Kiko and the 

Lavendar Moon” and 

more. Including an album 

of Disney covers! 

Los Lobos scored the movie “Desperado” 

in 1995 and the album “How Will 

the Wolf Survive” was named to Rolling 

Stone Magazine’s Top 500 of all-time, #30 

for the 1980’s. The band continues to travel 

worldwide including a recent European 

tour with a virtually original lineup, all of 

which led Los Lobos to be nominated for 

In all Los Lobos has released an incredible 

24 albums, including 2015’s Gates 

of Gold, a Grammy nominee for Best 

Americana Album. Los Lobos has performed 

alongside the likes of U2, Bob 

Dylan and the Grateful Dead along with 

Stagecoach in 2017, but The Cave is a 

much more intimate setting. $40-$60. 

PARMALEE makes its first Cave 

visit April 12, bringing its unique country- 

mix of 

rock and 

roll, Tex- 

M e x , 

blues, 

rockabilly, 

induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of 

Fame in 2015. 

Continued on page 11 

SEEK ... 

and Ye Shall Find!! 

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about previous events, discover exciting new ones, 

and general Big Bear information! 

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Love’s Illusions-5 Plays in 73 Minutes 

Love is in the air when Big Bear Theatre 

Project presents five short plays in just 

over an hour for three shows at the Performing 

Arts Center. 

“Love’s Illusions—5 Plays in 73 Minutes” 

features short one acts shows, two 

of which are authored by playwright performers 

who will be appearing on stage. 

Still another doesn’t use any dialogue! Performances 

are on April 5-6 at 7:30 p.m. 

with 2 p.m. Sunday matinee on April 7. 

The common theme throughout is 

love, both functional and dysfunctional, 

and how it changes perceptions and creates 

illusions both beautiful and tragic. One 

couple portraying love in Maria, Andrew 

Campbell and Stephanie Greene, is in fact 

getting married at the end of April, a case 

of life imitating art. 

The plays are varied to be sure and 

feature BBTP favorite performers. Emotional 

Baggage by Lindsay Price is presented 

without words by Steve Boggio, 

Steve Cassling, Christine Drew Benjamin, 

Steve Gaghagen, Jeanine Hamer, Maria 

Knisley, Julann Warren and Dee Westin. 

Click Us Up 

Like You Pick 

Us Up! 


It’s a humorous, poignant exploration 

of emotional magic, accomplished through 

music, action and gesture. Directed by Beth 

Wheat, it’s choreographed by dancers 

Hamer and Knisley. 

Maria, written by Tori Keenan-Zelt, 

sees Campbell, who starred in the 

company’s acclaimed recent production of 

Wait Until Dark, and Greene as new parents 

struggling to calm their crying infant. 

The father’s technique raises the ire of the 

mother and brings calm to the baby in a 

charming resolution. Cassling directs. 

Frank and Beans features Steve 

Apostolina performing in a play he wrote, 

a twisted tale of family loyalty and brotherly 

love. He also directs and is joined by 

Cassling and Gaghagen. 

Apostolina also wrote The Party, featuring 

Benjamin, Westin and Wheat as a 

daughter, mother and grandmother discover 

new truths about each other and a 

deepening love as they prepare for a party. 

Cassling also directs. 

Castles in the Air is written by Benjamin 

and follows Anna Pavlova, famed 

ballerina best known for her interpretation 

of The Dying Swan. She returns to the 

magical realm of her childhood to find 

peace with her live’s choices and again 

revel in dance. Violet Poppe, Warren and 

Gaghagen star with Wheat’s direction. 

Most of the cast members are wellknown 

Big Bear performers and in fact several 

are professional actors. Tickets are 

$20, seniors $15, students $10. 

Duke Michaels & Peggy Baldwin play the first 3 Saturdays at Barnstorm 

Duke & Peggy star on guitar, cello 

He is a talented singer and songwriter. 

She is a professional cellist who has played 

with Jeff Lynne of ELO fame as well as 

with Yanni and many others. 

Together Duke Michaels and Peggy 

Baldwin make a talented and unique combination 

playing at Barnstorm Restaurant 

April 6, 13 and 20. How many two-person 

acts sport cello, worldclass at that? “People 

see a lot of bands,” Michaels said. “Not 

many are just cello and guitar.” 

“People are surprised at how well guitar 

and cello blend together,” Baldwin said. 

“They’re blown away at how well they 

mix. It doesn’t register till they hear it.” 

The married couple’s repetoire includes 

hundreds and hundreds of tunes and 

ranges from Led Zeppelin to Sugarloaf, the 

band, not Big Bear community, as in 

“Green-Eyed Lady.” 

Baldwin has played on albums by 

Kiss, Maroon 5, Justin Timberlake, 

Michael Buble and George Harrison. She’s 

appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay 

Leno, The Grammys, American Music 

Award and Oscars, Dick Clark’s New 

Year’s Eve Countdown and more. 

Barnstorm Restaurant is in the airport 

terminal at 501 W. Valley Blvd. in Big Bear 

City. Call (909) 585-9339. 

Year-Round 

Christmas Room! 

Our rooms are 

filled with gifts 

and treasures 

from nearly 

20 artists! 

Come Up the Historic Staircase of the 1920's Navajo Hotel 

• Bear-ly Used 

Books 

• Jerky 

• Pottery 

• Aprons 

• Sports 

Memorabilia 

• Everything 

Bears & More 

Open 7 Days 

a week 

Big Bear's from 9:30 a.m. 

Shopping Experience 

There is not “Anything” we do not have! 

Village Faire 

40794 Village Dr. 

(909) 866-8220 

Above the Leather Depot in Big Bear Village 

Full Hot & Cold Deli 

Groceries • Firewood & Propane • Spirits • Lotto 

Try Our Famous 

Rotisserie Chicken 

& Kabobs! 

We cut the highest 

Quality Meats 

Daily 

Award 

Winners: 

1st 

Liquor 

2nd 

Groceries 

2017 

Chamber of 

Commerce 

Excellence 

in Business! 

Fully-Cooked Delicious Heat & Serve Meals Like Tri-Tip, 

Smoked Pork Loin, Enchiladas & More! • Fresh Produce Too! 

(909) 585-2641 • Open 7 Days 

Community Market 

100 E. Big Bear Blvd. (at Greenway) • Big Bear City 

1 mile east of The Convention Center


PCT, paths for early season hikes 

As winter recedes—and that make 

take a while!—spring affords opportunities 

for terrific local hiking, beyond that 

found at Baldwin Lake Ecological Preserve 

(story page 4). 

Most notable is the 2,638-mile Pacific 

Crest Trail which stretches from Mexico 

to Canada. The annual April kickoff weekend 

at Campo is no longer—after the movie 

Wild thousands of people are now hitting 

the PCT, forcing a permit system and ending 

the border bash—but this is still the 

month most thru-hikers begin their treks. 

Though with the heavy winter many may 

opt to wait to begin their journeys, which 

typically take six months or so to complete. 

About 39 miles of PCT run through 

Big Bear, entering the Valley at Onyx Summit 

and continuing through Holcomb Valley 

heading west. Sections make for terrific 

early season day hikes, though one of 

the best, near the transfer station around 

Doble, remains closed after the 2017 

Holcomb Fire. 

Still that area offers some fun outings. 

Head south on PCT at Holcomb Valley 

road away from Doble and spectacular 

desert views unfold including one panoramic 

spot (right). Or catch the same sec- 

Join Sierra Club Big Bear Group for 

early-season hikes along the old road up 

the hill and to Wildhorse Creek. 

Both are ideal April destinations with 

plenty of sun exposure to make for great 

spring outings just a few minutes from Big 

Bear. Bring the ten essentials like layered 

clothing, lunch/snack, sunglasses, 

sunblock and plenty of water. 

MOUNTAIN HOME TRAIL is on 

April 14 at 8 a.m. and serves us some challenging 

hiking as it ascends 1,800 vertical 

feet over nine miles. The trail starts 

across from Mountain Home Village off 

Hwy. 38 and climbs to Angeles Oaks, 

along the old road to Big Bear with lots 

NEW 

WEBSITE 

tion from Hwy. 18 by heading north. Going 

South on the other hand dishes up vistas 

of Baldwin Lake and then Big Horn 

Wilderness. This section also leads to the 

famous Eye of God, revered by the Serrano 

indians who summered in Big Bear as a 

sacred spot. 

Of course, paved paths practically 

guarantee perfect trail conditions and Big 

Bear has a couple worth checking out. Alpine 

Pedal Path is absolutely worldclass 

quality, recently widened to 12 feet making 

it suitable for hikers, bikers, skaters, 

joggers, even strollers and wheelchairs. 

The 3-1/4 mile route (one-way) begins 

on Stanfield Cutoff and traverses west, 

sometimes just feet away from the lake, 

concluding west of the Solar Observatory. 

Along the way it winds through beautiful 

meadow, past Serrano campground and 

picnic areas, near boat launches and 

through dense forest. 

Plus it has great access to the Woodland 

Interpretive and Cougar Crest 

Trailheads along with Big Bear Discovery 

Center. The views across the lake to Snow 

Summit and Bear Mountain are stunning 

and there’s benches for breathers. Anglers 

like Alpine Pedal Path for great fishing 

Mountain Home Trail, Wildhorse Creek hikes set 

of interesting history and spectacular 

views. It’s rated moderate to strenuous. 

(909) 289-1932. 

WILDHORSE CREEK on Saturday, 

April 27 serves up spectacular views 

of the San Gorgonio Wilderness and Santa 

Ana River valley plus the chance to lunch 

by a babbling brook. The eight mile 

(roundtrip) hike starts on an old jeep trail 

and winds through open forest of Jeffrey 

and Pinyon pines plus juniper. 

The last part of the trail heads down 

to the creek with 1,400 ft. elevation gain. 

Meet 8:30 a.m. at Wildhorse Creek 

trailhead, on Hwy. 38 near Heart Bar 

campground. Call (909) 289-1932. 

If you can’t pick us up ... then click us up! 


Hike this section of Pacific Crest Trail and you might run into a hiker on the 

way to Canada...you’ll definitely see some awesome views! 

access to the lake and it will also be the 

site of the May 4 MS Walk (story page 6). 

The new ADA-accessible Happy Hills 

Trail is another top paved trek. It opened 

two years ago with trailhead at City Hall 

(39707 Big Bear Blvd.) and is 10 feet wide 

of asphalt plus lined with gravel to capture 

precipitation. The quarter-mile trail 

runs through a beautiful, treed area following 

a seasonal stream before ending at the 

National Forest boundary. 

Along the way Happy Hills passes historical 

log cabins and there’s picnic tables 

and bear-proof trash bins. Plenty of parking 

and restrooms are at the trailhead along 

with cool renovated rustic chalet. While 

not long the trail may eventually become 

an access route to longer hikes. Bring hiking 

or walking shoes and enjoy another 

new trail in Big Bear! 

Woodland Interpretive Trail on the 

north shore is another fine early-season 

option. It’s sunny exposure tends to keep 

the dirt path dry in spring and there’s great 

lake views to enjoy during the 1-1/2 mile 

interpretive loop, considered easy and 

mostly flat with just a few short climbs. 

Pick up a free guide to the trail’s numbered 

posts at Discovery Center and learn 

about flora and fauna along the route, from 

pinyon pines and California black oak to 

Yerba Santa. Woodland Trail takes about 

45 minutes to an hour. 

Discovery Center (909) 866-3437 

Hike 28 miles for `Wish’ 

Hikers will take a 28-mile bite out of 

Pacific Crest Trail next month, all for a 

good cause. 

The Make A Wish “Trailblaze Challenge” 

is May 10-12 with three days of 

events highlighted by the long PCT hike, 

starting at Onyx Summit and ending at 

Cougar Crest Trail. The hike is open to all 

ability levels and much of it is downhill, 

but participants 18 years and older had 

better be in good shape. 

Hikers arrive Friday for an evening 

pasta party with the hike starting next day 

at 4 a.m., concluding by 7 p.m. On Sunday 

there’s a victory breakfast. Registration 

limited to 75 hikers. 

Visit BigBear.com for details. 

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Biking & Special Events 

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Big Bear 

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All Things Oktoberfest! 

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with all the insider information. 

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happenings in the Big Bear Lake Area 

• Lodging • Attractions • Much More! 

Winter! 

Essential Information about the 

#1 Ski Resorts in So. California 

for Skiers, Snowboarders 

& Snowplayers 

Big Bear's Best Calendar of Events 

All Available On-line: www.BigBearTodayMag.com 

18


Inner tubing through Easter at Alpine Slide...maybe longer? 

Sled, soar, snow at Alpine Slide 

Soar, sled,slide, speed or swing this 

Spring Break in Big Bear Lake, where a 

world of adventure awaits at Alpine Slide. 

Forget the beach, Spring Break is best 

celebrated in the mountains this year after 

the amazing winter. Natural snow 

combined with aggressive snowmaking 

has created a snowpack 20 feet deep or 

more at Alpine Slide, enough to assure 

family inner tubing through Easter. 

Parents and kids are enjoying 

incredible downhill rides with all the snow, 

which is groomed into perfect corduroy 

each night to provide the best possible 

conditions. And they never have to walk 

back to the top for their next ride, with 

Alpine Slide’s Magic Carpet uphill lift, 

covered for guest comfort...just step on and 

step off! 

Alpine Slide is open daily from 10 

a.m.-4 p.m. for tubing sessions through 

Easter. Night sessions under the stars and 

lights are every evening from March 22- 

April 6 from 5-9 p.m. General admission 

for all sessions is $35 and includes tube 

rental and Magic Carpet use, small children 

36-42" $20 with paying adult. 

Soaring Eagle, first one in California, 

treats riders to spectacular views of the lake 

and a thrilling 500 ft. descent during a 

zipline-type 

experience with a 

couple notable 

differences. Riders 

sit instead of lie 

down and ride up to 

the top tower 

backwards! And 

what a ride it is, 

dropping almost 

two football fields 

in distance during a 

125 foot descent 

that reaches speeds 

up to 26 mph. 

Double seat 

belts secure up to 

two riders and they 

shoot to the top in 

the opposite 

direction they come 

down, almost as 

exhilarating as the 

descent itself. 

Soaring Eagle zips down above the tree 

tops and riders hit top speed as they 

approach the bottom before the attraction 

comes to a stop. 

At $12 per ride Soaring Eagle is priced 

less than other similar attractions. Riders 

can go solo or with a companion to share 

the experience with. Guests must be at least 

42" tall and those between 42-48" must ride 

with an adult. Photo and video of the 

experience can also be purchased. 

Longtime favorite Alpine Slide 

bobsleds are sliding, taking guests down 

two quarter-mile tracks filled with banked 

turns and straightaways aboard sleds they 

control for an Olympic-style ride. Feed the 

need for speed on the Putt ‘N Around gokart 

track before taking a few swings on 

the reconfigured 18-hole miniature golf 

course. 

Soaring Eagle, go-karts and miniature 

golf are also open nightly through April 6. 

When it’s time for a break from the fun, 

head to the base lodge for family-priced 

snack bar including ice cream counter, 

video games and more. 

Alpine Slide is on Big Bear Blvd. 1/4 

mile west of the Village. Call (909) 866- 

4626 or www.AlpineSlideBigBear.com. 

Soar up to 26 mph on the newest ride at Alpine Slide 

O-Town, more at Cave... 

Continued from page 8 

style music. Brothers Matt and Scott Thomas, 

cousin Barry Knox and childhood 

best friend Josh McSwain have topped 

Country Airplay charts. The band’s 2013 

breakout single “Carolina” was a Platinumcertified 

#1 hit and its debut album reached 

the Top 10. 

Hits like “Close Your Eyes” and “Already 

Callin’ You Mine” rose to #3 and #10 

respectively on Billboard’s Country Airplay 

chart. “Roots” and Sunday Morning” 

from the 27861 album climbed into the 

charts as well and have more than 30 million 

combined streams on Spotify. 

Parmalee has an impressive six singles 

in all that have hit the charts while “Musta 

Had a Good Time” is an icon, chronicling 

the best party everyone hopes to go to. 

Tickets $29-$49. 

DSB on April 13 is considered the next 

best thing to JOURNEY. Vegas Rocks! 

Magazine agreed, naming DSB top Journey 

tribute band as it captures the power 

and energy of the 1980’s supergroup and 

vocalist Steve Perry in their prime. 

DSB has played national premier venues 

singing the many chart-topping Journey 

hits. Including at the Roxy Theatre in 

West Hollywood for “The World’s Greatest 

Tribute Bands” and selling out The 

Cave in previous visits. 

Locally DSB has developed a large 

following of fans with repeat performances 

at Taste of Anaheim at Garden 

Walk, Brea Summerfest, Anthology in San 

Diego and more. Juan del Castillo is amaz- 

ing as he captures the legendary voice of 

Perry, no easy task. Tickets $20-$40. 

THE UNTOUCHABLES, credited 

as America’s first ska band, are on April 

20. The faces have changed since they 

were the house band at The Roxy in 1982, 

but the music continues with favorites like 

“What’s Gone Wrong,” “Free Yourself” 

and “I Spy for the FBI.” 

The UTs have toured with The B-52’s, 

Bow Wow Wow, Red Hot Chili Peppers, 

Fishbone, No Doubt and X (which is at 

The Cave May 3). All tickets $15. 

O-TOWN WITH RYAN 

CABRERA makes for a great night of pop 

music on April 27. O-Town began as an 

ABC reality TV show “Making the Band” 

in the mold of the Backstreet Boys or 

NSYNC. #1 singles “Liquid Dreams” and 

“All or Nothing,” the latter which was 

nominated for “Song of the Year” at the 

Radio Music Awards in 2001, catapulted 

them to fame, which reignited after recent 

tours with 98 Degrees and Dream. 

Along with Platinum-selling singer 

and songwriter Cabrera, whose singles like 

“On the Way Down,” “True,” “40 Kinds 

of Sadness” and more have been chart toppers. 

Cabrera appeared on the Son of the 

Mask soundrack with “Inside Your Mind” 

and the Fantastic Four soundtrack with 

“Always Come Back to You.” Plus a concert 

film, Live at the Wiltern. $20-$40. 

All shows start at 7:30 p.m. 

The Cave; 40789 Village Dr. (909) 

878-0204 or www.thecavebigbear.com.


Glow bowling, laser maze at The Barn 

low bowling, Laser Maze, full bar, 

great food and video games galore. 

There’s always a party each day— Gand night—at the Bowling Barn! 

The lights come on at the Barn—black 

lights, that is—weekends after 2 p.m., 

weeknights at 8:30 to create mesmerizing 

bowling excitement. Glow Bowling offers 

an experience that’s downright surreal as 

neon balls glow brightly illuminated by the 

black lights, and players step out of the 

shadows to roll down 16 lanes of excitement. 

Most of the house bowling balls glow 

under the lights, in dazzling orange, blue, 

green and red. By day these balls look completely 

normal, but once the black lights 

kick on they glow to life. Filling the racks 

in all the incandescent colors of the rainbow 

add sa psychedelic touch to bowling. 

The Bowling Barn has high-powered 

speakers and amps to kick up the sound 

system a few decibels and really get the 

party going. There’s also laser lights, dancing 

and spinning on the lanes and above 

the pins, while a center screen drops down 

to play music videos. 

The house lights are down and black 

lights up for just open play so the emphasis 

is on fun, not competition, but state-ofthe-art 

scoreboards keep track not only of 

pin tallies but also running player handicaps 

and even the speed of their rolls. Free 

bowling with the coupon on page 7—three 

games for the price of two! 

For more fun head to the new Laser 

Maze for challenge that’s straight out of 

an action movie. Enter the Arena and try 

to break into the vault on the other side of 

the room by avoiding countless crisscrossing 

beams 

of light, accented 

by 

fog to make 

them stand 

out. Crawl, 

jump, slide, 

roll, whatever 

it takes 

to cross the 

obstacle 

course of 

l i g h t . 

Hurry...the 

clock is 

ticking! 

Break 

a beam and the penalty isn’t death like in 

the movies, just time added to your score. 

Once across hold your hand on the master 

key, money and red hand scanner to complete 

the mission. Takes true Ninja skills 

and while the game is easy to learn, it’s 

impossible to master with four different 

skill levels to choose from. 

Beam Buster in contrast sees players 

trying to bust each laser beam before time 

runs out. Both games are fun for the whole 

family with tops scores posted outside the 

arena. Even record your experience on 

video for just a buck! Each game is $3 for 

single player or $6 for two. 

So much excitement works up powerful 

hunger and thirst. Satisfy both at 

Bowling Barn with great food like barbecue 

chicken pizza, street tacos, chicken 

wraps, flaming hot onion rings and carne 


Glow bowling and Laser Maze (below left) light up 

the Bowling Barn 

asada fries. Then head to Alley Oops Sports 

Bar where big screen high resolution TVs 

show all the games and there’s full cocktail 

service including hot winter drinks like 

Peppermint Patty, Irish or Keoke Coffee. 

Or cool off with favorites like the Lucky 

Spare, Fuzzy Navel, Barn Bloody and 

more. 

There’s a myriad of video and action 

games at Bowling Barn too, like Hoop Fever, 

pool tables, air hockey and many more. 

Bowling Barn is at 40625 Big Bear 

Blvd. (enter on Bonanza). Call 878-BOWL. 

Click Us Up! 


Providing the most accurate & detailed snow forecasts available on the net 

for Big Bear and the local southern California mountains since 1998 

www.snowforecast.com/BearMountainResort 

www.snowforecast.com/SnowSummitMountainResort 

Become a Fan on FaceBook and 

WIN STUFF for the 2010 / 11 season @ 

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HOMESTYLE 

QUALITY... 

Steaks 

East 

Seafood 

Valley's 

Pasta 

Only 

Chicken 

Bakery! 

Voted Big Bear's 

Best Breakfast! 

DAILY Breakfast Special! 

Every Saturday Night 

All-You-Can-Eat 

Beef Ribs $20.95! 

NIGHTLY DINNER SPECIALS 

WED—PRIME RIB $17.95 

THURS—NEW YORK STEAK $17.95 

FRIDAY—HOMEMADE POT PIES $14.25 

OR SURF & TURF $18.95 

SAT—ALL-U-CAN-EAT BEEF RIBS 

$20.95...POT PIES $14.25 IF AVAILABLE 

SUN-HOLIDAYS—PRIME RIB $18.95 

FRESH CATCH OF THE DAY FRI/SAT 

After lunch or dinner... 

treat yourself from our 

Bakery! 

Caramel-topped apple 

dumplings...cheesecakes... 

apple streudel...fresh-baked pies 

of the season! 

Also Available to Go! 

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ 

Dine Next to Our 2 Cozy 

Fireplaces or Under Trees on 

Our Outdoor Patio! 

337 W. Big Bear Blvd. 

(2 miles east of the Convention 

Center in Big Bear City) 

(909) 585-7005 

...FAMILY 

PRICES! 

To To Los Angeles 

and Orange County 

Captain John’s 

S 

CAPT. Marina 

JOHN’S GROUT BAY 

MARINA 

West Boat Ramp 

WINDY POINT 

W E 

North Shore 

Landing 

Castle Rock 

Trail 

Holcomb 

Valley 

BOULDER 

BAY 

1989 25 YEARS 2014 

The Mountain’s Monthly Lifestyle Magazine 

All Phone Numbers are area code 

(909) unless otherwise noted 

March 

29-31 

Bear Break 2019 at Bear Mountain 

with daily contests, music 

on the deck, more. 866-5766. 

30 


opens for the season with visitor 

center 10 a.m.-2 p.m., guided 

wildflower hikes at 11:30 a.m. 

led by Forest Service botanists. 

Free. 866-3437. 

30 

Wild Child tribute to the Doors 

at The Cave 7:30 p.m. Tickets 

$15-$35. 878-0204. 

April 

5 

Moonshine Bandits in concert at 

The Cave 7:30 p.m. Tickets 

$15-$35. 878-0204. 

5-7 

Love’s Illusions: 5 Plays in 73 

Minutes by Big Bear Theatre 

Project at the PAC 7:30 p.m. 2 

p.m. Sunday matinee. Tickets 

$20, senior $15, student $10. 

866-4970. 

6 

Los Lobos in concert at The 

Cave 7:30 p.m. Tickets $40- 

$60. 878-0204. 

12 

Parmalee brings country music 

to The Cave 7:30 p.m. Tickets 

$29-$49. 878-0204. 

13 


visitor center open 10 a.m.-2 

p.m., guided wildflower hikes at 

11:30 a.m. led by Forest Service 

botanists. Free. 866-3437. 

13 

DSB Band top tribute to Journey 

at The Cave 7:30 p.m. Tickets 

$20-$40. 878-0204. 

GILNER POINT 

METCALF 

Holloway 

BAY Marina 

Big Bear and Vicinity 

Pleasure 

Point 

Performing Arts 

Center (PAC) 

Polique Canyon 

Trail 

Solar Observatory 

BIG BEAR LAKE 

Mill Creek 

Mill Creek 

Alpine Slide 

at Magic Mtn. 

Pine Knot 

Trail 

Cougar Crest 

Trail 

Woodland 

Trail 

Discovery Center 

Serranno 

Campground 

East Boat 

Ramp 

EAGLE POINT 

Swim 

Beach 


Pine Knot 

Marina 

Marina 

Meadow Park 

Town Trail 

14 

Mountain Home Trail Hike with 

Sierra Club 8:30 a.m., meet at 

trailhead off Hwy. 38 at Loch 

Leven. 289-1932. 

19 

Earth Day Expo presented by 

Bear Valley Electric (42020 

Garstin Dr.) 11 a.m.-2 p.m. with 

booths, facepainting and balloons 

for kids. 866-4678. 

20 

Earth Day Sled Cleanup noon-4 

p.m. Meet at Grey Squirrel 

(39372 Big Bear Blvd.) 

20 

Movies in the Meadow at Snow 

Summit base area courtyard 7:30 

p.m., “Hop.” Free. 866-5766. 

20 

The Untouchables in concert at 

The Cave 7:30 p.m. Tickets $15. 

878-0204. 

20-21 

Ultimate Big Trout Derby at the 

Pines (360 Alden Rd.) 6:30 a.m.- 

2:30 Sat, 6:30-12:30 Sun. 

Signups, Youth Fish Club Booth 

precedes Friday 3-7 p.m. 

bigbearfishingassociation.com 

21 

Easter Services at 8, 9:30 and 

11 a.m. at First Baptist Church 

(41960 Big Bear Blvd., 866- 

3951); Community Church by 

the Lake at 10:30 a.m. (40946 

Big Bear Blvd., 866-7523). 

27 

Wildhorse Creek Hike with Sierra 

Club 8:30 a.m., meet at 

trailhead on Hwy. 38 near Heart 

Bar campground. 289-1932. 

27 

O-Town is in concert at The 

Cave 7:30 p.m. Tickets $20- 

$40. 878-0204. 

27-28 


Walk 

Board 

April 2019—Page 13 

Big Bear City 

Moonridge 

For updated calendar of events visit us on the Internet! 

www.bigbeartodaymag.com 

CC 

Club View Drive 

Big Bear Mountain 

visitor center open 10 a.m.-2 

p.m., guided wildflower hikes at 

11:30 a.m. led by Forest Service 

botanists. Free. 866-3437. 

May 

3 

X makes its first visit to The 

Cave 7:30 p.m. Tickets $35. 

878-0204. 

4 

MS Walk is on Alpine Pedal Path 

with music, kids zone to raise 

money to fight multiple sclerosis. 

Registration 8:30 a.m., opening 

ceremonies 10 a.m., walk at 

10:30. (909) 949-1363. 

4 

Anuhea makes her first visit to 

The Cave 7:30 p.m. bringing the 

music of the Islands. Tickets 

$20-$40. 878-0204. 

11 

International Migratory Bird Day 

at Discovery Center 10 a.m.-2 

p.m. with bird watching, kids 

activities. Build a Birdhouse 10 

a.m.-noon. $6/kit. 866-3437. 

18-19 

Spartan Races SoCal Beast & 

Sprint Series sees elite athletes 

competing at Snow Summit, 

base area activities. Spectating 

$20. 866-5766. 

24-27 

Summer Opening Weekend at 

Snow Summit for bike park, base 

camp with live music, free activities, 

more. 866-5766. 

25-26 

“Grill and Chill” KCBS State BBQ 

Championships at Bartlett 11 

a.m.-5 p.m. with music, craft 

beer. Free. 866-6190 

25-26 

2nd Annual Maifest at Wyatt’s 

with German games, beer, food, 

music by The Express Band. 585- 

3000. 

To Victorville, Barstow 

& Las Vegas 

Museum 


Alpine Zoo 

To Angelus Oaks 

and Redlands 

E 

V 

E 

N 

T 

C 

A 

L 

E 

N 

D 

A 

R


Recreation 

Guide 

Action Tours 

Zip through the trees on nine ziplines. 

Segway along Village streets, discovering 

Big Bear history at the same time on a most 

unique tour and ride. Learn tree rope climbing 

skills like rappelling from certified 

instructors or seasonally snowshoe through 

the forest. Action Tours has year-round 

guided mountain adventure for all ability 

levels! (909) 866-0390 or (909) 866-0830. 

Alpine Slide 

Shoot down a tobogan-style ride at Magic 

Mountain, as a hand lever allows you to 

control the speed. After an exhilerating 

run, ride the chairlift back to the top for 

more fun. $6/ride, 5-ride books $25. There’s 

also a snowplay area with Magic Carpet 

uphill ride, plus miniature golf, Go-Karts, 

family-priced snack bar, video games. Open 

daily. Big Bear Blvd., 1/4 mile west of the 

Village. 866-4626. 

Big Bear Speedway 

Soki Kart racing comes to Big Bear with 

timed heats and authentic track experience. 

Reach speeds up to 30 mph while 

negotiating hairpin turns and straightaways 

on the Grand Prix-style course. Double 

Karts allow younger riders to go to. $20 on 

first visit includes license valid one year, 

head sock and race ($25 double Kart). Base 

lodge with snack bar. At Big Bear Snow 

Play next to Motel 6. (909) 585-0075. 

NEW 

WEBSITE 

Live weather! 


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THE ALMANAC 

Bike Rentals 

Bear Valley Bikes across from Alpine 

Slide has a variety of bike rentals. Front 

suspension $10/hour, $30/4 hours, $40/all 

day. Full suspension $20/hour, $50/4 hours, 

$70/all day. Full suspension demo $25/ 

hour, $60/4 hours, $85/all day. 40298 Big 

Bear Blvd. Call (909) 866-8000. 

Bingo 

The Elks Lodge hosts stirring Bingo games 

each Friday night at 7 p.m. All are welcome 

ages 18 and over. 40611 Big Bear Blvd. 

west of the Village, across from Lakeview. 

(909) 866-3557. 

Boat Rentals 

Sailboats, pontoon boats, speed and fishing 

boats plus paddleboards and canoes are 

available for rental from the lake’s marinas. 

Big Bear Marina (866-3218), 

Holloway’s Marina (866-5706), North 

Shore Landing (878-4FUN) Pine 

KnotMarina (478-2500), Captain John’s 

Marina (866-6478). 

Boat Tours 

Pirate Ship Lake Tours aboard newly 

refurbished “Time Bandit,” a one-third 

scale replica of a 1600’s galleon that appeared 

in the movie of the same name, sail 

daily from Holloway’s Marina...complete 

with canon fire! Full bar with beer, wine 

and cocktails. Fares $22, senior $20, $16 

under 12 (2 and under free). (909) 878- 

4040. 

“Miss Liberty” paddlewheeler with enclosed, 

heated deck and snack bar, leaves 

Pine Knot Landing for scenic tours of Big 

Bear Lake. View the homes of celebrities, 


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Your Best Source for activities and happenings in the Big Bear Lake Area 

Summer! 

Fall! 

Winter! 


Recreation • Dining • Nightlife • And More 

Road Conditions: (800) 427-ROAD quickmap.dot.ca.gov 

Need a cross for Easter? The historic Village Faire has an entire room of them 

plus sports memorabilia, clothing and much more. Call (909) 866-8220 

solar observatory, and much more. $22, 

$20 senior/military, $14 ages 3-12, four 

and under free. (909) 866-8129. 

Bowling 

The Bowling Barn offers new lanes with 

automated scoring for bowling enjoyment. 

Also arcade games and full-service cocktail 

lounge with pool. Glow Bowling after 

dark with black lights, sounds. Bowl 3 

games for the price of 2 with coupon in this 

issue. Open daily. 40625 Big Bear Blvd. 

(enter on Bonanza).(909) 878-BOWL. 

Discovery Center 

The Discovery Center on the north shore, 

two miles west of Stanfield Cutoff, is a 

breathtaking facility overlooking the lake 

and offering informational galleries, self 

and naturalist guided tours, Adventure 

passes and wilderness permits, and recreation 

programs. Open daily (closed Tuesdays 

and Wednesdays). (909) 866-3437. 

Fishing 

Catch some fun with Big Bear Charter 

Fishing on a 22' fully loaded, super comfortable 

boat with afriendly, expert guide 

Aaron Armstrong. Open or private charters 

for individuals or groups of all ages. 

All gear provided—rods, reels, bait, lures, 

drinks and snacks. Bass fishing too aboard 

a Ranger Comanche. At Holloway’s Marina; 

(909) 866-2240. 

Cantrell Guide Service at Pine Knot Landing 

is the lake’s longest running guide 

service since 1991. Troll for trout around 

the lake’s 23 miles of shoreline aboard 24' 

pontoon boat with 18 ‘ roof and enclosure 

to protect against cold and wind. Professional 

licensed guides John Cantrell and 

Cliff Fowler (“Fowler’s Fish Tales”) have 

80 years experience. (909) 585-4017. 

Gold Rush Mining Adv. 

The adventures are real and so are the 

treasures! Pan for gemstones and fossils 

millions of years old in the working sluice 

with water wheel, crack geodes to reveal 

prescious stones within, find real pearls in 

oysters and unearth dinosaur bones and 

poop. Emporium with mining and dinosaur 

theme gifts plus old fashioned fudge, 

candy, sarsaparilla and more. 50016 Big 

Bear Blvd. (909) 866-5678. 

Helicopter Tours 

See Big Bear from above during new aerial 

tours by Helicopter Big Bear. See the lake, 

ski resorts, desert and surrounding mountains 

aboard a climate-controlled Robinson 

R44 helicopter, departing daily out of Big 

Bear Airport. The helicopter seats up to 

four, pilot plus three passengers, and tours 

start at $35 per person based on two passengers. 

(909) 585-1200. 

Continued on page 15 

HORSEBACK RIDING 

Baldwin Lake Stables 

Open Year Round•Rates by the Hour 

1, 2, 3 & 4 Hour Rides•Reservations Suggested 




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Pony Rides & Petting Zoo 

909-585-6482 • Big Bear City 

Big Bear Blvd. east through stop sign at Hwy. 38, 

veer left on Shay Rd. and follow the signs 

46475 Pioneertown Rd. 

www.baldwinlakestables.com 

Specialty Rides 

•Majestic Sunset Ride 

•1/2 Day Ride along the 

famous Pacific Crest Trail 

Please Make Reservations 

for Specialty Rides 

Under Permit USDA Forest Service


Hiking 

There’s dozens of trails and natural areas to 

enjoy the rugged beauty of the San 

Bernardino National Forest. From easy 

strolls along the lake to stenuous climbs 

into the mountains, there are trails for all 

abilities, including families, within a short 

drive of Big Bear. For information on all 

trails in the Valley and the required 

Adventure Pass, visit the Discovery Center 

on North Shore Dr., about two miles west 

of Stanfield Cutoff. 866-3437. 

Alpine Pedal Path is a very easy 3.5 mile 

(each way) paved trek following the lake 

on the north shore. Popular with hikers, 

bikers, skaters, strollers and wheelchairs 

as it passes Carol Morrison East Boat 

Launch, Discovery Center, Serrano 

campground, Solar Observatory and more. 

Castle Rock Trail is a short but strenuous 

hike, that ends with a panoramic view of 

Big Bear Lake. Legend has it that a beautiful 

Indian maiden, jilted by her lover, took her 

life by leaping from this towering 100 ft. 

monolith. It’s reached after a mostly uphill, 

.8 mile walk past a stream and featuring 

beautiful views. Located on Hwy. 18 

between Boulder Bay and the dam; park on 

the lake side of the road. 

Cougar Crest Trail is moderate two-mile 

(each way) hike. As it winds above the 

lake’s north shore, it offers up great views 

of water and the surrounding mountains. 

Trailhead is on North Shore Dr. about two 

miles west of Stanfield Cutoff, .6 mile 

from the Discovery Center where you can 

park without an Adventure Pass. 

Woodland Interpretive Trail is a short, 

scenic family stroll with minimal elevation 

gain, located on the north shore near Cougar 

Crest. Free trail maps (available at the 

trailhead or Discovery Center) identify 

markers along the route noting local 

vegetation, wildlife areas, etc. 

Pine Knot Trail from Aspen Glen picnic 

area climbs the southern ridge above Alpine 

Slide three miles (each way) to Skyline Dr. 

2N10, through lush meadow and stands of 

white fir and Jeffrey Pine. Continue another 

1/4 mile to Grand View Point for spectacular 

180-degree vistas. 

Holcomb Valley 

At one time, Big Bear Valley was thriving 

gold country. The last remaining signs of 

this historic chapter in Big Bear history are 

featured in a driving tour through what is 

known as Holcomb Valley. Totaling 11.6 

miles over a dirt road, the tour offers stops 

at Two Gun Bill’s Saloon, Hangman’s 

Tree, Pigmy Cabin, Metzger Mine, and 

more. Free maps available at the Big Bear 

Discovery Center on the North Shore— 

call 866-3437. Allow three hours for the 

drive. 

Horseback Riding 

Baldwin Lake Stable is open year-round 

for horseback riding. Rates are by the hour, 

offering one, two, three and four-hour rides 

with longer rides heading along the famous 

Pacific Crest Trail plus sunset rides. A 

variety of spectacular mountain trails with 

horses for all riding abilities. For little 

buckeroos there’s hand-led pony rides and 

petting zoo. Reservations suggested for all 

rides. Big Bear Blvd. east to stop sign at 

Hwy. 38, go through intersection, veer left 

on Shay Rd. to 46475 Pioneertown Rd., 

Big Bear City. (909) 585-6482. 

Miniature Golf/Go Karts 

Putt ‘N Around, located at the Alpine Slide 

at Magic Mountain, features a landscaped 

18-hole miniature golf course complete 

with water hazards and breaking greens. 

Then there’s an oval-shaped go-kart track 

with high-banked turns, which nine Can 

Am racers—including four two-seaters— 

with Honda 5.5 horsepowers engines and 

an array of safety features zip around. 

Open till 9 p.m. daily. 866-4626. 

Snow Playing 

Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain, which 

has snowmaking to ensure snow, offers 

great inner tubing, and there’s a Magic 

Carpet to take riders to the top, too. $35 

buys an all-day (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) pass in the 

winter wonderland, which includes tube 

rental and Magic Carpet use. Night tubing 

(5-9 p.m.) each Friday and Saturday plus 

holiday. All sessions $35 which includes 

tube rental and lift. The area also has the 

Southland’s only Alpine Slide and a great 

outdoor deck, plus the Putt ‘N Around gokarts 

and miniature golf course. 1/4 mile 

west of the Village on Big Bear Blvd. 866- 

4626. 

Big Bear Snow Play has Southen 

California’s longest tubing runs. Two 

Magic Carpet lifts mean guests never have 

to walk back to the top and snowmaking 

lets the area build features to enhance the 

experience. Heated base lodge and paved 

parking. Next.to Motel 6 on the bouleard 1 

mile east of the supermarkets.Sessions daily 

10 a.m.-4 p.m. plus Glow Tubing sessions 

Fridays, Saturdays, holiday periods 5-9 

p.m. All sessions $35 includes tube rental. 

(909) 585-0075. 

Snowshoeing 

No lift lines—nor lift tickets to buy— 

makes snowshoeing one of the fastestgrowing 

winter sports. A great way to 

escape the crowds and enjoy the serenity of 

Big Bear’s endless hiking trails covered by 

winter’s snow. Get maps, directions etc. 

from the shop below or Discovery Center. 

Goldsmith’s Boardhouse has Atlas 

snowshoes for $15/day. 42071 Big Bear 

Blvd. 866-2728. 

Soaring Eagle 

Zip 500' downhill on the new Soaring 

Eagle attraction at Alpine Slide, only one 

of its kind in California. Reach speeds up to 

26 mph during the dramatic downhill 

NEW 

WEBSITE 

See the eggs hatch in April on the Big 

Bear bald eagle nest cam http:// 

www.iws.org/bigbear_youtube.htm 

descent—only after riding backwards to 

the top! Up to two can ride at one time. 

Open daily. On the boulevard 1/4 mile 

west of the Village. (909) 866-4626. 

Zoo 

Grizzly and black bears, bobcats, coyotes, 

mountain lions, deer, eagles, and other 

animals are at Big Bear Alpine Zoo, many 

of which are native to the San Bernardino 

Mtns. Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays, 10- 

5 Saturday and Sunday with daily animal 

presentations at noon and weekend 3 p.m. 

“feeding frenzy” tours. Moonridge Rd. to 

Clubview, veer right to Bear Mountain, 

and turn left to the zoo. $12 adults, $9 ages 

over 60 and children 3-10, under two free. 

(909) 584-1299. 


After Dark... 

Big Bear’s Nightlife & Entertainment Guide 

ALLEY OOPS SPORTS BAR—Family Karaoke each Saturday night at 8 p.m. Glow 

Bowling at 8:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 7 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. Sat. and Sun. 

Watch the big game on big screen TVs, open to all ages. Happy Hour Monday- 

Friday 5:30-7 p.m. with 50¢ off all bar drinks (except draft), $1 hot dogs. Bowl 

3 games for the price of 2 with coupon in this issue. Inside the Bowling Barn at 

40625 Big Bear Blvd. Call 878-BOWL. 

AV NIGHTCLUB—DJ every night at 9 p.m. Happy hour daily till 6 p.m. with $1 

beers. 664 Pine Knot. (909) 866-7377. 

BARNSTORM RESTAURANT—Live music Saturdays during dinner with Duke 

Michaels and Peggy Baldwin April 6, 13 and 20, Art Harriman April 27. 501 W. 

Valley Blvd. at the airport. (909) 585-9339. 

BIG BEAR MOUNTAIN BREWERY— Craft microbrew beers, food in a cozy 

atmosphere. Wear your gear, 75¢ off your beer. 40260 Big Bear Blvd. 866-BEER. 

NOTTINGHAMS TAVERN— 40797 Big Bear Blvd. near Bartlett. 866-4644. 

THE CAVE BIG BEAR—Your favorite artists up close and personal! See national 

performers, top tribute bands and more in Big Bear’s hot new intimate concert 

venue. Good food and full cocktail service including craft beers from Big Bear Lake 

Brewing Co. (909) 878-0204. 

THELODGE AT BIG BEAR LAKE—Fridays and Saturdays see singer Nikki Sparks 

in Stillwells lounge 5-8 p.m. followed by Johnny Jukebox 8-10. 30650 Village Dr. 

(909) 866-3121. 

THE PINES LAKEFRONT—Pianist Mike Cross and Bass Mark Cade live Thursdays 

5:30-8:30 p.m., Sundays 4-7 p.m. 350 Alden Rd. (909) 866--5400. 

WYATT’S CAFE & SALOON—Open 4 p.m. Wednesdays for country dancing with 

DJ, Fridays and Saturdays with live bands. March 29-30: Street Music Band, Born 

Country. April 5-6: Southern Spirit, Terry McRaven. April 12-13: Solo Flight West, 

Tessie and the Calico Cats. Great grub and drinks, family-friendly. Convention 

Center, Big Bear Blvd. at Division. (909) 585-3000. 

Live weather! 


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THE BACK PAGE 

7 zoo species added to Photo Ark 

Like Noah, Joel Sartore is building an 

ark, and for both the mission is the 

same: to save species from extinction. 

The National Geographic photographer 

is building his ark out of photos instead 

of gopher wood, documenting as 

many of the world’s animal species with 

his camera as possible. The opportunity to 

tick an elusive species from his list brought 

Sartore to Big Bear Alpine Zoo in late February, 

where he planned on adding the rare 

Humboldt flying squirrel to his groundbreaking 

Photo Ark. 

Actually it’s been known locally as the 

San Bernardino flying squirrel. “It’s no 

considered a subspecies but a species, 

which peaked (Sartore’s) interest,” said 

BBAZ curator Bob Cisneros. “When I first 

came here I started trying to get him to 

come up to photograph flying squirrels.” 

Sartore began the Photo Ark in 2005 

when his wife had cancer and he had time 

to reflect during a break from National 

Geographic to care for her and raise the 

kids. How to get people to care that many 

species around the globe face extinction? 

So he set out to create a photographic 

record of every species in captivity, 12,000 

in all, and he’s 75% there with 9,000 images 

in his Ark and counting. 

Turned out, coming to Big Bear Alpine 

Zoo was a bonanza for Sartore. He 

photographed seven species instead of just 

the one, including the San Joaquin Kit Fox. 

He also added bush rabbit, Steller’s jay, 

acorn woodpecker, American crow and the 

raven to his collection, which continues to 

grow. View it at JoelSartore.com but be 

prepared to spend a lot of time to see the 

entire Photo Ark! 

Big Bear Alpine Zoo has been an ark 

in its own right since its creation in 1959, 

rescuing and rehabilitating animals. Those 

that can be returned to the wild are release, 

while those which can’t get homes for life. 

Like two red foxes that arrived at the 

facility from gold country near Sutter 

Creek. The orphans were less than a year 

old when they arrived, very skinny. 

“Red foxes are an invasive species in 

California, and according to state law we 

can’t rehabilitate and release an invasive 

species,” Cisneros said. “So we can’t release 

them but we can keep them on as 

ambassadors. Now they’ve fluffed out. We 

had to amputate the male’s tail. It was broken 

out in the wild and was creating a hardship 

so we had to remove it.” 

The zoo also has three new fallow 

deer, in small, medium and large sizes. 

“You can’t tell them apart other than their 

size difference,” Cisneros said. “They’re 

about 20 pounds apart from the biggest to 

the smallest. We’ve tagged one and will 

tag the others so we can tell them apart.” 

Mountain yellow-legged frogs have 

also been part of the zoo’s focus. Endemic 

to California but now endangered, the frogs 

Two of 7 species added to 

the Photo Ark at Big Bear 

Alpine Zoo: red fox and 

Humboldt flying squirrel 

were found locally until fires, trout predation 

and other factors thinned their numbers 

to zero. The zoo will be a pre-release 

facility for the frogs in reintroduction efforts 

and will have them on display. 

All of which is keeping Big Bear Alpine 

Zoo busy as it awaits its new location 

just down Clubview Dr. Already the facility 

is tantalizingly close to being complete, 

but some enclosures have to be finished 

and landscaping is a ways off yet, given 

all the rain and snow of the winter. 

“We’re looking at moving in late summer, 

hopefully by Labor Day,” Cisneros 

said. “The visual milestone will be when 

you see cage work and netting. It doesn’t 

mean the zoo will open the next week, but 

it will be close then.” 

In the meantime Big Bear Alpine Zoo 

remains a terrific family outing with 150- 


plus animals on display, including wolves, 

black and grizzly bears, snow leopards and 

more. The zoo is open daily from 10 a.m.- 

4 p.m. Admission is $12, $6 ages 3-10/60 

and over, under three free. 

BBAZ is at 43285 Goldmine Dr. across 

from Bear Mountain. Call (909) 584-1299. 

FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • 

• 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! 

Snow Play Area! 

Covered Magic Carpet Uphill Lift 

Your Alpine Slide experience begins with a scenic chairlift ride above beautiful 

Big Bear Lake. You control the speed as your toboggan plummets back down 

the mountain creating a thrill you’ll want to relive again and again! 

• Go-Karts & Miniature Golf 

• Video Games & Snack Bar 

Soaring Eagle Attraction 

NEW!! 

www.AlpineSlideBigBear.com 

FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 

FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! •

Big Bear Today April 2019

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